As to what to see and do in Rome, I’d concentrate on three main areas: the Colosseum district; the Vatican; and the historic center. My other tip is to try to fly into and out of different cities. I have not heard of Playa hotel but both Electra and Grande Bretagne are excellent. That said, the Termini area is not as bad as it’s often made out to be and it has some very decent hotels and pensioni. Thank you much. Myconian Ambassador Any suggestions would help. We also have a walking tour planned on our one full day. Some of the larger metro stations also have staffed ticket offices. Courtesy of Hotel Eden, Credit: 4) To be honest, none are perfectly located for restaurants but of the three I’d go for the Eden. Yes, that’s too much for 10 days. Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Also, any recommendations on activities to do at each location would be great! Andronis is a little closer to the center (the entrance to the hotel is often very crowded with tourists but once you enter the property the crowds are left behind). Once the haunt of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, this graffiti-clad area was a non-descript suburb until the hipsters moved in and transformed it into a happening nightlife zone. Both the Hotel De Russie (No. We have a walking tour planned on our one full day. For Rome tours, the Roman Guy is an excellent outfit offering a range of group and private tours. You’ll also find fashionable foodie outposts such as Porto Fluviale, a vintage-style restaurant and bar complex. On the northern fringes of the historic center, Okapi Rooms is a decent bet. The neoclassical Majestic is a stunning hotel on broad, tree-lined Via Vittorio Veneto. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 7045 0615 And what highlights should we hit while in Rome? It’s situated on Via dei Condotti, Rome’s premier shopping strip, and is within easy walking distance of many top sights and restaurants. Some of the city’s top clubs are here, set in abandoned factories and warehouses, and a large student population ensures there’s always a buzz. There are excellent hotels all over, and staying in a less touristy neighbourborhood will give you the chance to see a more authentic side of the city. There’s a set rate into the center of town (€48) which covers up to four passengers including luggage. The 20 best boutique hotels in Rome. Would you recommend basing ourselves in Rome and doing a day trip to Florence, or basing ourselves in Florence and doing a day trip to Rome? Both are spectacular stretches of coastline. There’s a wide selection of hotels and it’s well served by public transport – it’s just three metro stops from Ottaviano (the station for St Peter’s Basilica) to the Spanish Steps. For a place to stay, the Hotel Bramante is a lovely three-star near the Vatican walls. If you plan on shopping, the summer sales generally start on the first Saturday of the month. A little way out of the center, this is a large five-star on the edge of Villa Borghese park. Built in 1889, it’s close enough to the heart of the city, but its perch on a hill shelters guests from the immediate bustle. Just make sure to get an official white taxi. We’re open to anything, and really just looking for something great. We have 3 nights in Rome, should we stay near the Vatican? It’s easy to get to – most buses that pass through the center stop in the Largo – and within walking distance of pretty much everywhere. Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! After stocking your closet at our Rome Marriott hotels, taste some of Rome's delicious cuisine. What are the top day trips near Rome that you would recommend to a first time visitor? • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 6478 1859 3. The one you want is the Sita Sud 5080 service which departs from Via Depretis near the port. Rome4.us made a list of top 5 star hotels according to rates from booking.com and our clients’ reviews. Single tickets cover one metro trip and then as many bus or tram journeys as you want within the 100-minute time limit. If you enjoy your food, the nearby Prati neighbourhood boasts some wonderful restaurants and cafes. Great hotels. Athens: Restaurant. But the best hotel in Rome — the one that seems to be locked in the hearts of T+L readers — is J.K. Place Roma, a returning champion for the third year in a row. Best Hotels in the Historic Center and Jewish Quarter, Best Hotels in Tridente and Trevi Fountain Area, Best Hotels in Villa Borghese, Barberini and the Quirinale, Plenty of agencies organize trips from Rome to Pompeii, good explanation here about the Rome to Pompeii train. Free Wifi. Neighborhood is fine but not like staying near Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain, though those sights are within walking distance. Overlooking the site, a large 1st-century pyramid makes for an unusual landmark in the midst of the traffic. Trying to decide between the Inn at the Roman Forum or the Hotel Raphael. Another Rome hotel with a great location is the Hotel Campo de’ Fiori. See the full list: Rome Spa Resorts. For proof, take a stroll from your hotel in Rome to the Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon and dozens of other historic sites. Plenty of agencies organize trips from Rome to Pompeii. