What is the best time of the day to request a reservation. I will be in Rome at the end of September so was thinking of Sunday, September 28th.

first reservation of the day.

I don't think it matters. Ask for the time that best fits your itinerary for the day.

I would agree with the morning. If I remember correctly, they offer the english tours only in the AM. I would highly recommend taking the tour, unless you have your own guide.

Early or late gives you the other half of the day for something else. Selecting 1:00 may make it difficult to get lunch (no time before getting to the museum at 12:30 and restaurants are closed after you finish). This advice does not apply if you eat a hearty, late breakfast or can get by with a snack at 3 to hold you until dinner at 8.

You're only allowed to tour the galleries for 2 hours, regardless of the time of your reservation. Just pick a time and arrive a few minutes early.

I've always done the first time slot and planned the rest of my day around the Borghese.

Arrive more than a few minutes early. About 30 minutes would be best so you have time to stand in line to check your purse, etc.

I too loved the guided tour.

Beets,

I had originally reserved the 11am slot and arrived so early that I was in time for the 9am, on a Sunday.

They let me go in on the 9am slot since it wasn't nearly full so I had a nice, uncrowded and enjoyable visit.

When I came out, the mandatory bag check counter was a mob scene, with the first group trying to pick up and the next group trying to check.

Also, I did have a very expensive pair of sunglasses stolen out of my checked bag. Didn't realize it until I had left.

The sculptures are awesome. Enjoy!

Just my experience.

There's no checking in only a few minutes early. You are required to be there 1/2 hour ahead to pick up your reservation. Otherwise, it can be canceled and given to someone else. And I have seen them do this.

"There's no checking in" Susan - are you saying that the Borghese no longer requires checking purse/pack/coat?

Not saying that there's no bag-check, but that checking in just a few minutes before your scheduled entry isn't smart--both because your res could be given away and because getting caught in the coatcheck jam can reduce your time in the collection (they are serious about that 2-hr limit). Best to be there at least 30 minutes early.

Yes, arrive early. But my husband and I split the duties. One of us goes to the reservation/ticket line while the other deals with the coat/bag check.

kayd is right, that's what I meant.

Susan - now that your meaning has been explained to me it's totally clear. I originally read it incorrectly and wanted to know if the policies had changed. That echoes what I said - arrive 30 minutes ahead.