Central Rome too intimidating for first time visitors?
Oct 10th, 2005, 01:28 PM
#21
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Count me in on the apartment near Campo Dei Fiori. We just returned from Rome last week and stayed at the Hotel in Parione (off Chiavari or something like that) and it was a great location. It only took about 15-20 minutes to walk everywhere we wanted to go, and if you get tired of Italian food, there is a good Chinese restaurant just off the Campo.
Oct 10th, 2005, 01:51 PM
#22
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I haven't looked at the apts but if you are from a very small quiet town you just might be intimidated by the noise and grit of Rome. I know people who just can't get into the swing of a metropolis and if you are that way you might not either.
I have stayed by the vatican and have never taken public transportation but I didn't have small children who might get tired.
Walking and strolling in Rome is wonderful and if your children are in strollers and you are walkers you might want to consider the Vatican area, which is more of a neighborhood of locals.
I have stayed by the vatican and have never taken public transportation but I didn't have small children who might get tired.
Walking and strolling in Rome is wonderful and if your children are in strollers and you are walkers you might want to consider the Vatican area, which is more of a neighborhood of locals.
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:04 PM
#23
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West of the Vatican is just too far out of the way. Don't do it. I can't imagine that your children would enjoy it. The area is not charming and has no tourist sites or tourist infrastructure. If you really want to stay outside of the center of Rome (which I totally don't think you should do) go into Prati, or other areas with better atmosphere. Please, stay in the Campo apartment.
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:45 PM
#25
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All... spend most of their time...
No.
People like to stay in central locations, particularly on a first because it IS central. That's why hotels in the center cost more, there's a large convenience factor. With limited time, and with Rome's metro system quite limited as to convenience, staying centrally can save a lot of time and effort, especially on short visits.
Your friend hated Rome. Fine. Many people love it. Fine. Many people like it in the middle range.
Your point is????
No.
People like to stay in central locations, particularly on a first because it IS central. That's why hotels in the center cost more, there's a large convenience factor. With limited time, and with Rome's metro system quite limited as to convenience, staying centrally can save a lot of time and effort, especially on short visits.
Your friend hated Rome. Fine. Many people love it. Fine. Many people like it in the middle range.
Your point is????
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:50 PM
#26
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My point is why insist that she stay in the middle of where all the tourists are. My friends didn't like it so crowded and swamped with sweaty tourists and she is going in June too. They compared it to Disney Park on a hot crowded day.
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:52 PM
#27
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Jules, how unfortunate that you found the Romans to be less friendly than in your other stops. Our experience was quite opposite. We fell in love with the Romans!
As for peeky's comment, I don't know where you get the idea that most posters spend most of their avoiding other tourists. If anyone truly wants enjoy the great cities of the world, then that person must do and see the things that make these cities so great, i.e., that makes them such attractions in the first place. Inherently, that means being with tourists! Further, the fact that your report is second hand rather than your own experiences sort of diminishes its influence or importance on this thread!
As for peeky's comment, I don't know where you get the idea that most posters spend most of their avoiding other tourists. If anyone truly wants enjoy the great cities of the world, then that person must do and see the things that make these cities so great, i.e., that makes them such attractions in the first place. Inherently, that means being with tourists! Further, the fact that your report is second hand rather than your own experiences sort of diminishes its influence or importance on this thread!
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:56 PM
#29
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I vote for the Campo de Fiori location too. In Rome central is better because you can walk to lots of things. The less you have to deal with confusing public transportation, the better.
Walking in rome can be great fun...we loved walking all around the Pantheon area, past historic little piazzas, seeing Trevi fountain, dining at night on an atmospheric piazza...wonderful...and I usually don't like big cities, the only 2 big cities in the world I love are Rome and San Francisco!
We stayed on tiny Piazza Montecitorio which is within walking distance of the Pantheon. Wonderfully central and actually this is a quiet piazza for sleeping at night. We walked everywhere, except for we took a public bus to the Vatican Museums. Got on the wrong bus going the wrong way, oopsie, had to get off and ask directions with our teensy bit of tourist Italian, it was an adventure. But everywhere else we wanted to see was within walking distance of Hotel Nazionale a Montecitorio on Piazza Montecitorio and the Pantheon.
Understand that Rome is a wonderful marriage of the ancient, and the modern, all intertwined.
If you stay near the Vatican you will have to deal with pubic transportation every single day, except for the day you visit the Vatican itself!
The more you read about rome, including people's trip reports, the more prepared you will feel.
Buon viaggio!
Walking in rome can be great fun...we loved walking all around the Pantheon area, past historic little piazzas, seeing Trevi fountain, dining at night on an atmospheric piazza...wonderful...and I usually don't like big cities, the only 2 big cities in the world I love are Rome and San Francisco!
We stayed on tiny Piazza Montecitorio which is within walking distance of the Pantheon. Wonderfully central and actually this is a quiet piazza for sleeping at night. We walked everywhere, except for we took a public bus to the Vatican Museums. Got on the wrong bus going the wrong way, oopsie, had to get off and ask directions with our teensy bit of tourist Italian, it was an adventure. But everywhere else we wanted to see was within walking distance of Hotel Nazionale a Montecitorio on Piazza Montecitorio and the Pantheon.
Understand that Rome is a wonderful marriage of the ancient, and the modern, all intertwined.
If you stay near the Vatican you will have to deal with pubic transportation every single day, except for the day you visit the Vatican itself!
