I went to Rome last October with my girlfriend. We booked online at www.onlinetravel.com and stayed at the Spanish managed 'Melia RomaAurelia Antica' hotel, a very modern 4 star establishment around 6-7 miles from Rome city centre. It cost us around £450 each for six nights b&b, return flight and taxi transfers. We definitely made an excellent choice. The fact that the hotel was located in a quiet, leafy suburban area made it naturally quiet and pleasantly isolated from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The regular free shuttle bus to the Vatican and city centre was a very useful bonus. The staff were polite and helpful, and the room spotlessly clean and spacious, as well as air-conditioned. Breakfast was superb: a buffet with huge choice, to suit every taste and appetite. Little need for lunch after this morning feast! During our six-night stay, we ate at the hotel twice in the evenings, and these were definitely the best (albeit not the cheapest) meals we had during our entire stay. The quality of the service was absolutely first class: a dedicated English-speaking waiter who gave us his full and sole attention during the entire meal! The food was very good as well, fully comparable to anything from the best London restaurants. A four-course meal for two,
with wine, set us back 82 Euros, but it was well worth it.
Having arrived in Rome on the Saturday evening, we were naturally very keen to start our exploring the following day, and what could be better than the Vatican on Sunday morning! The weather was wonderfully warm and sunny and we took advantage of that by taking some pictures around the imposing St.Peter’s Square and the monumental St.Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s cathedral and the biggest church in the world. We went into the Basilica, saw part of the Holy Mass from afar, and visited the building’s museum (not the official Vatican museum which is 20 minutes walk away, well away from the square). We then mingled with the crowds on the square as the Pope greeted us from the balcony – and then took more pictures. We then decided to go to the top of the dome of the Basilica, but despite a lift taking us part of the way, we still had to face an amazing 352 steps along a winding staircase before we reached the top – very exhausting! Next, we walked away from the Vatican area, and going towards the city centre, stopped at the city castle, Castel St.Angelo, a very cylindrical building near the river Tiber, originally of ancient Roman origin and at various times used as a barracks and a prison. The convenient bar at the top of the castle allowed us the opportunity for a much needed beer and toasted sandwich. The rest of the day was spent exploring the city centre and having a look at all the interesting shops found in every alleyway. During our stay we visited all of the main sights, here is a brief appraisal of the highlights:
The Coliseum and the Forum:
After the Vatican, the Colosseum is the other essential place to see in Rome; it’s easy to get to by underground train. An amazing ruin, but full of the usual tourist traps and annoying groups with guides. No doubt you will be accosted by someone who will try to drag you into a group; it's probably worth it as the entrance fee is included in the guide's fee. The Forum and the Roman villa are quieter, but equally interesting. All these are essential for anyone with an interest in Roman history.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument:
Quite the most imposing monument I have ever seen! It was built to commemorate the King who united Italy and is also where the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located. You’ll need to be fit to climb all the steps, but the reward is a good view of Piazza Venezia below and the streets of central Rome.
Trevi Fountain:
Found off a side street that is itself off one of the main streets in the city centre, this most famous of fountains is always surrounded by tourists. By tradition, you should throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish. The fountain itself is very ornate, but nothing too special. Worth a camera shot.
Spanish Steps:
Located at Piazza di Spagna, these impressive steps are often used for fashion shows, when models descend down from the top, showing off the latest designer dresses. More commonly, you are likely to find this to be another gathering point for foreign tourists armed with cameras. There is a quaint English style tea shop near the steps called the Babington Tea Rooms, but be warned: it’s very expensive. There are several smart streets around the area, including the Via Condotti, the place to go if you can afford to buy the pricey designer clothes displayed in the shop windows.
Piazza Navona:
Probably Rome’s main square, this is yet another favourite with tourists of all nationalities. Apart from some refreshing fountains, you’ll find cafés and restaurants here and in the surrounding streets, but alas they are generally expensive and not all very good. Beware of the tourist traps and take your time before deciding where to eat. One absolute MUST is the café Giolitti, found near the parliament building, which is not far from the piazza. The Giolitti sells the Coppa Giolitti, probably the best ice cream experience in the world!
Famous as a haunt of film stars in the 50s and 60s it is now just another smart street with expensive hotels and restaurants, mainly used by well off American and Japanese tourists. Of greater practical interest is Piazza Barberini nearby, where you can find a branch of EasyEverything. Don’t forget to email friends and family about your Rome experience!
The transport system in Rome is, like most things in the city, quite chaotic. The underground is of little use and covers only a few areas, so taking the bus is essential if you wish to venture much outside the centre. I was not impressed by the restaurants in central Rome, many are expensive tourist traps, the food is often mediocre and portions can be ungenerous; pizzas are the only safe option. I found even Milan to better than Rome in this respect. You might be tempted to go for one of the classy restaurants on the Via Veneto, but I suggest you avoid these. If you don’t mind the bus or taxi ride, I recommend visiting the Trastevere quarter of Rome (across the river, in the southern part of town) where you can still find some affordable quality trattorias. Worst of all is the traffic. It makes Paris seem like a village in Somerset! Crossing the road in Rome is a life threatening experience, so be VERY careful and don’t take any chances; before you know it you’ll often find dozens of scooters racing at you all of a sudden from nowhere.
Overall I recommend Rome as brief holiday of four or five nights, but no more. Less than four days isn’t really enough to do the place justice, but over five days is most likely too much. If there are any cities worth visiting in Europe, they are Paris and Rome above all. Make a careful choice of hotel and you’re guaranteed to have a fascinating time. One final thing: even in October it can be very warm, even hot, in Rome, so be prepared!
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We're thinking of going to Italy for our honeymoon and your op has re-inforced this. Lots of very useful info. Vikki
Greeney 20.05.2003 13:07
Fantastic. Me and the other half were thinking of going to Rome as we like all the sights rather than touristy beaches and nightclubs. (god I sound old) Cheers!
Sarah xx
free4susan 22.03.2003 21:19
Hi, totally agree with your frustrations re the restaurants in Rome, I also found them dissatisfactory. However, I have only spent one holiday in Rome, for 4 days, and I actually think I could have happily spent another week there and still have been fascinated. I had to consciously stop my jaw from hitting the floor at some of the amazing Roman ruins. Susan.
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Advantages: History, lots of things too see and so, food, amazing museums, Gelato Disadvantages: Too much to see, crowded around major sight, fear of being pickpocketed
gard 18.09.2005 ·
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Review of Rome (Italy)
Mar 20th, 2003
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