Indecisive on Where to Stay in Rome - Need Assistance?

bouradly...

I stayed at the Hosianum for two nights in early May and LOVED it!

I was in a single room on the 4th floor. The room and bathroom were spotless. I felt for a single room it was more then comfortable based on previous hotel stays in other European hotel rooms, which is to say it was not too small as some single rooms can be.

The front desk staff was pleasant and very efficient. I didn't have any special requests of them, but they always greeted me upon entering the lobby.

The lobby is not fancy or plush, but again very clean. The breakfast was more then adequate. When I was there it was too early in the season for breakfast to be served in the roof top area, so it was in a fairly large breakfast room in the basement (actually 2 rooms). If you like breakfast, they had a very nice selection of all kinds of pastries, breads, fruit, yogurt and also hot items such as scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. I was also able to request cappucinno and that was brought to my table by a quiet but pleasant attandant. I even had 2 cups!

They also serve cocktails in the evening on the rooftop area or in a lounge just off the lobby...nice touch, although I did not partake.

The location (for me was perfect). It was just a couple blocks away from Largo Argentina...with it's very good public transportation options, but also within walking distcance of just about anything in the Centro Storico. Piazza Venezia is also just a couple blocks away. The hotel is on a small side street just a few steps off a larger street. I never felt unsafe coming or going from the hotel as a single female traveler.

LowCountryRider,

Thanks for your response! A clean place with friendly staff is a must for me. Room size isn't a huge issue (since I am aware I am paying on the lower end of the scale). I was very intrigued by the location from the maps. I just haven't found anything about this area being mentioned on this forum and wasn't quite sure.

I still really like the idea of the apartment in Trastevere, especially since it will save me some money, but I don't know anything about this apartment, I'll be by myself, I don't speak Italian, I know I'll stick out like a sore thumb, and I won't have assistance from anyone. I suppose if I make it back to Rome, then I can try out that route.

bouradly,
an apartment is a fine idea IMHO. You're going to stick out no matter where you stay so forget that notion. A few words of Italian will take you far. Learn to say good morning, thank you, please...you know, the nice-ities. Many Romans speak great to some English so don't be afraid of a language barrier either. Trastevere is very safe as is all of the historical center. With those issues out of the way you're only left with no one to help you out. And I would agree with that. You are are on your own when renting an apartment. But you can get acquainted with the local grocer or barista and then that person will be available to ask questions of. Especially if you're young and cute! The only negative to the apartment that I can see is less opportunity to meet other people. No lounge, reception area, breakfast room etc. It may leave you feeling a bit isolated. Have you considered staying at a more affordable place? The Beehive has a wonderful reputation, run by American ex-pats. Or a hotel near Termini may fit into your budget better.

that all said, I took my daughter to Italy twice and while she was an adult I may have well been alone. She read not one guide book nor studied one word of Italian or even looked at a map to learn the lay of the city. We rented apartments both times and it was a blast. I never felt frightened and I didn't experience any language barriers that made a difference in my experience. I did feel a little alone though at times. So if you are really leaning toward the apartment, I say go for it.

One thing about the apartment....does it sit near to the Tiber? I'm just thinking about you trekking back after a long day of sight seeing. You might want to measure the distance from your apartment to the historical center only so you can make an informed decision. Yes, there are buses but a what a hassle IMHO. Rome is meant to be walked.

Hi Becca (I should be working, but I'm too excited on planning my trip lol)

The apartment's location is in the northern section of Trastevere...right in the section of where Isola Tiburia is located. Maybe only a couple streets away.

Yeah, I already know I stick out. Only vacation place I've been to where the residents think I am also a resident is in Hawaii. I love strolling through areas where there are possibly more locals than tourists, but it can be a little intimidating for me, especially my first time there. But if I return, I think I'll definitely look into the apartment option. I don't feel it's right for me at this time. I don't mind spending a little more for something more in the center, includes a meal, and has someone at the front desk (I can be extremely shy with strangers on the street and I rarely approach them for assistance).

I did look at the Termini area for a hotel. While some of them look nice, I don't really want to stay in that area.

I'm going to disagree with the idea of an apartment for someone's first trip to a foreign country. If you're shy about asking for help, you need hotel staff whose job is to make your visit enjoyable.

It sounds like you're travelling alone. When I'm on my own, I don't like to stay in an apartment because it feels isolated. I like to chat with fellow tourists at breakfast or in the lobby, and I've met some great people this way.

I haven't stayed at the Due Torri, but I have stayed at its sister hotel (Hotel Fontanella Borghese) a few times. Yes, rooms are on the small side, but that is very typical in centuries-old buildings. Locations of both hotels are very good and safe. The staff at the FB were very helpful with museum reservations, restaurant suggestions, sightseeing tips, etc. The owner of both hotels is at one property or the other almost every day, so I think there is good attention to detail at these hotels.

I'm agreeing with Jean. Part of the experience of travel is meeting people, and you run the risk of being isolated in an apartment. That, with the added potential shyness, might mean the experience you come away with may not be as rich as it could be.

We stayed at the Hosianum Palace in May and found it to be a great location and we were very pleased with the hotel. One reason we stayed there was because of the roof garden. Each evening we went up and had a quiet drink before going off for dinner. The roof garden would be a delightful place to read a book when you need some down time.

The Hosianum looks very nice (especially that rooftop garden), and their website mentions big discounts for summer bookings. It might be hard to beat their rate.

Don't you want to stay near the Via Condotti so you can shop and Gucci and Prada?

Thin

I have absolutely no idea where Via Condotti is! But also, I'm not really big into fashion (but I admit my sunglasses are Gucci). I prefer buying things from the little one of a kind shops.

