Hotel Kristi

In its defense, the area north of Stazione Centrale Termini is both convenient and affordable. On the convenience front, trains heading to Fumincino airport and across Italy depart from this massive structure. The front of Termini is a tangle of bus stops, and Rome's two metro lines, as well as markets and shops.

That said, the area north of Termini is not the most picturesque area in central Rome by a long shot. The semi-circle of streets north of the station is bordered by the Piazza della Republica to the west and the Villa Borghese parkland to the north. In between are hundreds of hotels and very few tourist attractions. Although always crowded and sometimes a little seedy, there is an upside to this neighborhood. Lots of competition in every hotel budget category can make for good rates.