Hotel Sant'Angelo

Located across the Tiber River, west of much of Rome, the Vatican and Prati are unquestionably majestic. St. Peter's Basilica is the focal point of the Vatican. It took 150 years to complete and is Europe's largest (and, arguably, most important) church. The Vatican is the world's only neighborhood that's also a nation. Set apart from the Rome of ancient ruins and trendy stores, the Vatican and Prati area is pleasant but not exactly what we'd call exciting. Tree-lined streets, wide boulevards, and newer buildings with ornate, manicured courtyards are the rule.

In addition to St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza Risorgimento and Piazza Cavour are top attractions. The area is two stops on the subway from Piazza di Spagna and within a five-minute bus ride of Trastevere, a picturesque hip neighborhood to the south. This is a great area to stay. Hotel rates are often lower, hotel rooms bigger, and nights quieter than in other central Rome neighborhoods.