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Every element of the stay feels carefully considered, from the discreet check-in experience in the living room to the elegant décor in the bedrooms, many of which have four-poster rosewood beds, dark wood panelling, and bathrooms accented with marble. Once you’ve checked out these awe-inspiring sights, head down to Monti, a cool enclave sandwiched between Via Cavour and Via Nazionale. We land at the Rome international airport at 3pm. Melissa. Things can get pretty hectic, though, especially on hot summer nights when the festive atmosphere lasts well into the small hours. 4) Would love to be close to good restaurants. And there is also Cerveteri. 2. Near the Colosseum, the Hotel Lancelot is a friendly family-run three-star on a quiet street. It sits at the very top of the Spanish Steps. Hi, my husband and I will be doing a walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast, and we have to get from Rome to a village called Bomerano. Rome is known for its cathedral, historical sites, and monuments. But the best hotel in Rome — the one that seems to be locked in the hearts of T+L readers — is J.K. Place Roma, a returning champion for the third year in a row. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. We are in Rome for 5 days and staying at a hotel near the train station. Buses are generally better for the main historic center. Common areas are filled with murals and sculptures by contemporary local and international artists. I use some of these earnings for my monthly charitable donation. Entering the neighborhood from Viale di Trastevere, Via Lungaretta leads down to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the charming main square and a popular hangout. U.S. News & World Report ranks the best hotels in Rome based on an analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings and user ratings. My wife and I have 4 nights in Rome and we’re staying at the St Regis. Hi again! It’s an impressive sight and tradition holds that if you throw a coin into the fountain you’re sure to return to the Eternal City. Consider booking tickets to big sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums (for the Sistine Chapel,) and make sure to bring caps/sun hats as many of the ancient sites have very little shade. Other sights in the area include Spanish Steps. Unlike many more central hotels, it has an excellent swimming pool, as well as high class spa facilities. Our plan is to start or finish in Paris and Rome with an extended stay with family in Poland in the middle. Three suggestions for hotels. Best Hotels in Central Rome: Definitions can vary, but all the best hotels listed below have (what I consider) a central Rome location. Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. There are also a few excellent museums in the vicinity but most of Rome’s main sights are a metro/bus ride away. – Do you think this is a good choice for honeymooners? From Piazza di Spagna, it’s about a 15-minute walk down to the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s largest and most extravagant fountain. Rome: There are plenty of decent hotels and the area is well connected with the rest of Rome. 1) What restaurants would you recommend in Rome for outside dining with good to great food? The highlight is Villa d’Este, a Renaissance villa with magnificent landscaped gardens and extravagant fountains. On the monumental approach road to the Vatican, this four-star is just a stone’s throw from St Peter’s Basilica. Would really appreciate your views or other suggestions. Rooms, suites, and apartments are arranged around a lovely courtyard with olive and orange trees; suites add jacuzzi baths. Lots of shops just out the door. The critical time to avoid is between about 10am and 11am when the tour buses arrive and long queues form at the ticket office. What area of Rome would you recommend for great food and restaurants? Barberini metro station is a short walk away. Cosmopolitan is in Fira and great if you want to be in the center of the action. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 982634 For a more relaxed drink, search out Sant’Eustachio, a cafe that serves some of the best coffee in town, or Barnum Cafe, a favorite of mine which does great cocktails. An elegant district of straight avenues and upmarket residential blocks, Prati has some great shopping on and around Via Cola di Rienzo, as well as a vast number of restaurants, trattorias and takeaways. One of these is Alexanderplatz, Rome’s most famous jazz club, where big-name Italian and international musicians regularly perform. Again, you’ll find a great choice of restaurants and trattorias on your doorstep and plenty going on in the area. 2) Rome will be busy in June, and hot. Inside, it’s similarly striking with a collection of Picasso ceramics in the lobby, a floor of minimalist Richard Meier designed rooms, and a spectacular rooftop restaurant. An opulent five star housed in a 19th-century palazzo near Piazza della Repubblica. Mystique is on the far footpath in Oia, meaning it’s quieter than the others but you also need to walk on a busy road for 2 minutes to get to the main walkway into Oia. Pretty views and general relaxed trip would be great. The #1 Best Value of 7,691 places to stay in Rome. This is one of Rome’s best art museums and it’s well worth the hassle of having to pre-book your ticket. If we want to go 5 nights to Italy, would you stay 3 nights in Rome and 2 in Florence or 4 nights in Rome and 1 Florence. From Villa Borghese, Via Vittorio