We did stay at the Hotel Sonya and found it to be delightful. Staff is very helpful and gives you maps and books to help you get around. The continental breakfast was more than substantial for us. Yes,we found Rome to be very,very expensive compared to Spain. Taxis as we found out are very inexpensive.. do not try the buses..somehow or other tourists get pick pocketed at an alarming rate.. We did find taxis to be very affordable.. One thing, if you have never ben to Rome...spend the extra $$ and hire a guide, you can see so much more. Last trip.. and sadly it was our last trip.. We went to the Spanish Stairs, Plaza Navarone (not to be missed), Trevi Fountain and several other places. Previously on other trips we had gone to the Coluseum and the secret little spot where you are in a square and are in Malta