Need driver/shuttle rec for center Rome to FCO
Feb 22nd, 2010, 06:39 AM
#21
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We walked by the Raffaello Hotel when we were in Rome. I am sure that they would call you a cab in the morning when you are checking out. I don't know any hotel that wouldn't do that for you. Stop worrying about getting to and from the airport. Millions of people get to and from Fiumicino without their heads falling off.
Thin
Thin
Feb 22nd, 2010, 07:35 AM
#23
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<i><font color=#777777>" I didn't say it was the cheapest...I said if they want a private car."</font></i>
The OP said that "Major considerations are reliability and price." How helpful is it then to suggest a common rip-off experience?
Yes, all Rome hotels will offer a car service to-and-from the airport but it's quite likely the price will be inflated for customers who didn't do their homework. Why pay the hotel's inflated (up to 50%) rate (I can only assume there's some sort of pay-back) when you can either arrange for the service yourself or ask your hotel to call and confirm the reservation you made on the internet at such-and-such price. For € 5 more than the cost of a taxi you get a private, clean sedan with a roomy back seat, a knowledgeable driver, and courteous help with your luggage. I've even had drivers wait for me until we were sure we had the correct check-in location. To me, this great, affordable service is a no brainer.
The OP said that "Major considerations are reliability and price." How helpful is it then to suggest a common rip-off experience?
Yes, all Rome hotels will offer a car service to-and-from the airport but it's quite likely the price will be inflated for customers who didn't do their homework. Why pay the hotel's inflated (up to 50%) rate (I can only assume there's some sort of pay-back) when you can either arrange for the service yourself or ask your hotel to call and confirm the reservation you made on the internet at such-and-such price. For € 5 more than the cost of a taxi you get a private, clean sedan with a roomy back seat, a knowledgeable driver, and courteous help with your luggage. I've even had drivers wait for me until we were sure we had the correct check-in location. To me, this great, affordable service is a no brainer.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 10:01 AM
#26
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Because my flight is at 10:15. If I need to be there by 8:00 for a 2-hour arrival, then I need to leave the hotel by 7:30. And to be on the safe side, should really leave by 7:15. Now, if I need to be there for a 3-hour early arrival (do I?), then I'll definitely miss breakfast, since it doesn't start til 7:00, if it even starts on time.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 10:15 AM
#27
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*When* you have to be there has almost nothing to do with *how* you get there. Shuttle or taxi will get you there in less than 30 minutes, barring the unforeseen.
If you're flying an American carrier to the US, you need three hours. You're processed in Terminal 5, with tighter security regulations, and bussed to Terminal 3 for departure. If you're flying elsewhere, two hours will do.
If you're flying an American carrier to the US, you need three hours. You're processed in Terminal 5, with tighter security regulations, and bussed to Terminal 3 for departure. If you're flying elsewhere, two hours will do.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 10:23 AM
#28
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I'm flying Air France to Paris, where I change to Delta (or is it Air France?) to the U.S. So, the flight from FCO isn't the "big flight" with all the super security checks, and I don't know if that makes a difference on how early I need to be at FCO. I thought 2 hours would suffice, but I saw someone else post today on a thread about a similar flight that she would allow 3 hours due to her own experience. Now I'm rethinking how early I need to get there.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 10:47 AM
#29
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NYCfoodsnob: I don't think 45 Euro for 4 people is a lot of money. It's equal to taking the train. That's what we pay everytime we go to and from Rome...which is a couple of times a year. And we get him through the hotel.....
Feb 22nd, 2010, 11:40 AM
#31
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7:30 taxi for an 8:00 checkin-you might want to rethink that?
I fly Rome at least twice a month and it usually takes more than a half hour to get to FCO particularly at that hour.Even this past Saturday morning we had a 7:15 am pickup and arrived at FCO at 8:10 and that was a Saturday.
