Does anyone know the B&B Maryelen in Rome? It's located midway between the Central Railway Station and Santa Maria Maggiore, an easy walk from the Colosseum. How's that area as a place to stay for a week (we're a family traveling with kids, ages 8 and 11)?

Thanks,
Michele

Hi Michele:

Do you have a link to the website for this B&B? That would help us to locate it on a map, and give you decent advice.

Thanks, Marian. Here's the website:
http://www.maryelen.com/

I found the location on a map--it's literally two blocks from the train station heading towards the Coliseum, supposedly on a quiet side street. It seems like a fairly easy walk to many of the key sights (and easy access to buses for those that are further afield), but is it an area where we will feel comfortable walking around and will there be any sense of "neighborhood"?

The reviews I've seen of the B&B sound very good, it's well-priced, and the hostess sounds terrific. So if the location works, I think we're set!

It's not an area that I would choose. As with most train stations, there are a fair number of "undesirables" in that neighborhood, especially as you get closer to Termini. It's probably not really unsafe, but it's also not especially pleasant or interesting as a neighborhood. I also can't think of many decent restaurants in the area.

It is convenient for buses at Termini and on Via Cavour, but it's a longer walk than it seems to most of the sights.

Bill

Gazetteer of Rome

Last week we (two adults, one child) stayed in a B&B on Via Bixio which is only one or two blocks from Via Principe Amadeo. The area is seedy and I wouldn't want to walk there alone at night, but in the daytime it was perfectly safe. I actually really liked the area around S. Maria Maggiore, and I found it to be convenient to be close to the train station. We walked from there to many of the sights with our 6 years old son, and had no problems at all.

Hi Michele,

When I go to Italy I usually stay in that area. It is within walking distance to a lot of attractions. In fact I am going back in November and my hotel is right near there.
When you go out the main entrance of the train station Via Gioletti, take a right and it is almost to the corner of Via Cavour. Good luck and have a great time.

I didn't think that area was all that bad. I have not been on that exact street, but I have been at Cavour and Gioletti. I have only been there in the off season (Dec-April) and I have wondered if the gypsies move on during the Italian winter when I am there? based on other people's comments.
In Feb I stayed at a Hotel on Viminale about 2 blocks from Gioletti. I did walk back alone from S Maria Maggiore and S Prassede after the sun went down. My daughter and I walked to S Prassede after dark also. There were some street people, but Rome is a big city and most big cities have street people.
My favorite is north of the Colosseum, La Piazzetta. Further into this post is a URL showing the antipasto bar.
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/862600685/m/2521025462

Thank you, everybody, for all your helpful information and thoughts. You are all such tremendous resources! Obviously, there's some mixed feelings about this area, but I think we are going to take a chance and go for it. The reviews of this B&B were great and the price is right. I'll let you know how it goes!