Veneto snakes down the hill back towards the center. Thank you. The area’s upmarket streets are awash with designer boutiques and flagship stores selling everything from top of the range homeware to killer heels and diamond-encrusted watches. We have 3 full days to split between Rome and Florence. Priority will be to go to Vatican City. For somewhere more down to earth, try Da Francesco, a popular trattoria-pizzeria in the atmospheric streets west of Piazza Navona. Housed in an attractive Liberty-style villa dating to 1905, it has beautifully fashioned interiors and even a small outdoor pool and bar. We have 5 full days in Rome in May. It has a popular butler service and a wonderful in-house spa. As one reader said, “beautiful hotel and rooms, and amazing service, food, and staff, but the location is truly the star. The Amalfi Coast is longer and its various small towns are linked by road. Its public rooms are glamorous, particularly the glass-ceilinged Art Deco lobby, whilst guest rooms reveal a sober, restrained look. If you’re going in summer, you’ll also need to consider the heat. Can they have a little wine with dinner when we’re out in public? July is high season in Rome and the city is busy. The train from Rome to Naples seems straightforward, but after that it becomes a bit tricky. Hi Dave. Adjoining the Basilica is the Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano, the seat of the pope’s official residence and the Vatican Museums. We are deciding between the following hotels. In fact, pop into almost any church around here and you’ll come across a masterpiece or two. 3) We’d love to have fantastic pizza. There are any number of bars, pizzerias and restaurants to choose from, including the Michelin-starred Glass Hostaria. Neighbourhoods you’re likely to be looking at will be fine. Consider overnighting at Sperlonga as it takes some effort to get to (try the Hotel Corallo in the historic centre). For centuries the area was home to Rome’s main slaughterhouse and many of the city’s signature dishes were developed by cooks using cheap off-cuts from the butchered carcasses. You’ll also have no problem with museums and tours, as it’s business as usual for the city’s tourist sites. Offers may be subject to change without notice. We’ll be in Rome in early June for a weekend and then move to Naples before flying back to London. Thanks! Rooms feature elaborate stucco work, statues, and potted plants. #2 Best Value of 7,691 places to stay in Rome. In ancient times, Monti was Rome’s red-light district but it’s far from seedy these days. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 45661 If you want to be in the heart of the action – and that would be my choice – go for Palazzo Navona. There’s also plenty to see in Florence but it’s a more compact city and distances are smaller. The Historic Heart of Rome. Hotel website. Rooms are modern and understated, there’s a beautiful garden bar, and the hotel’s spa is one of the best in Rome. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 6938 0742 Hotel Welrome is an excellent family-run budget hotel near Termini. The Hotel Alimandi Vaticano offers four-star comfort and a prime location opposite the Vatican Museums. To the east of Rome, Tivoli is a classic day trip destination. Rome is a safe city. Find hotels and other accommodations near Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and book today. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Housed in a historic, centuries-old palazzo, it’s a friendly place with elegant décor. Are there any good hotels near or in the Rome (Fiumicino) airport? We are in our late 30s and though we have both been to Italy before we have not spent any significant time in Rome. Recommended stay: 3 to 5 full days. A pet-friendly hotel, dogs are welcomed with their own beds and food and water bowls. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 674 9701 Hotel Pensione Barrett is a popular, family-run pension on Largo di Torre Argentina, a busy square about halfway between the Pantheon and the Ghetto. I’m looking for very inexpensive, clean, and comfortable. Pompeii is busiest on the weekend, so try to avoid visiting on a Saturday and Sunday. Cancel free on most hotels. As well as old-school luxury and all the five-star trappings, it boasts a spectacular location at the top of the Spanish Steps, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo. Rome’s Jewish community is one of Europe’s oldest and over the centuries it has developed its own characteristic style of cooking known as cucina abraico romana. Hotel Artemide. It’s truly one of the highlights of Europe. The forums and Colosseum are an easy walk away. It gets extremely hot at Pompeii, particularly in the early afternoon, and there’s very little shade on site. The easiest way to your hotel would be by taxi. Book 10 nights get 1 free* & some Rome hotels can Stay Now & Pay Later! On our 2-day Rome itinerary, you will walk right through historic Rome. Compare 6,405 hotels in Rome using 222413 real guest reviews. To taste classic Roman pizza try Pizzeria da Remo, a busy, no-frills pizzeria in the Testaccio neighbourhood. So a good location for dining is important. On line B, Colosseo serves the Colosseum. A little off the tourist radar, Testaccio and environs are well worth exploring. Any recommendations? Location is great for access to Termini Station, the area is a bit more typical of the real