boundfortravel

kybourbon, I appreciate the apartment find, but I think we would feel more comfortable in a hotel or B&B with staff if we have questions, need recommendations or reservations, etc. Plus, having the breakfast provided is a bonus for us. Perhaps when we go back again (and I hope we will!), we'll feel comfortable enough to rent an apartment.

I decided to go with a room at Hotel Smeraldo in the historic center. Thanks everyone for the help!

NYCFoodSnob

The neighborhood around Hotel Smeraldo is my favorite, and it's reasonably quiet for Rome. You can't get more central than this. And, IMO, the Smeraldo is a lot more charming than Hotel Maikol. Be forewarned: many rooms are super tiny, which is not unusual for Rome hotels, no matter the price point.

boundfortravel

NYCFood, good, that boosts my confidence quite a bit! I did see that the rooms can tend to be tiny, but that's fine with me.

annhig

Plus, having the breakfast provided is a bonus for us.>>

this isn't something you need to worry about in Rome. any number of bars and cafes offer coffee, juice and cornetti at reasonable prices.

not eating too much at breakfast time leaves plenty of room for lunch and then dinner!

ParadiseLost

"It's so difficult to tell the scale on a map of how close/far things are,..."

There are fancy websites that show distances and walking times but "we don't need no stinkin' fancy websites". (Misquote from ""The Treasure of Sierra Madre") .

Try this with your map and my directions below.

This is from a past post of mine '07;

I'm 6'2", ~250lbs and a slow walker to begin with.
The 'Time' part also includes waiting for green crossing lights, stopping or slowing down to cross at the cross-streets (cars/motorcycles), pedestian slowdowns (cafe tables on sidewalks, map or picture taking tourists, etc).

Also it was my intent to time this distance for future postings so it is accurate for slow walkers like myself.

Look at your map;

Using a piece of paper mark the distance from the *Front Door* of Termini Train station, straight down Via Cavour and right to the entrance to the Roman Forum on Via d. Fori Imperiali (across the Via and entrance is ~40m past the sidewalk).

Now picture a 52yr old man, overweight, with a drugstore Over-The-Counter kneebrace on and puffing on a Marlboro , it took me exactly 20mins to cover that distance.

Fold that strip of paper in half and in half again, now you have 4 creased sections and each quarter section = 5mins. [--5--|--10--|--15--|--20--]

Now you can use that strip of paper as 'time & distance gauge' on your map (say from your hotel to the Pantheon) fairly accurately if you're a slow walker or just strolling along taking time to smell the roses .

-----------------------------------
From '96-'05 on 8 trips (~3 months total) I stayed within a block of Termini's main entrance.

I did it to save money on hotels, used the buses & metro and had *no* safety concerns in that area.

But the area around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II was seedy back then and I never considered staying there.
I have walked thru during the day and night although not really overly concerned about my safety I was more alert and 'on my toes' there compared to any other location in 'tourist Rome'.

I think for your 1st trip you are making the right decision in staying in the historic centre.
Regards, Walter

boundfortravel

Walter, what a colorful picture you paint! Thanks so much for the smile and the distance/walking time hint. I am definitely going to use that trick on my maps. Though we tend to be swift walkers, we are going to make a point of slowing down to take in all that we can - that's the point, right? Thank you!

NoCaliGal

Yes, it's hard to gauge walking times in a place you've never seen. That's a great tool, Paradise Lost. The Centro Storico isn't really big at all.

