Aurora, Tivoli

Reasons for choosing this hotel:

We chose this hotel for the first couple of nights of a two week self-drive tour in July 07 based on it's proximity to Rome and the fact that the area is rich in history - fabulous Villas built as it was one of the most popular destinations of Roman emperors due to the sulphur springs and spa waters which are still thought to be of the highest quality.

Directions:

Tivoli ...
...accessible from both Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Join the Rome Ring Road and exit at Junction 13 (head towards Tivoli), the hotel is approximately 10km from this junction. The hotel is also easily reached from the centre of Rome by public transport - the railway station Bagni di Tivoli is 1km away and the bus-stop on the main Rome-Tivoli line is 300m from the hotel.

Hotel Details:

The hotel itself is on a quiet ... more

Reasons for choosing this hotel:

We chose this hotel for the first couple of nights of a two week self-drive tour in July 07 based on it's proximity to Rome and the fact that the area is rich in history - fabulous Villas built as it was one of the most popular destinations of Roman emperors due to the sulphur springs and spa waters which are still thought to be of the highest quality.

Directions:

Tivoli is to the North East of Rome and is easily accessible from both Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Join the Rome Ring Road and exit at Junction 13 (head towards Tivoli), the hotel is approximately 10km from this junction. The hotel is also easily reached from the centre of Rome by public transport - the railway station Bagni di Tivoli is 1km away and the bus-stop on the main Rome-Tivoli line is 300m from the hotel.

Hotel Details:

The hotel itself is on a quiet residential street which runs parallel to the main road and has secure parking in a little courtyard for a few cars. The building is fairly new and you can also park outside the hotel to check-in - there are steps and a ramp at the front of the hotel which lead to reception which is very neat and clean, with a small manned reception desk and a lovely old juke box. The lift is also here and just off the reception area is a TV room with a bar. Check in is 2pm and check out 11am.

We had booked a double room (including breakfast) at 80 Euros per night. Our room was very well decorated with a modern new bathroom and fantastic shower (one of those all over, lots of different jet jobs), hairdryer and toiletries. Our room didn't, but some rooms have baths so it would be worth specifying your preference when booking. The bed was very comfortable (firm but not hard) and there was satellite tv, mini bar and a safe in the large wardrobe. There was also a desk/dressing table in the room and bedside tables.

Our room was on the left side of the hotel as you face the front and there was a building being erected next door on that side. However, there wasn't any work going on while we were there.

Breakfast is served between 6.30 and 10.00 am in a dedicated room in the basement which is very clean and well stocked. It may be that we were late both mornings, but we didn't see any staff or other guests! It was standard continental fare - pastries, cereals, cold meats, cheese, boiled eggs, fruit, yoghurt, juice, coffee etc. The food was all good but the pastries were excellent.

There is no restaurant in the hotel but there are very nice staff who were happy to advise on restaurants in the surrounding area and give you a card for a discount! We went to Gallo, a large restaurant on Via Pascarella, which is approximately a ten minute walk away, and had a fantastic evening. They brew their own beer - Turbacci - to various recipes and strengths. I don't know much about beer but the varieties appear to be white, red, black and lager - I tried the white and it was very nice.

Things to do in the area:

The hotel has a tie-in with the local spa - Terme di Roma which has spas, sauna, treatments etc

Villa Adriana - 10 Euro per person - this was Hadrian's villa and although not much of it remains standing, it is still a very interesting site which covers a huge area. There is a large car park (cost approx 2 Euro) small snack bar and shop at the entrance and a restaurant opposite.

Villa D'Este - 9 Euro per person - in the centre of Tivoli this was originally a convent but remodelled in 1500s. I didn't find the villa itself very interesting but the gardens are absolutely fantastic with steep terraces and amazing fountains, some of which are set to music.

Villa Gregoriana (not visited) - this is on the other side of Tivoli and is set in a wooded valley.

Overall

Having stayed in numerous 3 star hotels in Italy and seen the wide variation, this is definitely one of the better ones and I would definitely recommend it for a short stay as there may not be enough in the area to keep you entertained for a longer stay. 

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