Should I be having second thoughts of our hotel in Rome?
Apr 16th, 2007, 11:48 PM
#21
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Echoing other posters, E200 does seem a lot for the area, unless there is something special about the hotel.
Around Termini is not an area I particularly like as it's not that convenient for the sights compared to the historic centre, and I do think it's a bit seedy (and yes, girlspytravel, I have been there recently). But that's not to say you shouldn't stay there - just that there are far nicer neighbourhoods and for E200 per night you could stay in one.
Around Termini is not an area I particularly like as it's not that convenient for the sights compared to the historic centre, and I do think it's a bit seedy (and yes, girlspytravel, I have been there recently). But that's not to say you shouldn't stay there - just that there are far nicer neighbourhoods and for E200 per night you could stay in one.
Apr 17th, 2007, 12:13 AM
#22
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Well with only two weeks to go it might not be so easy to rebook - esp. to some of the "favorites" on this board. Go to www.tripadvisor.com for more reviews of your hotel. Then if you really want to try to change you can go to www.venere.com and put in your dates and see what is available. Hotels in Rome are pricey. There is alot of convenience in staying in the Termini area - have stayed in that area twice. Easy to get cabs there or take the buses - just be vigilant about your purse or however you carry your money when on the buses - I have seen pickpocketing going ons several times.
Apr 17th, 2007, 02:48 AM
#23
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Looked at the hotel site. Their rack rate for a double room is E209. I guess that is what you are paying. You may have got it cheaper booking through a discounter but the hotel itself looks v. nice.
Apr 17th, 2007, 02:59 AM
#24
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I would follow suggestions others have given for trying to find a hotel located in a more central interesting neighborhood. But I would not panic if you can't find anything. I am sure you will be ok at the Ambra Palace near the Termini.
Apr 17th, 2007, 03:27 AM
#25
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It's not the greatest of areas but it's fine. I've stayed around there twice out of my many visits to Rome - it wouldn't be my first choice but I'd consider it if I couldn't find anywhere better, or if someone else had booked it, or whatever (my last stay round there was on a rugby trip !).
In my experience you won't be getting trains/the underground much, though, as they don't go to many places you'd want to go and couldn't walk just as easily. It's worth getting a bus to the Vatican, though.
In my experience you won't be getting trains/the underground much, though, as they don't go to many places you'd want to go and couldn't walk just as easily. It's worth getting a bus to the Vatican, though.
Apr 17th, 2007, 04:28 AM
#26
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Samantha, I agree with many others - it is not the greatest location, but it will not be the end of the world. Central Rome is very walkable, you are just going to be at one end of the walkable part instead of in the middle. But since you still have two weeks left and it is not yet high season, why not check some of the more centrally located hotels that come highly recommended on this board and Trip Advisor? Perhaps you can find a last-minute deal. Obviously you don't want to cancel your reservation unless/until you find something else.
As just ONE of many possibilities in your price range, I booked the Residenza di Canali for 185 Euro in mid-June:
www.residenzacanali.com
Some others I looked at:
www.albergosantachiara.com
www.albergocesari.it
Regarding public transit - it is not like Paris; there are only two subway lines. Most people walk or take the bus. If you get a hotel near the Pantheon or Campo de Fiori you can walk pretty much everywhere in the Centro Storico in 30 minutes or less.
As just ONE of many possibilities in your price range, I booked the Residenza di Canali for 185 Euro in mid-June:
www.residenzacanali.com
Some others I looked at:
www.albergosantachiara.com
www.albergocesari.it
Regarding public transit - it is not like Paris; there are only two subway lines. Most people walk or take the bus. If you get a hotel near the Pantheon or Campo de Fiori you can walk pretty much everywhere in the Centro Storico in 30 minutes or less.
Apr 18th, 2007, 07:09 AM
#27
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Last October we stayed at The Hotel San Carlo, a few blocks away from the Spanish Step. We thought that the location and the accommodations were great. We plan on staying there again in October 2008.
Apr 18th, 2007, 08:17 AM
#28
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Again, there are parts of Termini (specifically towards Esquilino/SMM) that are absolutely lovely, not seedy, and a 5 minute walk from the OP's hotel. If you don't know that area, maybe you ought to get to know it before pronouncing judgment that all of Termini is "seedy" and rundown-and as far as well located and accessible-at SMM you can pick up the hop on/off buses, there's a taxi stand, there are 4 intenet points on Via Cavour, great little local trattoria, and I can walk to the Colisseum, Forii Imperiali in 5 minutes, and jump on a bus or walk to Piazza Navona, if I'm so inclined-it could not be more convenient-because the bus connections are right there.