I have stayed four times in the opposite side of the Termini area. I am a puny little lady, but have been to a city or two before, so have a few street smarts. The area on the north side of the Termini Station has many inexpensive hotels and B&Bs. We picked it the first time for its easy walking with luggage after arrival in the train station. The second time we picked it for its easy access to buses all over the city. The third time we picked it because we knew it had great value for money and we were getting attached to the B&B owner, who was gracious and kept up a spotless, well-provided room. The fourth time we got there, I noticed the garda across the street at the Banco Nationale. Anyway, please don't be afraid of that area. Aside from stepping away from a few train station denizens (and you'll see those at every train station around the world) we felt safe. This was the Atos Home B&B, small but well run B&B on the 4th floor of a Via Milazzo apartment building.

nytraveler

While Rome is a large city most of what you want to see is in the center - even the Vatican is right across the river. And you should be able to get to most places on foot - or cab if yuor feet give out. I've been to Rome at least 12 times and have never taken the subway (it doesn't really go anywhere you want to be) or the bus (way too much trouble). We walked many laces - sometimes grabbing a cab either first thing in the morning to go to the farthest place and walking back - or vice versa. Cabs are cheap - esp for 2 people and plentiful.

If you stay in a central location (not near the train station, which is kind of tacky and not super central) there is no need to worry about pickpockets on buses or subways. (And no - I have nothing against public transit - use it all the time here at home and in London or Paris - where it goes everywhere and makes sense.)

kybourbon

>>>the bus (way too much trouble).<<<

I don't know how the bus could be considered to be too much trouble. The electric buses that run through the pedestrian area in the historic center are very easy to catch and their routes cover the main sites. Buy a ticket or two and hop on (stamp it in the machine or wave it in front to activate).

I love having some type of transport in pass because I often just hop on and go places I hadn't planned. The subway is very limited with only two lines (more are under construction, but keep hitting more ruins)but the bus and tram systems cover all the sites.

Walter - How long would that return walk from the Forum to Termini take you which is all uphill?

As for crime, just watch for pickpockets on buses/metro and where a crowd has gathered to watch something. In the train station, people hang out around the ticket machines trying to get you to pay them if they help you with anything. As in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings.

dutyfree

My daughter and I just got back from Rome two weeks ago and stayed this time at the Hotel Smeraldo in the Campo D'Fiori area. (I fly for a major US airline and fly to Rome at least once a month and love the city!) Our airline stays in a different area of Rome for our layovers however, I have vacationed numerous times in Rome through the years and like you try to stay under 140 euros.

My two picks for you would be-
There is a gem(look at Tripadvisor and every guidebook to see how popular it is) called the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Firenze which I have always loved. It is close to metro/Repubblicca,buses,walking on via Nationale for shopping,etc. Staff and hotel are great with a nice breakfast,free WIFI,etc.Rick Steves,Frommers,Fodors all highly recommend it.

We couldn't get into the Aberdeen this past trip so decided to go on Booking.com to see what was available.We came up with the Hotel Smeraldo and couldn't have been happier with our choice. It is just a block and a half to the tram over to Trastevere;several blocks over to Piazza Navona for nightlife and shopping;close to buses that can take you all over Rome at Largo Argentina,etc. The hotel has a 4th and 5th floor rooftop which is lovely at night to sit and split a bottle of wine before bed? The rooms were decent sized with plasma TV;Air conditioning which is a must in the summer and standard tourist breakfast included.There was a grocery and ATM right around the corner with numerous restaurants,bakery,etc. all around the hotel.

Buses are not too much trouble and so easy to use.Buy the tickets at any TABAC shop and be sure to punch them when you get on the bus-good for 75 minutes(enter at the front and exit at the back). The bus stops show right above the signs where they go and you can also get a 2 euro map that will show you where you want to travel to.Bus #64 is the notorious pickpocket bus that runs from Termini to the Vatican but if you watch your purse or bag you will have no problems.My daughter and I have always used public transportation for trips overseas-be a local!

ParadiseLost

"Walter - How long would that return walk from the Forum to Termini take you which is all uphill?"

