MelJ

Thanks, ekscrunchy. I've copied all 24 pages of your report

I know it will be a wonderful help in our fall trip!

reddots

Bookmarking

ekscrunchy

Here is the website for Armando al Pantheon:


http://www.armandoalpantheon.it/home.php

ekscrunchy

Topping so TimeTraveler can ask question..

timetraveler1028

Ekscrunchy, Hi I think I might have confused you, but yes I havent been to these boards for awhile and Im not very good at going back and forth, Okay I found this post about hotels in Rome and you have posted something about the Albergo del Senato. I made reservations back in October 2008 and they quoted me 295 Euro for our stay in July 2009. But the rates seem to have gone down considerably. I made the reservation directly with the hotel, because I read that was the best way to try to get a balcony with a view even if they dont guarntee a balcony. Anyway I am thinking if I should rebook under another name or just ask them for a current rate? I really do still want a room with a view and balcony, but should I try to get a better price?? I am in the middle of your trip report and it is so perfectly detailed I have gone back to it several times to write down all the restaurants and get a feeling of the best since we will only be there 3 nights. Thank you for your opinion.

When we went to Paris 2 years ago I really budgeted on the hotel and I was sadly disappointed and I dont want that to happen again. But I did save some money, but the memories are still very vivid

ekscrunchy

TT: Did you see a lower price on their website for your dates? If so, I would write to them and let them know. Emphasize the importance of getting one of the balcony rooms facing the Pantheon. (Remember, though, that the balcony itself is small. The view is the most important element here. I am not sure whether or not two people can sit in chairs outside at the same time).

Let them know how much you have been looking forward to your stay there, and that you booked so far ahead, but now see that they are giving a "small discount." The longer you are staying, the better your chances are, in my opinion.

I have never used a third-party website (Expedia, Venere, etc) to book a hotel because I feel (though not substantiated) that I will get a better room assignment. And I like to establish a relationship with the concierge so that I can book restaurants ahead of time. You could probably do this even with a third-party reservation, I suppose.

I am so glad you found the report helpful. Although I have not returned to Rome since I wrote it, I do have some updated restaurant info that I will share when the time get closer.

Are you going to book the Scavi tour? Is this your first time in Rome? Where else are you traveling?

I agree about the hotel budgets. If the difference is not substantial to you, it is often better to spend a few more euro and get someplace superb, or at least pleasant. I've stayed at some pretty terrible places over the years, but I do find that the entire experience of being in a city can be colored if your hotel is unappealing.

Granted, you can find nice properties at better rates than the Senato, but it IS a special hotel. Give it a try and let us know what happens!

timetraveler1028

eks, thanks for your input, yes I agree making reservations with the hotel if possible makes for more personal touch. so since I felt maybe I didnt want to bicker for a lower rate just in case they werent agreeable to this,like maybe room assignment, something like sending food back you never know happens.
Anyway I did reserve for Scavi and am super excited.I also tried to get Francesca (maybe it was another post who had taken your restaurant suggestions), but she is busy. So I am working on a guide at this point. I am doing something sacriliges for this forum, I am actually taking a tour, I mean a 10 day tour with bus and everything. My family thinks I am the tour guide and leave everything to me and well on our past 2 trips to Europe this was fine, but now I feel there is so much info that I honestly cant provide for both lack of time and desire. But the tour is only for 1 day in Rome and we will be there 4 days, so I was trying to set something up with a good guide for a few hours. Well I still have to sit down and write all the restaurant suggestions you have made. There is another poster who went with her mother during Xmas and used some of your suggestions. Thanks again

ekscrunchy

I know what you mean about being a guide! It can be exhausting.

Let me know what happens if you decide to ask the hotel for a reduction.

I am sorry Francesca is booked. But I do have a few other suggestions; I will give you this one first. Alan Epstein is the suthor of a terrific book about living in Rome.

The rates on his site are on the high side, but write to him and ask him about pricing.


http://www.astheromansdo.com/private_tours.htm

ekscrunchy

Never mind the bit about the rates on the site; I don't see them, so you have to write to him and ask.

lbrawer

ekscrunchy- I am still compiling my questions for you but going thru your trip reports has been way more than helpful. Was wondering if youve been to the rebirth of L'Impero -now Convivo?? Loved and miss the sublime polenta at L'Impero but had a burrata appetizer this week for lunch at Convivo and was stunned as had nothing like this before. In fact my only burrata experience has been at The Standard in Miami<g>. Absolutely amazing-- I am now wondering where in Italy to find the best versions of this amazing cheese.
We will be going South starting in Venice with stops in Florence, ROme and the Amalfi Coast in August.

ekscrunchy

Convivio is excellent! And the full dinner is a very good value, too. They are charging $58 for four courses and are very flexible about the courses. So you could choose an appetizer, two pastas, and one main course, for example, if you want to forego dessert.

