We will be in Rome for 2 nights in late Sept. I can either use points and stay at the Hilton in Rome (Waldorf) or try Priceline and likely get the Intercontinental for around $180USD

I know I already asked this inside another posting, but I thought I would ask on its own one last time before I book.

We will be taking the train to Venice, are they both somewhat close to the station?

What about coming from the airport to these hotels, how much for a cab? Is there a better way then using a cab?

If you can stay at the Cavalieri Hilton for basically free, I'd stay there. True, it's a bit out of the center, but you can use the hotel shuttle. The Intercontinental is better located by the Spanish Steps, but is certainly not in the same class as the Hilton.

Ciao!

I've stayed at both hotels many times over the years using points at each. I was a Royal Ambassador Platinum Priority Club member and also a Diamond VIP HHonors member - too many years of life on the road.

As mentioned, the Cavalieri is "lights out" the far mroe beautiful hotel. It sits on a hill on 10 acres of landscaped property overlooking Rome. It has EVERYTHING you need including an incredible restaurant. Always ask for a room FACING Rome, as the other side of the hotel faces a huge radio tower and apartment complexes - not too pretty. As a Diamond, I was upgraded to the two executive floors and had free access to the Executive Club. NOW that it's a Waldorf, privileges have changed. I believe they built a Hhonors "room" down on the ground floor and it's nothing like the "club" on the 7th floor. I'd check into that if you're looking for upgrades.

It's a magnificent hotel, but the downside is the ride into town. The shuttle is almost hourly, but stops early in the evening (9 pm??) so you almost have to plan on taking a taxi back. There are buses (913, 990, etc.) but then you have to walk up a huge hill through apt. complexes - don't advise that late at night.

Conversely, the Intercontinental De La Ville is the exact opposite. Rigth downtown, smaller, older, less features.... but very convenient for walking in Rome and back home after a late night. So it depends on what type of visit you want - a "retreat" at the Waldorf, or a "downtown" experience at the De La Ville. We probably stayed more at the Intercontinental due to convenience but the Cavalieri was the FINEST Hilton we ever stayed in.... and we've stayed in 50-60 high end Hiltons and Conrads... it pays to have points! Good Luck in your decision!

As above, the Hilton Cavalieri changed to a Waldorf & in late May they dropped all access to the 7th floor lounge for Diamond members. We checked in one day late. Now they have the main floor lounge the Coliseo which opens at 11 am so you are SOL on free breakfast. Only drinks & light snacks now. All HH members I talked to were housed on the TV tower side without the spectacular view. The restaurant prices are obscene. 28€ for a hamburger. 46€ for veal saltimbocca. 12€ for French fries. 16€ for a lounge bed at the pool too. Taxis will cost 10 - 15€ into the city. The consierge has a map with a few - very few - local restaurants that you can walk to.

Rooms were great - typical Hilton.

Ian

Thanks a lot for the valuable information. I am a Gold member, however if they took out all the perks and you don't get the view, then I guess the experience won't be as special...

What about proximity to train station/airport and approx taxi fares

For FCO to Hilton, we booked romecabs.com at a flatrate cost of 45€. Great driver & a comfortable Benz. On our previous trip to Roma we used the train + cab. Luggage on the train was a royal pain & it is a long walk to the taxi stand in Termini. That's why we used a private shuttle this time.

Ian

I would not stay at the Hilton personally. I have been to Rome over a dozen times and have stayed in a variety of locations but all were central.

I think being in the center makes Rome a far more enjoyable experience. Having to plan to use the shuttle would make it a hassle IMO and limit your possibilities.

I would use the IC as visiting Rome is not so much about having a fabulous hotel but experiencing a fabulous city.

Alright, I tried priceline all the way up to $195 US and still no luck...I guess it's a bit early.

The Hilton has a special....$200EUR taxes included with advance payment......it seems like a good deal for the cavalieri....or is there better options at $200EUR range

In Sept. 2009 we stayed at Hilton using points. Although it is an upscale hotel I would never stay there again~free or not. We stayed at Del Senato in 2006 and loved being in the historic district.

We usually start early in the morning sightseeing, eat lunch, sightsee some more, and then return to hotel for a bit to freshen up before dinner. It was a big hassle catching shuttle to hotel in the late afternoon to return to hotel, and then going out to dinner. The shuttle stops around 8:00 or 9:00 so then we would have to catch a taxi.

The hotel is not anywhere close to center of Rome and you lose the ambiance and excitement especially at night. I love walking in Rome after dark rather having to catch a shuttle or taxi.

how much was the taxis (approx)

I think about 10-15 euros. The problem was sometimes finding a taxi at night.

Stay at Intercontinental. You have to pay for everything at the Hilton-even the pool.

I would stay in Rome center...The fun of eing in Rome or in a different city is being able to take a leisure walk after dinner and really feel the beauty of the city.

When you stay outsite the city you are just a commuter that come in the morning and leave in the evening..Without counting that the traffic is very.

Of course this is my opinion..but when I travel to a different place I always make certain to find an accomodation in the center close to the major sights.

--- the fun of Being---

I'll keep trying for the intercontinental and hope for the best

The ONLY reason we stayed in the Hilton is that it was free. I am sure the posters who say otherwise would also stay there if it was $0 per night for them too. We saved 800€ (at the 200€ per night special price) & that paid for a whole lot of taxis AND our flight to Sicily.

And the isolation was actually a relief from the mania. No motorcycles. No sirens. It was an oasis. But I wouldn't pay for it . . .

Ian

If the hotel is free than is a different matter..

well I'm not sure if I would call 180,000 points for 3 nights free.....as I could use up those points for a full week at a nice hilton in hawaii (they have a deal of 7 nights for 175,000 points)

I'll keep trying priceline for a few weeks and if I don't get it under $200, then I'll go with the hilton

I too would opt to stay more central and agree that NO points, either hotel or airline are "free" given the fact that you paid plenty to get them.

"well I'm not sure if I would call 180,000 points for 3 nights free"

I agree! I have quite a few hotel points but use them very judiciously as they are not easy to earn. And I make the decision to use them only if they offer a hotel in the area I want to stay. A trip to Europe IMO is too important and expensive to base a decision on points and free rooms. I would stay at a lesser property and choose to be in the center.

I'm really not lucky with priceline...on the message boards,I see people getting it for 156, 176, etc...I tried all the way up to $200....it comes back with a counter offer of 329 US.....which seems like a lot when the Hilton is $200 EU taxes in....... Is there another popular alternative in the $150 to $200 EU range?

Right now I'm leaning towards paying the $200 per night....enjoying the perks of gold membership and earnings points on my $600EUR....(3 nights)....if the only real downside is that I have to take a cab, well I guess I'll cab it......I was so sure I would get the intercontinental on priceline....I guess I can keep trying, but then I might lose the $200 EU special at hilton...what to do wht to do