Just a little bit longer but I switch to 'Marboro Ultra-Lights' for any uphills .
Regards, Walter

annhig

Though we tend to be swift walkers, we are going to make a point of slowing down to take in all that we can - that's the point, right? Thank you!>>

that's the right attitude! before we went to Rome the first time i told our kids that there was something interesting round every corner. After we got there they told me I'd been wrong - there was something interesting not only after but before and on the corner too.

need a sit down and don't need a drink or a loo stop? head for the nearest church, take a pew, and see what there is in there as you rest your feet. amongst other things, we found a plaster saint being wept over by a motor-cyslist, and a beautiful presepe [nativity scene] which was an exact replica of the little square in which the church was situated. BTW, if you need a drink, the drinking fountains all over Rome are perfectly safe, and free of course, but if you do stop in a cafe or a museum, do take the opportunity to use the loos - you'll be glad you did!

<<Bus #64 is the notorious pickpocket bus that runs from Termini to the Vatican but if you watch your purse or bag you will have no problems.My daughter and I have always used public transportation for trips overseas-be a local!>>

I agree with dutyfree about the buses - the No 64 does have a bad reputation [the no 40 covers the same route but is an express] but the biggest problem we ever had was being abused by an elderly roman matron for being in her way as she wanted to get off the bus.

Cindywho

We are also planning a May trip to Rome. First time in Rome. DH and two DDs ages 21 and 19. DH and I made our first trip to Europe in 08 and at that time rented apts in Venice and Florence. It was fine for us. However I, as the main trip planner, am getting overwhelmed with Rome and fear we will need a hotel desk staff for help. However, hotel rooms are looking to be very expensive for four adults.

Any advice? I am normally just a jump in and head out type of traveler, but is Rome as overwhelming as I fear.? Or because all of the most desired historical sites are in the center and close together, will we be fine?

Also, what area is covered by the "city of Rome" public transportation? Does this transport go to the Vatican

annhig

However I, as the main trip planner, am getting overwhelmed with Rome and fear we will need a hotel desk staff for help. However, hotel rooms are looking to be very expensive for four adults.>>

cindy, honestly, you'll be fine. what help do you feel a hotel receptionist can give you? you will be spoilt for choice with restaurants, and there is something to see every 50 yards or so. plus there are signs everywhere [for pedestrians] to the major sights. a good map and guide book should be all you need but I bet your kids have some apps they could put on their phones that would help too.

my main advice with a group like that would be to rent an apartment. we did that on all out trips to Italian cities with out kids, and we all loved the extra space and freedom. our DS loved going out in the morning to buy our breakfast cornetti, and we soon got to know the shops and cafes in our neighbourhood.

as for planning, perhaps think of Rome as being divided into 4 main areas in a Y shape. at the bottom of the Y is the forum/colosseum/palatinate area [all on the same ticket, best bought at the palatinate entrance where the queues are least] in the centre between the two arms is the piazza navona and pantheon area, at the end of the right arm is the borghese, and at the end of the right arm the vatican and St. Peter's. try to group what you are going to see with things in the same area [for example the Borghese and the spanish steps] na dwork out what might be on the way to somewhere that you might like to see eg the tRvei fountain on the way to the spanish steps.

that way you can maximise what you see.

you will of course walk too far and become overwhelmed by it all, but that's Rome!

Cindywho

Ann,

Thank you very much! That is really what I needed, just a little encouragement. It does look compact and we are not afraid to walk. I have not heard the idea of Rome areas in the shape of a Y, and that is helpful. I would like to stay in the Piazza Navona area and am finding many apt possibilities. I cannot imagine a one room hotel for the four of us anyway and two rooms is just off the budget.

Thanks again! By the way, one of our DD's is Anne!

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"DH and I made our first trip to Europe in 08 and at that time rented apts in Venice and Florence. It was fine for us. However I, as the main trip planner, am getting overwhelmed with Rome and fear we will need a hotel desk staff for help."</font></i>

Rome should not overwhelm any more than Venice or Florence might to a first time visitor. Rome is a lot easier to figure out than Venice. If you have experience renting an apartment in Italy, you have some idea of what it's like to be mostly on your own, and you have a sense of the potential risks.

It's impossible to predict what questions will come up for a new visitor, and the convenience of speaking to a hotel staff member whenever you have a question is a source of security that renting an apartment cannot provide. Tourists don't think much about the possibility of an accident or a rental agent who doesn't show up with the keys, but believe me, if something similar occurs, you'll wish you had English speaking help just a few steps away.

