We booked the Appia Park through the Ryanair website (also the flights - brilliant value). We had looked at many hotels and could not believe how cheap this hotel was, especially as it was classed as a 4* hotel. When we arrived at Ciampino airport it was midnight and we were charged 53 euros to get to the hotel, which was quite expensive for such a short drive (15 euros on the return journey), but we had no choice that time of night. When we arrived at the hotel it looked very impressive. We were given two rooms both in one of the two annexes at the front of the hotel. One room was quite large, very pleasant, carpeted, had a very nice bathroom with bath and shower, but the other one was much smaller, uncarpeted and rather drab with only a shower. We went to the reception and asked for a change of room. The hotel was full that night but they said they would change the room the next day - which they did. The new room was in the main part of the hotel and it was very nice. The hotel looked as if it had been refurbished - new carpets etc. The breakfast was very good and you could eat as much as you wanted to (continental). The receptionists could have been more friendly - they seemed a little offhand, although the rest of the staff were very nice. There is a courtesy bus which took you to the metro. We caught it the first morning, but it did not run for the next 2 mornings. On these mornings we caught the local bus - the bus stop was a few minutes walk from the hotel. The surrounding district is not too great, although we felt quite safe. We would certainly stay at the Appia Park hotel again.

We found the Italian people very friendly and very helpful when we required directions.

A few tips when visiting Rome.

We were there for 3 days and purchased a two-day open top bus ticket (on and off whenever you wanted to - great way to get around Rome). We also purchased a 3 day metro/public bus ticket. Both great value for money. At busy times the metro and public buses were very, very crowded so be prepared to be squashed, but it was quite fun.

When visiting St Peters Church obtain a tour guide. We were asked to join a FREE tour which was excellent, and it was free, although we gave him a tip: it was well worth it. The Cistern Chapel is a "must visit" but so are the many other interesting sights in Rome.

Try the cafes/restaurants in the back streets. We found a great little restaurant which was "very Italian": the food was excellent and the price very reasonable - 13 euros each for 2 courses (first course a variety of different dishes: also included was a bottle of wine and a bottle of water).

Be prepared when visiting some of the public conveniences in Rome, even in the cafes and bars!!!

Be very alert when crossing the roads especially on zebra crossings - crazy

Visit the Popes blessing held every Wednesday and Sunday - it was a very moving experience. Instead of queuing for tickets (for seats), arrive between 9.00 - 9.30 am and stand at the barrier as near to St Peters as you can get. We had one of the best views of Pope Benedict ever: he passed in front of us to within about 6 - 7 feet.

In summary - a great flight with Ryanair: great hotel (both unbelievably cheap): a great city - a most enjoyable city break.

The hotel is superb, well worth the money. However, it is only 7 Km from Ciampino Airport and the taxi drivers would prefer to take you into Rome 17Km. We were consequently charged 40 euros (£29) for this journey. An absolute rip off, so beware.
I also had my wallet stolen to make matters worse. I now know it was stolen by a gypsy girl from Sicily ( They operate in teams ). Many carry babies and some of them are dolls! I was on the Metro (tube) its their best area for pickings. They never get on the train, and have a diversionary tactic to stop you in the doorway, lift your wallet and be away as the doors are closing. Don't ever think that you are smarter than them. You can be as vigilant as imaginable, but they are so clever, well rehearsed, fast and un-noticeable. When I found out I was back at the hotel buying a drink and felt gutted. The hotel manager, Maximilliano was fantastic. Sympathetic and made all the phone calls for me. If you are a victim, save your time and go straight to the Questurdura in Rome city. We got through our stay on a tight budget and asked the hotel to arrange a taxi back to the airport with the instruction to advise the taxi company that I had 20 euros and no more. The guy that came to collect us new of our robbery and charged us 15 euros. What a star. Not all Rome taxi drivers are robbing bastards. Don't be put off we're not. Rome is fantastic and the Appia Park Hotel is great.

We used this hotel for 1 night at the start of our holiday because we were flying into Ciampino at midnight. Having picked up a hire car at the airport we found the hotel without too much trouble although it is on the opposite side of a fairly busy dual carriage way as you drive from the airport. I did a U-turn at a set of lights (dont know if it was legal or not) and we were then confronted by a large set of gates to the hotel. Press the buzzer on the gates and the porter wil let you through.

Check-in was quick and hassle free and the room was large, clean and had aircon.

Breakfast was a continental buffet style which had plenty of choice and checkout was again hassle free.

All in all, a good value hotel and excellent location for Ciampino.

My wife and I have just returned from a visit from Rome having stayed at the Appia Park hotel. The breakfast in the hotel was excellent and sets you up for the day. The hotel was very good and the receptionist provided us with a map and advice of how to get the best out of a short weekend break. Travel from Ciampino to the hotel can be cheap. We arrived around half eight at night. We bought two one euro tickets to get the bus to Anagnina undergorund. After buying another two one euro tickets at the underground we found out that the underground in Rome closes at 9.00pm -presumably in the winter months as we had thought it opened till 11.30pm-we got a bus-MA2-which took us to Colli Albani. From there we got the 664 to the hotel. Normaly you would buy one day (4 euro ) tickets however as it was late at night we managed to get to the hotel for 4 euros for the two of us. Taxis are reluctant to take you from the airport as it is too close a fare to take as well as the large queues you face when coming off the flight. There are not too many restaurants near the hotel however the receptionist told us about a restaurant nearby that was great value and good food. When you come out the hotel you turn left and walk down to the main set of traffic lights. Turn left and 100yrds on the left is the restuarant. On our return to the airport we got the underground to the Termini and found that the airline had an express bus which left close to the Termini. Worth checking to make it easier to get back to the airport. The location of the hotel is a bit far out but the bus service is very good and if you travel before 9.00pm the underground service makes it even easier. I would have no hesitation of going back to the Appia hotel.