My wife and I have just returned from a short break at this hotel in Rome. We didn't know where to stay so we checked Trip advisor and the Domus Inn was coming up trumps, so we booked it. I can honestly say that this is one of the best if not THE best place we have stayed in. The room (#8 at the end of the corridor) was spotless, C/W a little balcony overlooking the street. Everything was top notch including the continental breakfast which was brought to our room every morning at a time of our choice. No detail was overlooked and the staff were above and beyond helpful! I think that both guests and staff must have worn carpet slippers as it was so quiet ( although the bustling streets outside can be noisy at times, but with the windows closed that too was almost silent- and yes there is Air Con, so don't worry about closing the windows in summer!)
The transport links to / from the main city & sites are excellent. If you have ANY queries or need help, just ask at the desk, and you will get it! I can NOT recommend this hotel highly enough, and if you are wondering where to stay in Rome, you have found it!!
Now follow a few tips:
****BE VERY AWARE OF PICPOCKETS ON BUSES/ METRO*****
I have always been savvy about this, but I lost my wallet on a bus (62) and it was in a zippered trouser pocket, so always keep it in the inside a jacket if you can and ALWAYS keep your bag ( especially if it is on your back) with the zippers laced or tied closed ( better still carry it where you can see it, in crowded places like these) Believe me these guys are good!! Also avail of a hotel safe ( we had one in the Domus ) and ONLY carry small sums of money when you go out. NEVER EVER EVER carry your PASSPORT. You loose a few Euros, sure you are upset, but loose your Passport and you are in a world of hurt. Take my word for it, the Police don't give a damn, but should you loose anything you will have to make a report to them and get a copy for your insurance.
Ok now, thats just a warning, but PLEASE don't be put off! The people we met and that helped us when we were there are great, so don't let this tale scare you! It could have happened anywhere, just be careful! Now to transport:
Bus 80 from the stop outside the toy shop ( the street across from the hotel front door - NOT the stop at the Q8 petrol pump which will take you out of town if you get on there, and take about 1/2 hour to get back to the stop I mentioned at the top ) will take you to the P.za. S. Sylvestro which is within walking distance for most of the main sights. Don't worry about missing your stop as this piazza is a turn around for the No. 80 and it parks up for about 5 mins, so you'll know when you've arrived!) Coming back, again the 80 will take you to the Q8 stop, but watch out for this stop as it creeps up on you and you could miss it! A tip here is to watch out for for passing through the old city walls as you are located only about 100m outside them, so when you pass through the gate/ walls you are nearly home - look out for that Q8 pump!!!
Go out the hotel, past the Q8 bus stop ( BTW Bruno's Ice cream shop nearby is something else!! Mmmmmmmm!!) bear left at the corner and - passing the newspaper kiosk then cinema about 100m later- you will arrive at the PORTA PIA ( 5 - 7 mins walk from the hotel)
Here you can get the No. 62 directly to the vatican ( it won't show as the vatican on the stops listings) and from there, the 571 runs between here and the Collouseum ( and vice versa)
If you want to get straight to the Collouseum ( or back from it ) to Porta Pia, the No. 71 will take you right to / from it. ( just check the listing on the sign. It will show as a Metro (M), Collouseum stop.
One final "Tip" about the buses is the ticketing system. You can buy tickets from a "Tabbacci" ( tobacco shop) or indeed many other places ( including the Domus if they have any left).They are €1 / ticket and cover bus & metro for 75 mins travel from the time they are validated by putting the ticket into one of the little yellow machines on the bus/ metro ( so you can buy several at a time and use them whenever you need to). NOW.... because of the huge volume of people getting on and off, it's not always possible to get straight to one of these machines, so don't fret, just wait til you get a chance. Once validated, you can change bus/ metro as often as you like without having to put it in another machine. In fact, it's impossible to tell by just looking at people getting on and off, who has a valid ticket and who hasn't! So much so, that 2 people I know ( who shall remain nameless - no names no pack drill ) spent only about €6 on 5 days travel!! But you decide what you want to do! :)
You will find that in the middle of Rome, most things are within walking distance of each other, so always wear a comfy pair of shoes, get a map and remember, you are in no rush, and there are lots of things to see, so if you end up walking, who cares!
Hope this helps! Stay at the Domus Inn & Enjoy Rome!!