While you can probably find burrata in the 3 of the cities you will visit, you will be astounded by the quality of the fresh cheeses in the Amalfi area. You can take a trip to a mozzarella producer south of Salerno (easiest with a car; see my trip report from last spring for details on the "caseficio" that we visited).

But even if you do not go that far afield, you can sample the cheeses on the Amalfi Coast. The town of Agerola (in the hills above Amalfi) is one of the cheese centers of Campania and the fresh cheeses can be found in many shops and restaurants on the coast.



I will bring up the report and add the information on a cheese maker in Agerola.

ekscrunchy

As usual, I read too fast and see that you already dined at Convivio. I did try their burrata and agree emphatically!

You probably know this if you live in NYC, but in case not, both DiPalo and Agata and Valentina, and probably many other places, receive shipments of burrata twice a week or so. Di Palo also makes their own. I've never bought it here because I never seem to be in those stores on the day the cheese arrives. But just wait until you taste those cheeses close to the source!

lbrawer

Yes I do live in the city and A & V are in my nabe. Love DiPaolo too but dont make it down there too often. my office is right around the corner from Tudor City and we snuck in there for a quick lunch for our anniversary his week. We actually Our waiter told us that the place has been getting huge raves and ironically it had just been written up in NY Mag for best fried potatoes of all things- we forgot to order those! I have read your rome and a.c. trip reports with relish. Ironically are also staying at the Albergo del Senato--

ekscrunchy

I saw that bit about the pecorino potatoes! That is one of the dishes I did NOT try.

I could not find a recipe for those,but did find this one from Chef Michael White; looks worth trying.


http://nymag.com/listings/recipe/spaghetti-con-ceci/

ekscrunchy

When looking online for a recipe, I came across this one which shares some similarity of technique with the sformato we loved at Trattoria Monti discussed above.



http://www.italianchef.com/sformato.html

csabia

bookmarking

lbrawer

lbrawer on Jul 30, 09 at 02:35 PM
This is a re-post of an earlier comment in a different question-- any help would be appreciated!
All my must-do's eating wise appear to be closed in August (La Matricianella, Armando al Pantheon, Da Baffetto, Trattoria Monti, Felice e Testaccio and so many more!) However there appear to be quite a few good options left-- (Perluigi, Giggetto, Ditirambo, Dar Poeta, Antico Arco etc etc to name just a few).Note: NOT COMPLAINING-- am thrilled to be in Italy for our first trip WHENEVER!

I'm really stuck on the first night-- we are staying at Albergo del Senato and will arrive from Florence probably early afternoon. I was counting on a few hours walking around the Piazza Navonna and environs, a few gelati and then more simple dinner at Armando. So I'm just a bit confused--I had counted on staying in the neighborhood but am not coming up with any great options. Someone on Chowhound recommended L'Angoletto, there is Cul-de-Sac and I know several people have commented on Cafe St. Eustachio.
I should also mention that we'll be with two teenage sons who would likely be thrilled with pizza.
So-- any ideas would be most welcome- an option is to hike to Ai Marmi and just do the pizza. AM also really interested in Hosteria Romano which was just written up in the NY Times as well as Tratorria Da Gino which received raves on a few blogs.
Finally, is anyone familiar with Ristorante Santa Lucia in the Piazza Navona area? It was written up as a great find, and open for dinner on Sunday.
Thank you everyone for reading this long winded message.

ekscrunchy

LB: Do you mean the SlowFood Dal Cavalier Gino? This is a very traditional, cash only place within a walk of the hotel. But my guide has it closed in August. I am thumbing through a few notes and I am surprised at how many places close during this month.

I don't know Santa Lucia.

DO NOT DESPAIR. You will be able to eat well, it just takes more planning, and perhaps either a longer walk or a taxi ride at dinnertime.

What about sending an e-mail to the hotel, if you have not already done so, and asking for a few hints about nearby places that will be open during your stay. Then we can debate their merits.

ekscrunchy

Some ideas here?


http://rwapplewannabe.wordpress.com/...ust-2006-rome/

lbrawer

Despairing but just a little. Yes, that's the one-- I have seen it called by both names-- I "thought" I had read that it was open but that may have been wishful thinking. Will check the link you sent.

Have not yet asked Albergo del Senato for ideas yet-- they told me a few weeks ago to send them my wish list but since then I shortened it considerably! I will try that tactic now--