The more you read about rome, including people's trip reports, the more prepared you will feel.
Buon viaggio!
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:58 PM
#30
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"You're nuts."
That's what I like to see, a well-reasoned argument.
I can understand not liking crowds and heat. But for thousands of years tourists have been visiting Rome, in June, with the crowds. There must be something to the place.
The tourist venues will still be crowded, I don't see how that will be improved by staying in a more remote and inconvenient location. That will only lead to more commuting time spent on hot buses or metros, or very long walks.
That's what I like to see, a well-reasoned argument.
I can understand not liking crowds and heat. But for thousands of years tourists have been visiting Rome, in June, with the crowds. There must be something to the place.
The tourist venues will still be crowded, I don't see how that will be improved by staying in a more remote and inconvenient location. That will only lead to more commuting time spent on hot buses or metros, or very long walks.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:02 PM
#31
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From HowardR:
"Jules, how unfortunate that you found the Romans to be less friendly than in your other stops. Our experience was quite opposite. We fell in love with the Romans!"
I agree, and I like to think that some, at least, of the Romans fell in love with me.
The architecture, the various tiny and strangely serene piazze tucked in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, the history on every corner. The center of Rome is wonderful.
Augsbut, please do enjoy your Roman holiday. It will be tiring, but all the better reason to have a conveniently located apartment for you and the kids to duck into and relax in. And you and your husband can enjoy wine on your own terrace!
"Jules, how unfortunate that you found the Romans to be less friendly than in your other stops. Our experience was quite opposite. We fell in love with the Romans!"
I agree, and I like to think that some, at least, of the Romans fell in love with me.
The architecture, the various tiny and strangely serene piazze tucked in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, the history on every corner. The center of Rome is wonderful.
Augsbut, please do enjoy your Roman holiday. It will be tiring, but all the better reason to have a conveniently located apartment for you and the kids to duck into and relax in. And you and your husband can enjoy wine on your own terrace!
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:03 PM
#32
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I have not visited Rome during the high season or in August so I can't comment on crowds or heat but I can say that a stroll towards the Vatican is not bad. You cross over the river and it is more of a neighborhood such as Trastevere.
I have stayed in the P. Navona area too and it was equally nice but I was on a side street that was closed to traffic.
Anyway, Augsbut, you will surely love Rome. Have a wonderful time whereever you choose.
I have stayed in the P. Navona area too and it was equally nice but I was on a side street that was closed to traffic.
Anyway, Augsbut, you will surely love Rome. Have a wonderful time whereever you choose.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:06 PM
#33
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Oh, also, Augsbut, if you do choose the Campo attic apartment, please report back. My mother has been making noises about wanting to "take" me to Rome, and I think she'd love that place.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:15 PM
#35
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Visitors should be prepared to deal with crowds and lines, especially if they are going in the summer.
I went to Rome in 2001 during the summer, and yes, the heat was unbearable and so were the crowds but that's certainly not a reason to hate Rome.
We also went in May and had a wonderful time with mild weather and it wasn't too crowded. We stayed near the Pantheon and walked everywhere, including the Vatican which I didn't think it was a long walk. However, it does take a toll on you when it's hot. If you decide to stay near the Vatican, just be prepared to walk or take public transportation.
Wherever you stay, have a great time!
I went to Rome in 2001 during the summer, and yes, the heat was unbearable and so were the crowds but that's certainly not a reason to hate Rome.
We also went in May and had a wonderful time with mild weather and it wasn't too crowded. We stayed near the Pantheon and walked everywhere, including the Vatican which I didn't think it was a long walk. However, it does take a toll on you when it's hot. If you decide to stay near the Vatican, just be prepared to walk or take public transportation.
Wherever you stay, have a great time!
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:23 PM
#36
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Buongiorno
Both apartments seem nice. The advantage of the Vatican one is that it is quite a bit cheaper. However I would still take the Campo dei Fiori. Two reasons - better location and a fantastic terrace. This size terrace is rare for this price range (come to think of it, it is rare for the historic centre!). You will be spending a lot of time there taking in the tetti di Roma. When you get to this enchanting city you'll know what I mean.
Ciao
Both apartments seem nice. The advantage of the Vatican one is that it is quite a bit cheaper. However I would still take the Campo dei Fiori. Two reasons - better location and a fantastic terrace. This size terrace is rare for this price range (come to think of it, it is rare for the historic centre!). You will be spending a lot of time there taking in the tetti di Roma. When you get to this enchanting city you'll know what I mean.
Ciao
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:25 PM
#37
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Rome is a big, gritty, noisy, intense, frenetic place. I agree with Sea Urchin that some would find it hard to adjust to when planted in the center of the maelstrom, but learning how to deal with new situations is a big part of travel. Staying more central would be better for a short stay when you want to see the most of a city , but if you are staying longer and want a vacation that includes some solitude/down time/ time to reflect then there's something to be said for staying out of the center. You'll make a decision that's right for you and your family.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:43 PM
#38
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this is a previous thread with varying reactions to Rome, at least they are first-hand.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/
threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34406329
http://www.fodors.com/forums/
threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34406329
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:56 PM
#39
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Elaine and Leely, thanks for the support.
I just think it's sad for someone to go to any of the world's great cities--be it New York or Paris or Rome or wherever--and return home with such a negative impression.
I just think it's sad for someone to go to any of the world's great cities--be it New York or Paris or Rome or wherever--and return home with such a negative impression.
