If you're staying near Termini, it's best to avoid the area south of the station. I've usually wanted to stay near a station before my return flight, and I've preferred staying near stations other than Termini, served by the FR1 line from the airport (which doesn't go to Termini). In the past I've stayed near Ostiense station; for my next trip, my plan, upon my flight arrival, is to take the train to Trastevere station and connect to tram number 8 to Largo di Torre Argentina, near the Navona-Pantheon area, a more appealing area to stay. I'm booked to stay at a convent in that area. http://www.Venere.com shows hotels on a map and user reviews. If you're interested in staying near the airport for your return flight, on their Rome map you can select Dintorni, then the towns of Fiumicino and Lido di Ostia.

Andrew Missouri