Renting apartments for your visit to Rome is an excellent alternative to hotel stays. You might find choosing one of these great units a little difficult, however.

Not sure where you want to rent and which apartment you want? Here's a little bit of information to help you learn about your options and make a good choice.

Spanish Steps This elegant neighborhood features many high class restaurants, great clubs and bars, and fantastic shopping opportunities. That doesn't mean it's just a tourist trap, though - there are many upscale Roman households in this neighborhood.

Piazza Navona While this area can be very touristy by day, it quiets down a little at night. There are still some great restaurants and bars available, and the streets in this neighborhood offer a number of unique boutiques.

Campo de Fiori Known for its fantastic outdoor market, this area is a wonderful people-watching spot. In the summer, you'll find the piazza has a party-like atmosphere, and is filled to the brim with people enjoying the great weather.

Trastavere This neighborhood is known for the quality of its restaurants and bars, but is relatively quiet during the day. It offers great scenery and cobbled streets, and is a wonderful place for a stroll during the day.

Colosseum One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, the Monti residential neighborhood near the Colosseum offers a comforting atmosphere that reminds you of home. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets, walk to the forum, or visit the old trattorias.

Vatican Busy during the daytime, but very peaceful at night, the middle class neighborhoods around the Vatican are inexpensive and a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to see the Vatican.

Via Veneto Opened toward the end of the 1880s, this read features shops, great accommodations and elegant cafes. It's one of the classiest areas in Rome, is close to the major sites and attractions, and makes a great choice if you're looking for luxury apartments.

Aventino A peaceful suburb lined with trees, Aventino offers many older buildings and beautiful villas. It's inexpensive, near Trastavere and Testaccio, and makes a great spot if you want a peaceful stay.

Borghese Gardens This is an inexpensive area for apartment rental, but you shouldn't be worried about the location or quality. Use the area's close connections to public transport to reach all the important sights.

Termini An exciting area that offers many newly renovated structures (including elevators, which are rare in Rome), Termini gives you plenty to see and do. It's also close to public transport.

Of course, these aren't the only areas where you'll be able to find great apartments for your trip to Rome, but they're some of the best choices. It doesn't matter what you prefer - a popular area with lots of attractions and a wonderful night life or a quieter area that offers beauty and peaceful surroundings - you'll find what you're after.