Going to Rome for 1 week
May 29th, 2009, 08:52 AM
#1
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Going to Rome for 1 week
I am taking my husband to Rome for his 50th (ahh!) birthday. We are staying a week because he wants to take his time and not feel rushed. He wants to do all the typical "touristy" stuff and is especially interested in the Vatican. We have never been to Italy nor do we speak the language.
Can anyone give us some tips on transfers from the airport? ( We are staying at the Marriot Rome Central Park Hotel.) Also, any tips on bypassing the long lines at the attractions and purchasing tickets in advance. Great restaurants are always helpful and any other pertinent information you think could be useful.
We are also considering a day trip to Florence and any advice there would be greatly appreciated.
We are going September 7-14, 2009.
Take care to all.
Can anyone give us some tips on transfers from the airport? ( We are staying at the Marriot Rome Central Park Hotel.) Also, any tips on bypassing the long lines at the attractions and purchasing tickets in advance. Great restaurants are always helpful and any other pertinent information you think could be useful.
We are also considering a day trip to Florence and any advice there would be greatly appreciated.
We are going September 7-14, 2009.
Take care to all.
May 29th, 2009, 09:05 AM
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Get the Roma Pass. You will get in many of the museums thru a separate door, much, much quicker. Also, it includes a three-day unlimited Metro and bus use. First two museums are free; use the Pass for the Colosseum and Borghese, the most expensive and longest lines on the list of museums covered by the Pass. At the Vatican get a guided visit; same thing, separate entrance to the right of the main entrance and skip the long (long!) lines. After the two hours tours you are already in, so continue on exploring. Try to setup the Vatican visit for AM; you need all the stamina you can to take in the Vatican Museums! I loved the audio guide that came with the guided visit. No matter how far ahead or behind the Guide was, I was always able to listen to her explanations. Brilliant addition to guided visits in the Vatican Museums!
The Roma Pass can be purchased on some train stations; best bet is the Tourism Info Office at Termini Station(upper level, look for Platform 25-29 and the "i" icon). Well worth it.
The Roma Pass can be purchased on some train stations; best bet is the Tourism Info Office at Termini Station(upper level, look for Platform 25-29 and the "i" icon). Well worth it.
May 29th, 2009, 09:11 AM
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Florence: Definitely. Overnight even better. Recommend Hotel Universo, facing gorgeous, magnificent Santa Maria della Novella Church. Added bonus that is two blocks away from SMN Train station.... At night, head out to Ponte Vecchio, just amazing! I just came back and am sobbing right now thinking about this trip 
Have a fabulous time! My hubby is also turning 50 this year and it looks like Egypt it is!!
BTW. Marriott should have airport transfers; take them in on it; otherwise about $50-60 one way taxi ride.
Have a fabulous time! My hubby is also turning 50 this year and it looks like Egypt it is!! BTW. Marriott should have airport transfers; take them in on it; otherwise about $50-60 one way taxi ride.
May 29th, 2009, 09:18 AM
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Hi there! I'm sure you'll find lots of great advice here on booking advance tickets for important sites, and great restaurants.
But I think perhaps the most important thing you could is to change hotels. I'm sorry for sounding negative, but the rather remote location of your hotel is really going to detract from your enjoyment of Rome.
From your post, I get the sense that you and your husband want to take it slow and easy, sink into the beautiful sights and tastes of Rome. But to do so, I would argue that you're much better off staying in Rome's historic centre. Perhaps around the Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Campo dei' Fiori. These are popular, tourist areas -- and there's a reason for that! This is where the vast majority of important sites are.
You'll make your stay so much more pleasant if you are in a location where you can stroll around the historic sites (including the Vatican), walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner in the evening, stroll around with a gelato after dinner. If one of you gets tired mid-afternoon and wants to pop back to your room for a nap, a change of shoes, to drop off some shopping bags, it's possible when you stay in the centre. But not where you're now booked.
If you stay as far out as this particular Marriott, I believe you'll spend more time looking for transportation options. You may try to pack too much into the day because once you go back to your hotel, you're stuck out there. You may cut your days short because you won't want to chance public transport after dark. Even with shuttle buses, you'll be a slave to their schedule.
I'm sorry again if I sound negative, but on my first trip to Rome I made the mistake of staying on the fringes of the centre -- not nearly as far out as your hotel -- and the location really limited my enjoyment of the city.
Check out Trip Advisor reviews of this hotel. In fairness, the reviews of the hotel itself are quite good, but several people remark on its remote location.
Best of luck planning your trip.
But I think perhaps the most important thing you could is to change hotels. I'm sorry for sounding negative, but the rather remote location of your hotel is really going to detract from your enjoyment of Rome.