experience of Rome yet as Rome is a walking city it is still within in reach of all attractions. Students and trend-conscious drinkers meet at popular bars such as Fafiuché and Ai Tre Scalini, whilst tourists and in-the-know diners flock to the many excellent restaurants. Required fields are marked *, Newsletter – Get all new and updated articles. Are there any subway tickets for saving money? Free Wifi. This is a stylish boutique hotel with imaginatively designed rooms just off Campo de’ Fiori, one of the liveliest squares in the historic center. It’s also conveniently situated near Termini train station and Repubblica metro stop. Do subway tickets work on buses or do you need a new ticket? Best Rome Hotels on Tripadvisor: Find 57,593 traveller reviews, 32,385 candid photos, and prices for hotels in Rome, Italy. Can you please, please, please reply to this comment? Loads of bars and restaurants nearby. It’s a picture of classic elegance with antique furniture, polished wood and traditionally furnished rooms. The metro is useful for some of the main sights. Boutique Hotels in Rome: Find 44786 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Design Hotels in Rome on Tripadvisor. Breakfast is excellent and the location is within a short walk of Rome’s best-loved sights. Enjoy one of the city's finest stays with our guide to the best hotels in Rome, from boutique hostels to luxury lodgings in a historic convent For somewhere to stay, the four-star Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli is an atmospheric oasis housed in a converted 17th-century convent. Free Wifi. 5) is still a beacon of luxury at 126 years old. 3) On the Rome vs Naples pizza question, it’s really a matter of taste: Roman pizzas have a thin, crispy base, whilst in Naples, the base is taller and chewier, more deep-pan in style. Canaves and Andronis are in Oia which is a little quieter (though very busy before and after the sunset) and has very little nightlife. Up top, a terrace offers unforgettable rooftop views. Mykonos: Four questions: Getting to the Leonardo da Vinci airport early is not impossible. Looking for a boutique hotel that is a short walk away from restaurants and lively squares. It’s near everything that matters in Rome.” The same could be said for the family-owned Hotel Hassler, a grand dame that opened in 1893. Uphill from Testaccio, the Aventine is a much sought-after residential district that boasts one of Rome’s great curiosities – a perfectly framed view of St Peter’s dome through the keyhole of the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta. 3. Could you recommend 1 or 2 hotels that are smack in the middle of a lively area with multiple restaurants? This tree-lined boulevard was the epicenter of Rome’s dolce vita in the late 1950s and early 60s. As one of the countries hit first and hardest by the coronavirus, Italy has exercised caution as it gradually resumes activity after lockdown. We have only 2 nights in Rome and really want to make the most of them. Which has more to see for the average tourist? Trastevere would be wonderful for a honeymoon. We’d like to stay in quirky, lively kind of neighborhood with easy access/ walking to the historical sights, good restaurants at night, café in morning. Generator Rome. My husband and I are doing a 14 day journey through Italy in late April. Visiting Rome in July, 4th visit for me but my brother’s first so I want him to really have a great time. Also, you absolutely have to book hotels well in advance but you can buy train tickets on your first day in each city (so, about 2 days in advance). It’s one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods and its cobbled lanes lend themselves to relaxed exploration. Nan. Another classic day trip is Tivoli. Hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Don’t need much frills, but I really want location and cleanliness. To maximize your time, go for somewhere in the historic center. Clubs and nightlife are nearby. In the heart of the district, Piazza di Spagna buzzes throughout the day as tourists mill around the square and footsore visitors rest on the Spanish Steps. No one will mind if you give your kids a drop of wine with dinner or take them to a cafe/bar in the afternoon. Outside, the manicured gardens are a lovely place to relax. I would like to go to Rome, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, and Capri. Lastly, any recommendations on how to get from place to place on our itinerary…plane or high speed boat? Is the subway useful for tourists and tourist attractions? Alternatively, Airport Shuttle does private door-to-door transfers for €13 per passenger. Just over the river from the Ghetto, the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood is always a great place to stay. For the onward journey, you’ll need to get a bus. Its magazine-worthy decor marries comfort with a contemporary design aesthetic, and its location is excellent, near the top shopping strip Via dei Condotti. We feel we might be too tired to venture too far from our hotel on our 2 nights. Your email address will not be published. A romantic retreat housed in two gracious apartments. We have a food tour planned one day, a walking tour another day, and a free day for the third. We have from June 8 – June 18. Are there good restaurants near the Vatican (or too touristy)? After you’ve covered the main sights, you’ve pretty much exhausted the