Advice on Rome
 

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Italy, and want it to be perfect. We're going the end of March, and our travel agent booked us at the Hotel Giada...really close to the Termini. Is anyone familiar with this hotel, and is it in a safe area? Any suggestions at all would be most appreciated!

We stayed near the Pantheon. When I was planning our trip, I read that some areas near the Termini were safe and others were more dicey. Hopefully, others on the forum can give you a better response than I can.

Why are you staying near the train station. It would be more convenient for you to stay near the Spanish Steps. <BR>How many days are you in Rome, and what is the price for the Giada. Can you check into another hotel in a more convenient location? I stayed at the Carriage when I was in Rome. The location was great, it wasn't too awful expensive considering the location. Don't put a deposit down until you investigate other options.

Hi Katie, <BR> <BR>I agree with the other posters, the termini area is generally not considered the most desirable area for tourists. Hotels near the Piazza Navona, the Campo dei Fiori, or the Spanish Steps are among the most popular. Ask your travel agent why he/she picked that hotel and get other suggestions (if you still can).

Some streets surrounding Stazione Termini are fine. I have stayed at hotels near there (Universo and Quiriniale, to name 2) and they were great, as were the streets they were on which were 5 minutes from Termini. I have never heard of Hotel Giada but maybe if you give us the street address someone on the forum might know for sure if the hotel is in an "acceptable area." I have personally never had a bad experience at or near Termini. Feel free to write directly if you want more info.

The Giada is a 3-star located on Via Principe Amadeo, between Via Cavour and Via Massimo d'Azeglio, steps from Piazza Esquilino and Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. It's indeed very close to the Termini Sation main entrance (200mts). Like many, regarding location, I also think that the best place to stay in Rome is Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and north towards Piazza di Spagna (in that order). If possible, I would try to get a 3-star hotel in those areas even if it qould cos a bit more. If you can't find any, you may as well stay with the Giada (regarding location, only ... I have no idea on the hotel itsef). Two hotels you may consider are the Teatro di Pompeo (my preferred hotel in Rome) and the Due Torri (recommended by quite a few people here in th forum). The Teatro di Pompeo should cost a shade more than the Due Torri (about Lit 340,000). <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

While the termini area is not the most convenient in Rome, it isn't as inconvenient as many say. We stayed in the area and were able to walk to the Piazza di Spagna, the Colosseum, Roman Forum and a lot of other sites. It is convenient to the Metro and many bus lines as well. Admittedly, you're better off staying near Piazza Navona (we walked there, too!) or Piazza di Spagna, but the termini area is not all that inconvenient.

Hamlet, <BR> Could you tell me more about the Hotel Quirinale, we are staying there next week? Thanks, pattie