I fly Rome at least twice a month and it usually takes more than a half hour to get to FCO particularly at that hour.Even this past Saturday morning we had a 7:15 am pickup and arrived at FCO at 8:10 and that was a Saturday.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 02:35 PM
#32
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<i><font color=#777777>"I don't think 45 Euro for 4 people is a lot of money."</font></i>
I certainly don't either, although some car services raise their price above three people. You need to check the fine print.
Ann, maybe you misunderstood me. I don't know of a hotel in Rome that offers a private car service for € 45 one way. My experience puts the figure anywhere between € 70 and € 120, depending on what kind of car you want and which hotel. It should also be said, I have very little experience with budget accommodations. If your hotel provided you with a private car to the airport for € 45, I'd say you got a great deal and, most likely, the hotel didn't get a cut of that price.
I certainly don't either, although some car services raise their price above three people. You need to check the fine print.
Ann, maybe you misunderstood me. I don't know of a hotel in Rome that offers a private car service for € 45 one way. My experience puts the figure anywhere between € 70 and € 120, depending on what kind of car you want and which hotel. It should also be said, I have very little experience with budget accommodations. If your hotel provided you with a private car to the airport for € 45, I'd say you got a great deal and, most likely, the hotel didn't get a cut of that price.
Feb 22nd, 2010, 08:00 PM
#34
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Our hotel arranged a car for us, but it was one we could have arranged on our own. I just wanted to let them take care of it. It turned out that it was Pegasus that picked us up, at a price of 55E for two of us. The car was a very comfortable Mercedes and our driver, Pietro, could not have been more prompt, polite, or helpful! When we asked the hotel to arrange a transfer to the port for us, it turned out we rode with Pietro again! I was very happy with the service and would definitely use them again, even though they are a few Euro higher.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 07:23 AM
#35
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NYCfoodsnob: You just seem to want to get digs in to everything anyone says that doesn't agree with you. What do you consider a budget hotel. Anything under 400 Euro a night? That's not budget, that's logical. Just post your opinion and leave what others say alone.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 09:07 AM
#36
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<i><font color=#777777>"You just seem to want to get digs in to everything anyone says that doesn't agree with you."</font></i>
Where on earth is the "dig" to you, Ann? Can you read and comprehend words? What on earth is wrong with some of you people? Furthermore, where is the disagreement on this thread? Go pick your fights with someone else, please. I'm not your imaginary punching bag.
<i><font color=#777777>"Just post your opinion and leave what others say alone."</font></i>
Yes boss.
Where on earth is the "dig" to you, Ann? Can you read and comprehend words? What on earth is wrong with some of you people? Furthermore, where is the disagreement on this thread? Go pick your fights with someone else, please. I'm not your imaginary punching bag.
<i><font color=#777777>"Just post your opinion and leave what others say alone."</font></i>
Yes boss.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 02:36 PM
#39
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Holly: Have you considered going to an airport hotel the night before your flight? We stay at the Hilton when we have an early flight. You can walk to the terminal. I don't know what the Sheraton or other hotels have as far as getting to the terminal in the morning. I'm sure they have it on their website.
The really good thing about staying at the Hilton and Sheraton (and I think others) is that they have free shuttle buses that go to and from the hotel into the center of Rome alternate until late at night. So you won't miss a thing in Rome. We check out of our hotel in Rome, go to the airport hotel and come right back on the free shuttle to spend the rest of our time enjoying Rome. We get back late, sleep and walk over to the airport in the morning. We don't have to worry about strikes or traffic.
The really good thing about staying at the Hilton and Sheraton (and I think others) is that they have free shuttle buses that go to and from the hotel into the center of Rome alternate until late at night. So you won't miss a thing in Rome. We check out of our hotel in Rome, go to the airport hotel and come right back on the free shuttle to spend the rest of our time enjoying Rome. We get back late, sleep and walk over to the airport in the morning. We don't have to worry about strikes or traffic.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 02:48 PM
#40
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Somehow whenever I manage to travel to Italy, I seem to be there when there is some sort of strike happening or threatening to happen. The last time I went to Rome there was indeed a taxi strike and I felt very fortunate to have pre-booked the car service.