From your post, I get the sense that you and your husband want to take it slow and easy, sink into the beautiful sights and tastes of Rome. But to do so, I would argue that you're much better off staying in Rome's historic centre. Perhaps around the Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Campo dei' Fiori. These are popular, tourist areas -- and there's a reason for that! This is where the vast majority of important sites are.
You'll make your stay so much more pleasant if you are in a location where you can stroll around the historic sites (including the Vatican), walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner in the evening, stroll around with a gelato after dinner. If one of you gets tired mid-afternoon and wants to pop back to your room for a nap, a change of shoes, to drop off some shopping bags, it's possible when you stay in the centre. But not where you're now booked.
If you stay as far out as this particular Marriott, I believe you'll spend more time looking for transportation options. You may try to pack too much into the day because once you go back to your hotel, you're stuck out there. You may cut your days short because you won't want to chance public transport after dark. Even with shuttle buses, you'll be a slave to their schedule.
I'm sorry again if I sound negative, but on my first trip to Rome I made the mistake of staying on the fringes of the centre -- not nearly as far out as your hotel -- and the location really limited my enjoyment of the city.
Check out Trip Advisor reviews of this hotel. In fairness, the reviews of the hotel itself are quite good, but several people remark on its remote location.
Best of luck planning your trip.
May 29th, 2009, 09:26 AM
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Here's a Google map from your hotel to Vatican City. It's 4 miles, or a full 15 minutes by car -- over an hour to walk. Probably twice that far again to reach sites like the Coliseum.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
As Zerlina says, this hotel is not near the Vatican.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
As Zerlina says, this hotel is not near the Vatican.
May 30th, 2009, 03:49 AM
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Florence is definitely possible as a day trip from Rome. you have to resign yourself to the fact that you will only be able to see a limited amount in such a short time. Here is a thread with people's "top 10" list for the city that may be useful
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm
I agree with other posters that a more central location in Rome would be preferable to staying so far out. It really is a wonderful city for walking/wandering and it is nice to be able to do this easily from your hotel. If you would consider an apartment rental, those tend to be better value for the money than hotels.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm
I agree with other posters that a more central location in Rome would be preferable to staying so far out. It really is a wonderful city for walking/wandering and it is nice to be able to do this easily from your hotel. If you would consider an apartment rental, those tend to be better value for the money than hotels.
May 30th, 2009, 08:20 AM
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My husband and I are so grateful for the hotel advice! We are definately changing hotels! You are all so right...the hotel is not nearly as close as it appears.
Since we have not booked our NEW hotel yet, maybe we'll consider and overnight stay in Florence, (Viajera2). Thanks for the info there.
Anymore advice on tickets or their favorite restaurants? Viajera2, we'll definately take your advice on the Pass the the Vatican tour. Any particular tour we should take?
Thanks again...everyone has been so helpful and we truly appreciate all of the advice so far.
Since we have not booked our NEW hotel yet, maybe we'll consider and overnight stay in Florence, (Viajera2). Thanks for the info there.
Anymore advice on tickets or their favorite restaurants? Viajera2, we'll definately take your advice on the Pass the the Vatican tour. Any particular tour we should take?
Thanks again...everyone has been so helpful and we truly appreciate all of the advice so far.
May 30th, 2009, 08:28 AM
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My husband and I stayd at Hotel Fontanella Borghese,not far from the Spanish Steps, and loved the location.
We used RomeShuttle Limousine for our transfer from the airport to the hotel and back. They were great.
A day trip to Florence is definitely doable. We did that a couple of years ago, didn't want the hassle of packing up and staying overnight.
We only planned one or two major touristy things and took our time, walking around, taking in the sights.
You'll love Rome!
We used RomeShuttle Limousine for our transfer from the airport to the hotel and back. They were great.
A day trip to Florence is definitely doable. We did that a couple of years ago, didn't want the hassle of packing up and staying overnight.
We only planned one or two major touristy things and took our time, walking around, taking in the sights.
You'll love Rome!
May 30th, 2009, 09:02 AM
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witman2020,
Do spend some concentrated time reading trip reports and other threads here by searching "Rome". There is SO much info that will help you and give you lots of ideas, tips, etc.
Then come back with any specific questions you might have.
Getting the hotel location corrected is a very important start.
You'll love Roma! Buon viaggio
Do spend some concentrated time reading trip reports and other threads here by searching "Rome". There is SO much info that will help you and give you lots of ideas, tips, etc.
Then come back with any specific questions you might have.
Getting the hotel location corrected is a very important start.
You'll love Roma! Buon viaggio
May 30th, 2009, 09:36 AM
#12
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Bettina222...I have tried to find info on booking Hotel Fontanella Borghese but am not having any luck. Any help? I have read great reviews of that hotel and I think my husband and I will be interested. Thank you.
