Here's what we've got so far ... we plan to drive back from Florence the day before our flight leaves, with a rental car to be dropped off at FCO the next day. We'd like to find someplace interesting to stay the night before we leave. As we have the advantage that our flight doesn't leave until 1:45, something within a reasonable driving distance to the airport, but obviously not in Rome, would be great. Any suggestions? This is for 3 adults, on a bit of a budget, but maybe willing to splurge a bit on this one night for something special.

How big of a budget is a "bit"? It took us 30 minutes to drive from the heart of historic Rome to FCO. Why not stay in Rome?

We have enjoyed staying at the Hilton at FCO airport for early departures. Can drop the rental car off the night before and easily walk from hotel to terminal when it's time for your flight.

You could take public transportation into Rome for your last night, if you wish. Alterntively, consider staying near Ostia Antica. We haven't stayed there, but a search will get you to recommendations from others who have.

Have fun!

Probably should have clarified ... our first week of 2 is in Rome (without a car), then pickup a car and off to Chianti, actually. I was hoping there might be some place along the coast or outside the city to give us a taste of something else before we left. Thanks.

There is a nice Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the little seaside town of Fiumicino, where the airport is located. They have a shuttle bus to the airport, takes about 10 minutes. The little town has some good seafood restaurants and the restaurant at the Courtyard itself is very good, they also have a pool. Go to Marriott.com.

Ostia Antica is also quite close to Fiumicino, so you could mabye see the ruins there in the afternoon you arrive (or early in the morning before you drop off the car if you are very organized. Rick Steve's has a good self-guided tour to Ostia, go to http://www.ricksteves.com/news/0202/ostia.htm.

Also, if you want to see pretty coastline in the area, then drive north up the coast to the gorgeous La Posta Vecchia hotel, the former home of J Paul Getty, and have lunch or dinner on their terrace overlooking the black sand beach. You can stay here (pricey but beautiful, would be mabye 45 minutes to the airport); you youu can continue up the coast for a while as well, or visit the Etruscan tombs in the area. Take a look at http://www.lapostavecchia.com/eng/index.php

Cicerone, my goodness, what a beautiful hotel, have you stayed here? I'm sorry I never knew about this place before! Thanks for sharing it.

Yes, I have stayed and it is beatuful. I also know one of the owner's sons. This used to be their summer home until they turned it into a hotel. The father bought it from the Gettys. The son is rich, gorgeous, utterly charming and -- sadly, happily married.....

They also own the Il Pelicano further up the coast in Tuscany which does not have the history, but is really great hotel if you want a realy beach holiday in Tuscany.

Il Pelicano
I-58018 Porto Ercole
(Toscana)
Italy
Tél. + 39 0564 85 81 11
Fax + 39 0564 83 34 18
www.pellicanohotel.com

Just gorgeous!!

A good plan for me would be to stop at the La Posta Vecchia for dinner then driving on to the Hilton at FCO for the night before my flight (next year). thanks again!!