Vatican. Restaurant-wise, there are plenty of tourist traps around the Vatican but the nearby Prati neighbourhood (around Via Cola di Rienzo on a map) has some great restaurants and cafes – try Sciascia Caffè for some of the best coffee in town. If you want to be in the heart of the action, go for the Hotel Raphael. Nearer to Rome, Ostia Antica is a much easier day trip. Overlooking Villa Borghese, Rome’s most famous park, it’s a bit further out from the main sights, but still within striking range of the center. Wherever you go in Rome you’ll come across reminders of the city’s ancient past. And if we were to take a day trip somewhere outside Rome, what would you suggest? I know Rome is pretty easy to get around but I also know that my husband and I invariably eat within about a 5 minute walk of our hotel. By public transport, take the train into Termini and then line A of the metro to Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo. To get to the Amalfi Coast you’d have to get a train from Naples or Salerno, and then an onward bus. Best Rome Hotels on Tripadvisor: Find 57 594 traveller reviews, 32,385 candid photos, and prices for hotels in Rome, Italy. We’ll be arriving at Rome Termini late at night (early May) from Naples. Overlooking the bus station on Piazza dei Cinquecento, the Museo Nazionale Romano: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of my favorite museums in Rome. And few places are as romantic as Ravello on a warm summer’s evening. In fact, more than dodgy areas the most intimidating thing is its chaotic traffic, which can make crossing the road a pretty adrenalin-charged experience. You’ll find loads of restaurants on its central strip, Via del Portico d’Ottavia. Pompeii is absolutely worth the effort – but it is a long day. What time do the trains start to the airport in the morning? But give it a chance and you’ll discover that it has some terrific museums and churches, as well as several cool eateries and bars. Save big on a wide range of Rome hotels! So we need a good inexpensive hotel near the station. Breakfast is always included and special half-board rates are offered for guests who have dinner at the hotel for 3 nights or more. For somewhere more relaxed, the Rome Marriott would be a good bet. Any preferences? Show Prices. Is it best to stay around there or somewhere like Termini? In Naples, Tuesday is not a great day, as two of the city’s must-see sites are closed: the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which has some spectacular works of classical art; and the Cappella Sansevero, an ornate baroque chapel with an extraordinary sculpture known as Cristo velato (Veiled Christ). – Are there any luxury hotels in Trastevere? What would be your top 3 hotels? Inside, the look is modern baroque with dripping chandeliers, bold colours, plenty of gold, and quirky contemporary touches. Foodies will love Testaccio. Hotel Artemide, Villa Spalletti Trivelli, and Hotel Lunetta have a spa and received excellent reviews from travellers in Rome. Show Prices. As one reader summed it up: “First-class service, stunning facilities, top-notch food, and a great central location.”, More information: dorchestercollection.com. Cancel free on most hotels. Enjoying a superb central location, the hotel’s traditional rooms are crowned by a panoramic rooftop terrace that’s perfect for early evening drinks. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. It depends what you mean by late August. There are glittering shops, fresh twirls of pasta and, of course, an endless supply of stylish places to bed down. Want to be able to walk out our door and find good food and good fun within no more than a five minute walk. Nearby, the Capitoline Hill is home to one of Rome’s top museums, and the mammoth white Vittoriano looms over Piazza Venezia. 2) Does one have a better location than others for seeing the sights? To get to Tivoli, take the bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station. Book your hotel in Rome and pay later with Expedia. The center of action is Piazza Madonna dei Monti, but there’s also plenty going on around Via Leonina and Via Urbana. Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora, Athens- On line A, use Ottaviano-San Pietro for the Vatican, Barberini for the Trevi Fountain and Spagna for the Spanish Steps. If not, which place should I take off my list? Single tickets cost €1.50 and are valid for 100 minutes from the time you first convalidate it (stick it into the yellow machine on buses or trams; into the gate barrier at metro stations). Thanks! Thanks J. For somewhere more traditional, the Hassler is one of Rome’s historic hotels. ), departing on a Mediterranean cruise on the 3rd day. A modern design hotel near Piazza Navona, it has pretty much everything on its doorstep – sights, restaurants, bars, shops – and the surrounding area is atmospheric and lively. A spectacular example is Palazzo Barberini, home to the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. (This is not only a shorter trip than Pompeii but also much less expensive as it doesn’t require taking an expensive Superfast train.). • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 4890 7934 You’d be fine staying near the Vatican. Rooms are individually styled but most come with parquet floors and traditional décor. Can you recommend a food tour on the best of Rome restaurants/food? 4. Granddaughter and girlfriend – both 16 yrs.