Rome in August
Apr 11th, 1999, 05:02 PM
#1
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Rome in August
For a number of reasons, including difficulties with mileage redemption, I am taking my son to Rome ( 7 days) in the middle of August. It is our first trip to Italy and certainly a trip we are looking forward to. I know that all the guide books say this may be the worst time to go with many establishments closed for summer holiday. <BR> <BR>Will it really be that bad? Can anyone give us some tips for restaurants to look for that may be remaining open? Will most tourist spots still be open? <BR> <BR>Does anyone have any info on the new Marriott Hotel in Rome? I do not believe it is open as of yet.
Apr 15th, 1999, 12:44 PM
#4
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I have been to Rome in late July and it is hot. As you note, your area, andmy former one, is no picnic either, but there is air-conditioning everywhere. <BR>As you are staying at a Mariott AC should be available. Just go to places early in the day, drink a lot of water, and relax in the afternoon. You'll have a great time. Oh, yes, cathedrals are always cool. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>
Apr 16th, 1999, 01:59 PM
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John & Sandy, <BR> <BR>Although I have no real details on the still to be opened Marriott, I must imagine that it WILL have A/C. <BR> <BR>I still have some concerns about the possibility of missing touring and/or restaurant opportunities due to the August Holiday but have my fingers crossed that we won't miss out on too much!!!! <BR>
Apr 16th, 1999, 02:43 PM
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Bruce, I don't think you will miss out on a lot. There will be plenty of restaurants open and I don't think any of the major sights will be closed. <BR> <BR>Sure you will see some places closed, but it will be hardly noticeable. <BR> <BR>They know that there will be plenty of tourists visiting and spending $ and will want their share. <BR> <BR>Try accessing Rome on the net and you will find more info then you ever dreamed about. I think you will find information about when to come and what is and what isn't available during August.
Apr 16th, 1999, 03:10 PM
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Bruce, the many churches of Rome are not only open in August (though usually closed for several hours at midday year round)and often quite beautiful, they are COOL (temperature-wise, I mean). <BR> <BR>I recommend carrying a water bottle on your walks -- it's less expensive than buying a glass at a time in bars -- but on the other had you may want to stop at bars to rest. On your walks, you will se many fountains of a more modest variety than the Trevi (some essentially spigots in a wall). They're safe to drink from unless posted "Acqua non potabile" (water not drinkable), though I admit I couldn't convince my travelling companion of that on my last trip to Rome. <BR> <BR>And then there's gelato. Sigh.... <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.
Apr 19th, 1999, 09:09 PM
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John & KT, <BR> <BR>I am a newcomer to this forum and I am most appreciative of the very helpful replies received from everyone. I'll try to post some feedback when we return from our August trip. John, I have been looking at Rome net sites but if you have any place in particular to recommend, let me know the addresses. Many thanks!!
Apr 20th, 1999, 06:31 AM
#10
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Bruce, here are some addresses you may find useful ..... <BR> <BR>http://city.net/countries/italy/rome/ <BR>http://www.airwise.com/airports/europe/FCO/FCO_03a.html <BR>http://www.venere.it/roma/guida/indice.html <BR>http://www.atevo.com/guides/destinat...08,397,00.html <BR>http://twenj.com/moneyand.htm <BR>http://www.mastercard.com/atm/ <BR>http://www.visa.com/atms/ <BR>http://www.venere.it/roma/roma.html <BR>
Apr 20th, 1999, 08:48 AM
#11
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The Marriott in Rome is not yet open, but one of Marriott's travel partners, Concorde Hotels, has the Ambasciatore Palace Hotel in Rome. We are staying there in May using a Marriott award (110,000 points, i believe). In August you probably won't have a problem with availability. The location is good, on the Via Vittorio Veneto, near the Spanish Steps. Good luck.
May 21st, 1999, 12:13 PM
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Alex, <BR> <BR>I am hearing that the Marriott Rome is finally opening (at least as a Marriott)on 6/19. I am guessing that this property was previously operating under a different name. Do you or any one else possibly know the current name of this establishment? I am interested in doing a bit of research.
May 21st, 1999, 12:26 PM
#13
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I was in Rome in August and the heat was intense. We had a great time and didn't find many things to be closed as we had heard might be the case. I did find that air conditioning was not as widely used as I would have liked. We never did get used to the heat while we were there and especially couldn't believe how many Italians were drinking hot coffee when it was 95 degrees! Gelato helps for 5 minutes at a time and is fantastic but unfortunately you can't eat it 24 hours a day. We did walk everywhere but found the heat pretty tiring so took frequent stops to sit in any shade we could find and drank LOTS of water. Can't remember the names of restaurants; I'll rack my brain -- but I do remember my favorite ice cream place was on the Piazza Navona...mmmm.
May 22nd, 1999, 04:09 AM
#14
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It will probably be very hot, and some places will be closed, but you'll be fine. Try to adopt an Italian schedule, though. Sightsee in the morning, eat a big lunch in a shady outdoor spot, go nap until at least 4 p.m., then get up and go out after the hottest part of the day. Eat supper at 10 p.m., with the Romans.
May 25th, 1999, 11:23 AM
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The guide books don't lie - it is very hot at that time of year. And there's a lot of walking to do and it's rather hilly. but if you can afford a hotel with aircon and a swimming pool, then that will provide you with a refuge and I'm sure you'll enjoy the trip. We didn't have a problem with things being closed - watch out for 15th August though, it's a serious religious holiday and a lot of things could close. <BR>