You need to be brave, adventurous, and have the right attitude when renting an apartment in Italy. Trying to figure out the appliances and work the keys can take half a day and several phone calls. It also helps if you know a little of the language. There are too many rental agents in Italy who speak too little English.

If you know the owner or the property manager speaks English, then chances are you'll be fine. But that doesn't mean they will always be there when you need them. Owners and rental managers will always say they are available 24/7, but this is rarely the truth. Most have other lives and are not available the moment you need them. And it's when you need them that matters.

<i><font color=#555555>"There is a gem called the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Firenze which I have always loved."</font></i>

The Aberdeen works hard to keep its decoration and service one notch above the rest in this price range, which explains its popularity. Given their location, which is not for me, this is a wise business decision. You're basically a few steps west of Termini Station. Also, Via Nazionale is a truck route, and one of the noisiest, dirtiest streets in Rome. There is nothing about this neighborhood that feels like home to me.

annhig

cindy - the piazza navona is a great area - perhaps not right on the piazza but nearby you have the via coronari, the via del governo vecchio, etc. etc. you're within walking distance of most if not all of the main sights and you [and your kids, who will just love all the shops] will have a ball.

kybourbon

>>>However I, as the main trip planner, am getting overwhelmed with Rome and fear we will need a hotel desk staff for help.<<<

cindywho - No problem getting tourism help in Rome. Pop into one of the info booths (see pic and other info on tourism help).
http://www.turismoroma.it/info-viagg...stiche?lang=en

>>>Tourists don't think much about the possibility of an accident or a rental agent who doesn't show up with the keys, but believe me,<<<

The odds of an accident in your hotel are slim. Most things happen while you are out and the hotel desk would be of no help. Much more useful would the Rome Tourism Board emergency number. If you buy a Roma Pass, you get some medical thrown in also.

*Roma Pass Travel Health MET
By calling the multilingual CALL CENTER, 06-43236291, available 24 hours a day, it is possible to:

Ask information about public and private medical facilities available throughout the city
Receive information regarding location, address, telephone number and method of access to the Public Healthcare Facilities that are closest or most appropriate for the resolution of health related problems
Activate, after explicit request, the medical assistance services (house-call visits, diagnostic services, specialty services, ambulance services), provided by Travel Health MET to Roma Pass holders at discounted fees*

I don't think you need to be brave to rent an apartment if you have read the reviews. There are lots of reviews here on Fodor's. Some Rome apartments are nice enough that certain Fodorites rent them every time they go to Rome. I have no qualms recommending these apartments (such as the Miquel above) to first timers. They provide much more space than a hotel and often the owners live in the building.

cindywho - Since you are a family, you might want to check this apartment. It has two bedrooms and two baths and accepts credit cards (might offer a discount for cash). There are multiple reviews by Fodorites.
http://www.rentalinrome.com/piazzana...alaceapartment

It's also on vrbo.
http://www.vrbo.com/283439

If you want a review of it, Fodorite Kristina has it on her website (with pics) along with other apartments she has rented in Rome. I think the Accetti is on her 2008 report. You will find her reports for Rome helpful as well as the Google map she created.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"The odds of an accident in your hotel are slim"</font></i>

Dear readers,

When an accident happens to you in Italy, and you don't speak a word of Italian, the last thing you think about are the odds. Furthermore, not all accidents are health related. Vacation apartment break-ins are on the rise in Italy's bigger cities. Thieves have gotten smart and know the value of a revolving door of transient guests. Renters beware.

<i><font color=#555555>"I don't think you need to be brave to rent an apartment"</font></i>

And I think you need to be brave to step onto an airplane these days. Fodor's has always been a good resource for varied opinion.

lynclarke

kybourbon - that apartment is spectacular. Wish I could afford it but you are right it is in the OP's budget. Beautiful place.