Not everyone wants to be located in the tourist mass in the historical center-swimming through the "crowd baths" as they call it in Italian to the historical sites. In fact, the area around Esquilino is so quiet at night that I thought everyone was on vacation, but it was September-beautiful area-with all these ancient little monuments, that you don't read about in the guidebooks.
Not everyone wants to be located in the tourist mass in the historical center-swimming through the "crowd baths" as they call it in Italian to the historical sites. In fact, the area around Esquilino is so quiet at night that I thought everyone was on vacation, but it was September-beautiful area-with all these ancient little monuments, that you don't read about in the guidebooks.
Apr 18th, 2007, 08:29 AM
#29
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Sammygrll- I second tedgale on contacting sleepinitaly.com they have far better choices at a more reasonable price than the 200 EURO you will be paying. I paid 83 EURO's a night for a lovely B&B in Trastevere a month ago...
Apr 18th, 2007, 08:30 AM
#30
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To agree with Hausfrau and clarify: I stated the OPs hotel was not in the most attractive or convenient part of Rome for the itinerary she has planned. This is true. Termini may have improved, but at 200 euro/night especially, it is not the best choice for their itinerary or length of stay. Why tack on an extra 15-20 minute walk through an area of (at best) limited interest and charm that offers nothing on the OPs itinerary each and every time they must come and go from their hotel to see the things that ARE in their plans? Or rely on a cab (never plentiful enough) when Rome is fabulous on foot? The journey to each 'must-see' is as enjoyable as the actual destination and you miss so much from a vehicle.
A more central location as noted would allow them to get the most out of their stay as they can reach the far edges of the old city with never more than a 30-minute stroll and everything else would be mere minutes from their door. This provides the pleasureable opportunity to grow familiar with famous landmarks and appreciate them in the changing light because they aren't something you have to "get to" just once to see...when living centrally you naturally pass many of them every day on your way to other things and when you can conveniently pop back 'home' to freshen up or take a break.
OP stated this trip "meant everything" to her and her husband so it would be remiss not to suggest what her agent should have known in the first place and the rest know from experience.
A more central location as noted would allow them to get the most out of their stay as they can reach the far edges of the old city with never more than a 30-minute stroll and everything else would be mere minutes from their door. This provides the pleasureable opportunity to grow familiar with famous landmarks and appreciate them in the changing light because they aren't something you have to "get to" just once to see...when living centrally you naturally pass many of them every day on your way to other things and when you can conveniently pop back 'home' to freshen up or take a break.
OP stated this trip "meant everything" to her and her husband so it would be remiss not to suggest what her agent should have known in the first place and the rest know from experience.
Apr 18th, 2007, 10:59 AM
#33
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I just got back from Rome about two weeks ago and I stayed at the Ambra Palace. The rooms are gorgeous and we fully enjoyed our stay there. Our favorite was the TV - it was the only place in Italy we could get Fox News!! 
The district is not so much 'seedy' as just different.. It's the Indian district, so there are lots of Indian shops and restaurants in that area. It is a little low income but there aren't homeless people or shady characters lurking around or anything like that. I felt safe walking in the area with friends, but I wouldn't do it alone. It definitely isn't close to anything, but we walked to the Coloseum and the Forum from our hotel and it didn't feel like a terribly long walk. I would keep your reservation - it's not that bad!
The district is not so much 'seedy' as just different.. It's the Indian district, so there are lots of Indian shops and restaurants in that area. It is a little low income but there aren't homeless people or shady characters lurking around or anything like that. I felt safe walking in the area with friends, but I wouldn't do it alone. It definitely isn't close to anything, but we walked to the Coloseum and the Forum from our hotel and it didn't feel like a terribly long walk. I would keep your reservation - it's not that bad!
Apr 18th, 2007, 01:35 PM
#35
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I think you shouldn't be too worried about it, worst thing is that you might have to change hotels. Take a look at http://www.eurobookings.com/hotel-guide if you need extra information about hotels. Is a good resource.
Apr 18th, 2007, 06:41 PM
#39
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It's been a few years since I was in Rome, and prices are high. But to me, it's not just about the neighborhood, but how close you are to the sights, and the Termini isn't it.
I'm in agreement with others here who think you can do better on location for $200/night.
Also: One thing I learned in my travels is that just because the name "Palace" is in the hotel name -- doesn't mean it is one.
Jules
I'm in agreement with others here who think you can do better on location for $200/night.
Also: One thing I learned in my travels is that just because the name "Palace" is in the hotel name -- doesn't mean it is one.
Jules