One thing I'm excited about is checking out a paper shop in Florence. I have a Murano glass dipping pen and still handwrite letters. Use wax seals on them too! So I love nice paper.

Jean,

I found that there were some good deals on a lot of places. I was surprised when I sent email inquiries regarding rates and availability and the quote I received was less than what their website stated for high season (I am going in September). In case any solo travelers are going in Sept:

Hosianum - 112 Euro
Due Torri - 110 Euro
Teatropace - 120 Euro
Maison Giulia - 110 Euro

This Trip Advisor link from a recent post by Aussiegirl68 -

http://tinyurl.com/l8uxxj

Her preferred accommodation Baldassini B&B very highly rated on TA's traveler reviews.

What paper shop in Florence--Pineider???

I prefer Mrs. John L Strong.

Thin

bouradly, I highly recommend you download or purchase a street map of Rome. Location should be one of the factors you consider when choosing your hotel. You need to know where it is relative to the things you want to see.

The Fontanella Borghese is less than a block from the beginning of via Condotti. It's also fairly close to the Spagna metro stop if you think you'll use the subway. The Due Torri is a little bit farther from via Condotti and about halfway between the FB and Piazza Navona.

Hi Jean,

I do have a map of Rome used it a lot when I was looking for a place to stay, but when I wrote the above earlier, I was at work and didn't have access to it.

I probably won't be using the subway much in Rome. It doesn't seem as useful as the Paris Metro or the London Underground. Maybe to a few places, but I'm guessing walking/buses will be the main way to go.

Thin,

There are a couple paper shops the Fodor's book lists. I'll go into any paper shop if I happen to come across it!

I used to live in Via dei polacchi, where the Hosianum Hotel is located. The hotel wasn't there at that time, but it's a great location, within walking distance of many of the sites you'll want to see, including Piazza Venezia, where you can get buses or taxis to everything else. I would also feel perfectly safe walking there at night alone.

IF you are interested in an apartment in Trastevere but with a bit more help, consider WRH Trastevere guest house. About 150 eu a night (on weekends, anyway) which is maybe more than you want to spend. http://www.wrh-trastevere.com/ or check venere.com or tripadvisor.

The office is staffed office hours only (9-5-ish weekdays, less on weekends) though the staff is extremely helpful, recommends restaurants, ordered a car for my trip the airport, etc. They have snacks, kitchenette, coffee machine for cappuccinos, etc. 24/7. It's a lovely mod updated place (5 rooms) with in room laptops and the like. I just reviewed it on Venere.com.

However, I agree with the poster who suggests as a first time visitor getting a hotel or B&B instead so you have the support and infrastructure you need. I enjoyed my stay at this place but I've been to Rome 3 times previously.

ps the managers I dealt with speak excellent English.

You didn't mention this hotel as an option, but I'm throwing in my opinion anyway.

I went to Rome alone and stayed at Hotel Teatropace 33 and loved it. www.hotelteatropace.com

My single room was tiny but nicely decorated, very clean and quiet. Breakfast is served to your room (they don't have a breakfast room) and the staff was friendly and helpful. It is located on a small street right next to Piazza Navona.

I also considered renting an apartment (which I did during my first visit to Rome and thoroughly enjoyed) but in the end, having someone bring me coffee and cornetto to my room was an experience I couldn't pass up.

Enjoy your trip. Rome is my favorite city....

~Myra

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and advice. This forum has helped me out a great deal, not just with my own posts but from searching previous ones as well!

Actually Mebe, I originally did book a room at Hotel Teatropace and it looks like a nice place and in a great location. For some reason though, my heart wasn't quite set on it and I don't know why.

Thanks again, everyone! I'll share my rough itinerary with this board once I've finished it.

Hi bouradly,

As mentioned a few posts back the Baldassini B&B is excellent accommodation, fantastic prices and located right near the Pantheon.

As farremog suggested read the link I posted on TA. You can also use my past guest discount code (BBB777)to get as discount on your accommodation. Also, the owner will give you your own discount code for a further discount.

It is a great place to stay with truly wonderful hosts, Francesco and Isabella.

I am returning to stay in March.

Have a great holiday,
Melissa

Sorry bouradly,

I meant to include this link which shows all the fantastic reviews this B&B gets:

http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d646309-Reviews-Baldassini_B_B-Rome_Lazio.html

Having travelled extensively as a Qantas Flight Attendant I find the B&B's have a much more personal touch and represent excellent value for money.

Good Luck,
Melissa

bouradly: I think you are right to take the Teatropace off your list. There are NO public areas, and staff isn't on duty all the time. You won't meet or see anyone and it can be hard to get a little help. We did have a nice big room, very clean, and a great location, but on my own, I wouldn't want to stay there.

The Due Torri staff are great. I don't know their single rooms, but are room there had a little balcony, which we loved for having a snack or drink. But the staff is really top notch and very friendly.

So now you can be down to three choices, and you have good feedback on the DT and HP. Good luck and keep us in the loop.

Hi AussieGirl, I actually did read one of your posts about Baldassini awhile ago when I was searching the forums, but unfortunately, they are pretty much booked during the time I'll be in Rome. I definitely have them on my list if I return to Rome one day. They seem to have received a lot of excellent reviews.

Tuscanlifeedit, When I sent an email to Due Torri, they seem pretty nice and they were upfront about the single rooms being small (it isn't an issue for me). Good service and a friendly staff always rank high on my list.

In the end, I decided to go with the Hosianum Palace. I like the location from what I can tell on the maps and after I made the reservation, they sent a more personalized email telling me they received it and if I needed transportation, etc.