May 30th, 2009, 10:16 AM
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My son and I are traveling to Rome at the same time. This is our second time there. I agree with everyone about your hotel choice. Too far out and glad you are changing. I love the area around Piazza Navona and Campo di Fiori. We have actually rented an apartment in Rome this time. Staying right in the center gives you so many more options. See the Trevi Fountain at night, see Piazza Navona at night, sit in a cafe in the early morning, visit the markets (esp at Campo) early in the morning, and eat gelato on the Spanish Steps. So much fun to be had!!!
Tickets - Search the internet for advance tickets to the sites. First though you have to figure out what to see and put together an itinerary. Do you want to be at the Vatican on Wednesday for the Pope's public address? Starting at 60 days from the date you would like to go to the Vatican, you can get reservations online at the website.
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/...?weblang=en&do
We also got tickets using a site called Selectitaly.com for tickets to the Colosseum. If you are choosing this, do so early. It can get quite hot.
Here is another site that looks pretty extensive. http://www.tickitaly.com/tickets/rom...et-booking.php
I do recommend getting tickets in advance, even if you pay more. Your time is more valuable than the amount you will spend. The line for the Vatican was more than 4 hours when we were there on a Monday in September 2007. The Collosseum line was more than an hour. So, plan ahead.
Restaurants. There are great one's everywhere. I use TripAdisor and Fodors to find great places. There is one place we went to in Rome that was wonderful. It was the Hostaria Costanza. http://www.hostariacostanza.com/ingl..._costanza.html
We loved this place.
For pizza, you have to try to get into Pizzeria da Baffeto. Everyone has this place on the top of the list.
I have no doubt that you will manage to find your way when it comes to finding someplace wonderful to eat.
Have fun and eat all the gelato you can stand!
Tickets - Search the internet for advance tickets to the sites. First though you have to figure out what to see and put together an itinerary. Do you want to be at the Vatican on Wednesday for the Pope's public address? Starting at 60 days from the date you would like to go to the Vatican, you can get reservations online at the website.
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/...?weblang=en&do
We also got tickets using a site called Selectitaly.com for tickets to the Colosseum. If you are choosing this, do so early. It can get quite hot.
Here is another site that looks pretty extensive. http://www.tickitaly.com/tickets/rom...et-booking.php
I do recommend getting tickets in advance, even if you pay more. Your time is more valuable than the amount you will spend. The line for the Vatican was more than 4 hours when we were there on a Monday in September 2007. The Collosseum line was more than an hour. So, plan ahead.
Restaurants. There are great one's everywhere. I use TripAdisor and Fodors to find great places. There is one place we went to in Rome that was wonderful. It was the Hostaria Costanza. http://www.hostariacostanza.com/ingl..._costanza.html
We loved this place.
For pizza, you have to try to get into Pizzeria da Baffeto. Everyone has this place on the top of the list.
I have no doubt that you will manage to find your way when it comes to finding someplace wonderful to eat.
Have fun and eat all the gelato you can stand!
May 30th, 2009, 02:15 PM
#15
You can book directly/online with the Fontanella Borghese. I can second Bettina222's recommendation.
http://www.fontanellaborghese.com/home_ing.html
http://www.fontanellaborghese.com/home_ing.html
May 30th, 2009, 02:57 PM
#16
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I found a couple of apartments on sleepinitaly.com. One is on Via Giula in the northern part of Campo dei Fiori and the other is on Via del Pellegrino in Campo dei Fiori. The prices are 130 euro per night which seems pretty good to me. I would like to stay around 150 euro per night if possible. Anyone with experience with this web site? How is security with the apartments? I can't seem to find reviews from people who have actually stayed in the apartments.
Again, thanks to all who told us to change our accomodations!
We will be forever grateful.
Again, thanks to all who told us to change our accomodations!
We will be forever grateful.
May 30th, 2009, 03:10 PM
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You may find reviews of the apartments at www.slowtrav.com.
May 30th, 2009, 03:55 PM
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A good rental agency with options in your price range is realrome.com. The owner, Tim Pearson, is very easy and pleasant to deal with.
130 euros/night for the sleepinitaly apartments sounds reasonable. As I said in my earlier post, apartments are much better value than hotels IMO
130 euros/night for the sleepinitaly apartments sounds reasonable. As I said in my earlier post, apartments are much better value than hotels IMO
May 30th, 2009, 05:21 PM
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I have used RoMEshuttle and found them the least expensive and reliable. My daughter and I took a train to Florence for the day. Left from Termini on the 9:00 high speed train and arrived at 10:40. Icosts about 40-56Euros each way .You can buy your ticket on line before you go directly from http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/homepage_en.html. We just went to station and bought ticket day before.Return trips are from 7PM-9:30PM every 1/2 hour. You can book through www.context.com but it will cost more.
