Rome Hotel for Arrival night only-Termini or somewhere else
 

My 11-year old son and I arrive in FCO circa 6pm (1800 hrs) for the start of our 9-day trip. From what I have read, I estimate that we need an hour to retrieve luggage and go through customs and immigration. As we are heading to Florence the next morning for three nights (we will return in Rome for five nights later in the week), I need a hotel for just one night. I know that people say on here to head straight to Florence but given my son's age, possibility of late flight arrival etc, I do not want to take that risk. So, I am looking for a hotel for one night. I have looked in the Termini area at Best Western Canada or Hotel Diocleziano. We can take a taxi or limo from the airport to the hotel to avoid walking from Termini to the Hotel. But, we will need to have dinner upon arrival so I am wondering if it is safe enough in that area to wander out at 8pm or so for looking for restaurants. I keep reading varying reports of the Termini area-good sides and bad sides, and maybe some sights that I really do not want to have to walk him through. Is a better idea to go to a hotel in the Trevi fountain or Piazza Navonna for one night have dinner, get a little atmosphere, and then take a taxi to Termini the next morning for our train to Florence. We are traveling in early December and this is our first visit to Rome. I have traveled all around the world by myself so I am not afraid of walking around fringe neighborhoods, but as a female I am security conscious and want to avoid problems. Thanks for the help.

Hi R,

The Holiday Inn EUR Parc Medici runs a shuttle service to/from FCO (10 min) and downtown Rome.

They have a decent resto and a very, very good bkfst.

((I))

I am also female and very familiar with the area around Termini. You will be fine. I have stayed there a number of times and reccomended the area near where the Best Western Canada is. There are loads of restaurants and if you feel at all insecure you can always let your concierge know and get a taxi for you.It is very convenient for your departure the next day, but its a taxi ride, not a walk, IMHO.

You will be fine. You might also consider staying in the Monti area, within easy (taxi or bus) reach of the station; this hotel is a sister of the Albergo del Senato and I have heard very good things about it. There is very good eating in the area:


http://www.hotelraffaello.it/surroundingareas.htm

I like the idea of going close to Piazza Navona or Trevi for the atmosphere and loads of restaurants, but I can understand wanting to be near Termini if your train to Florence is very early. However, early in the morning it shouldn't take that long for a taxi from the Piazza Navona area.

Ira normally gives great advice, but I don't see any reason to stay at the Holiday Inn at the airport when you are wanting a train the next morning.

A friend of ours stayed at Hotel des Artistes in that area with his 12 year old daughter, and thought it was a very nice place. Very friendly and helpful and safe.

Check out the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Torino-metro stop is Piazza Repubblica(sp?). Its a gem, also in quite a few travel books like Steves, Frommer,etc.and gets rave reviews on Tripadvisor. I have stayed there over the years when I was fortunate to snag a reservation-very popular due to location,price(3 star) and the helpful cousins who run the place.It has a wonderful staff,rooms and great breakfast in the morning. Its about two blocks from Termini in the good section(police station and opera are just down the street).

I love it and ironically stay at a 5 star hotel in a different area for work and I still prefer the Aberdeen. If you are tired when you arrive there is a great atmosphere pizza/pasta "modernistic" place called Target just around the corner which would be easy and convenient for your first night before you leave for Florence.Since you are coming back to Rome you can do Trevi and Piazza Navona when you come back and have more time and energy to linger?

I would reserve with Rome limoservice for your pickup (around 35 euros for two) and they will meet you right outside of baggage claim with your name on a sign and escort you to their car. For your return to Termini the next day, just have the staff at the Aberdeen call you a cab-it will be about 7 euros for two persons with luggage.
Have fun-Rome is my favorite place!

LJ, I have a question about staying near Termini. We have a reservation at the Best Western Canada for one night before leaving in the morning by train. We travel light: one carry-on bag with wheels each. We were planning to walk to the train. On the map, the hotel looks close. About how long a walk would it be? Diane

Luvtotravel, It's a 5-10 minute walk from Hotel Canada.

Thanks ellenem. I've made all the hotel selections for my group. I feel better now that I made a good choice.

The Hotel Kennedy just a short block from the Termini has been my choice the last two trips. I posted a review in the Rome hotel reviews. It's quite acceptable and the price was right.

Hi
I can totally back up the recommendation of Charnees.Have stayed at Hotel Des Artistes -arrived at Termini at 10pm with daughter(11 at the time)& was a bit concerned & potsed gere & trip adv b4 hand. Honestly - nothing 2 worry about, it is 2 blocks from termini on a main rd, then turn right down the street it is in. The next street has ok restaurants, it is safe enough i.e. people around but nobody shady!!