Reasonable Rome Hotel
Mar 16th, 2006 | 07:10 PM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 26,513
Likes: 4
The L.A. Times had an article on Rome lodging last Sunday.
In a section regarding convents and monasteries was a mention of Fraterna Domus, 62 via di Monte Brianzo (tel. 011-39-06-68-80-27-27), near Piazza Navona. "Simply decorated doubles from $65, a family-style restaurant serving lunch and dinner for $14."
Under hotels was mention of The Beehive, opened by an American couple (from L.A.!) in 1999. It's a few blocks northeast of Termini, which the article acknowledges is not the safest or most charming part of Rome. All the rooms share baths/toilets, but the ratio of them to rooms is high. Doubles from $90. 8 via Marghera. www.the-beehive.com.
In a section regarding convents and monasteries was a mention of Fraterna Domus, 62 via di Monte Brianzo (tel. 011-39-06-68-80-27-27), near Piazza Navona. "Simply decorated doubles from $65, a family-style restaurant serving lunch and dinner for $14."
Under hotels was mention of The Beehive, opened by an American couple (from L.A.!) in 1999. It's a few blocks northeast of Termini, which the article acknowledges is not the safest or most charming part of Rome. All the rooms share baths/toilets, but the ratio of them to rooms is high. Doubles from $90. 8 via Marghera. www.the-beehive.com.
Mar 17th, 2006 | 01:21 PM
#24
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Dayle,
I didn't purposely schedule during Easter. I was trying to get the best airfare deals, and to do so I had to make the departure date no later than March 31st. But, it should be a nice bonus to see all the different ways Easter and the days leading up to it are celebrated. We are going to be in Spain for Semana Santa, which should be grrrreat! By the way, I ended up booking Hotel Aberdeen in Rome. I checked availability in 15 other Fodor's recommended Rome hotels (they were all full), so I'm thankful that I have something lined up.
I didn't purposely schedule during Easter. I was trying to get the best airfare deals, and to do so I had to make the departure date no later than March 31st. But, it should be a nice bonus to see all the different ways Easter and the days leading up to it are celebrated. We are going to be in Spain for Semana Santa, which should be grrrreat! By the way, I ended up booking Hotel Aberdeen in Rome. I checked availability in 15 other Fodor's recommended Rome hotels (they were all full), so I'm thankful that I have something lined up.
Mar 17th, 2006 | 01:42 PM
#25
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Hi again Young,
You are right, there are lots of special things going on that you won't see during the rest of the year. You might want to check some of the links provided at www.slowtrav.com, for city events and festivals.
We ran across a wonderful parade in Piazza San Pietro following the Palm Sunday mass, then we got to see John Paul II bless the crowd beneath his apartment window. On the other hand, the Sistene Chapel was closed on Palm Sunday and it took me another 10 years to see it.
Buon viaggio!
You are right, there are lots of special things going on that you won't see during the rest of the year. You might want to check some of the links provided at www.slowtrav.com, for city events and festivals.
We ran across a wonderful parade in Piazza San Pietro following the Palm Sunday mass, then we got to see John Paul II bless the crowd beneath his apartment window. On the other hand, the Sistene Chapel was closed on Palm Sunday and it took me another 10 years to see it.
Buon viaggio!
Mar 17th, 2006 | 02:21 PM
#26
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Dayle,
I'll check out the links on slowtrav.com for some special events, thanks for the idea. One update: I'd misread the email from Giardino--they do have availability during my time period, I would just have to switch rooms once during my four night stay there. I think it's a more central location than Hotel Aberdeen, for the same price, so I think we will stay at Hotel Giardino after all. Do you think switching rooms will be a small trade off for less walking?
I'll check out the links on slowtrav.com for some special events, thanks for the idea. One update: I'd misread the email from Giardino--they do have availability during my time period, I would just have to switch rooms once during my four night stay there. I think it's a more central location than Hotel Aberdeen, for the same price, so I think we will stay at Hotel Giardino after all. Do you think switching rooms will be a small trade off for less walking?
Mar 18th, 2006 | 06:27 AM
#27
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Young,
Definitely a good trade off! Switching rooms is no big deal, and knowing Katy and her staff - they will do it for you.
I had reserved to stay with them my final night in Italy before flying out. (After my 5 nights earlier in the trip.) When I arrived, Sergio told me that my room had a plumbing problem that would not be fixed until the next day, so they had reserved a room for me at the 3* hotel across the street and would pay the difference. Sergio carried my small, but heavy, suitcase down all the way down the stairs and across to the Hotel Hiberia for me.
The Hotel Hiberia was just a tad nicer, but not nearly as cosy and friendly as Hotel Giardino Rome.
Definitely a good trade off! Switching rooms is no big deal, and knowing Katy and her staff - they will do it for you.
I had reserved to stay with them my final night in Italy before flying out. (After my 5 nights earlier in the trip.) When I arrived, Sergio told me that my room had a plumbing problem that would not be fixed until the next day, so they had reserved a room for me at the 3* hotel across the street and would pay the difference. Sergio carried my small, but heavy, suitcase down all the way down the stairs and across to the Hotel Hiberia for me.
The Hotel Hiberia was just a tad nicer, but not nearly as cosy and friendly as Hotel Giardino Rome.
Mar 18th, 2006 | 09:30 AM
#29
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
I did a lot of research on this before my trip to Rome last October and decided on the Gea di Vulcana on Via Nazionale - had most all good reviews everywhere online. Very close proximity to Termini station, could walk there in 10 minutes, and nice rooms, staff and includes breakfast. Good location only 20-30 minutes or so walking to Colisseum and the Trevi Fountain and great shopping along Via Nazionale. They also recommended a terrific restaurant nearby called Trattoria Abruzzese - excellent! Have fun!
Mar 18th, 2006 | 03:26 PM
#30
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Hi again Young,
Glad to hear you got the res! If you ask for restaurant recs, they will probably direct you to two completely authentic Roman restaurants, both on the same, tiny cobblestoned alleyway, Via Scharemburg (SP?). Go! Both are excellent traditional, family run places where you will be the only tourists.
Glad to hear you got the res! If you ask for restaurant recs, they will probably direct you to two completely authentic Roman restaurants, both on the same, tiny cobblestoned alleyway, Via Scharemburg (SP?). Go! Both are excellent traditional, family run places where you will be the only tourists.
