We went to Rome for a long weekend. It was a gift for me and my husband from our son.
When we arrived at Rome Airport, we had been prepared to find a Taxi to get to our Hotel. However we were approached by a friendly man asking if we wanted a shuttle bus to our Hotel. He had four other passengers and said he would take us direct to our Hotel for 15 euros each. We had been told the Taxi would be 40 euros, so we accepted his offer. I thought we had a 30 to 40 minute drive to the Hotel, but we were there in about 20 minutes, which was good considering how much traffic there was.
When we arrived at the Hotel just before midday, I expected to have to wait for our room, but we were checked in immediately, and handed the key card for our room. The room was clean and comfortable. We overlooked a courtyard, but this was not a problem as we were here to see Rome, and not the hotel grounds. The room was cleaned beautifully every day and the towels were changed twice a day. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and courteous. The drinks and meals in the Hotel did seem expensive to us, but this was mainly due to the exchange rate at the time. But then any City is expensive to visit.
Before leaving home, I had read the reviews, and there were some helpful tips about getting around to see the sights. The Hotel receptionist gave us a detailed map, and we set off to find the Metro. This was extremely easy. When you come out of the Hotel grounds you need to cross over the road with the pedestrian crossing immediately outside the gates. Then you turn right and walk along to the corner, where you find MacDonalds. (This is a handy place to buy bottles of water at 1 euro each and is cheaper than the bottles in the hotel minibar). From here you turn left and walk along the road a short distance where you then come across a sign with a big 'M' for the metro. Down the steps, and then down the escalators, where you then come across the ticket machines. The machines are easy to work out. You press the correct button for your language, and then follow the instructions. We purchased the 1 euro ticket each time, which is valid for 75 minutes of travel. The metro is clean, safe and well run. We used this method of transport every day to get into and out of the city centre. It took us about five minutes to the Vatican stop, and not much longer to the Spanish steps. We walked about a lot in the centre to find the various sights we wanted to see. We were visiting in May, and the weather was perfect. Warm and sunny, but not too hot for sight seeing. There were plenty of street cafes and bars, to refresh with a snack or drink, although these did seem expensive in some places. There was a great variety of food, despite another reviewer saying there is only pasta or pizza on offer. In four days I did not eat pizza, and the only pasta I had was Lasagne, which was lovely. There were crowds of people everywhere. I dont think I have ever seen so many people!! But the atmosphere was always good. As with any city centre there is always a danger of handbag snatchers and pickpockets. I used a bum-bag, and was just cautious in crowds, but no more than any other city I have visited. I did not feel threatened at all. The only place that seemed a bit threatening was around the main Termini station. But we just remained cautious as ever.
We had pre-booked a tour of the Vatican, that was guaranteed to skip the queue. When we arrived at the Vatican on the Saturday morning to meet our tour guide, I could not believe my eyes. There were literally thousands of people queueing, and it was before 9am....... I have to admit feeling concerned about having to get in the queue, but when we met our guide, she handed us all a pair of headphones and a receiver, which was exremely good because you could hear every word she said in and around the Vatican, even if you were in a different room. Once she had got our group together, we crossed the road where to where the queues were, and Lo and Behold, we went straight in. We did not have to join the queue. SO if you want to visit the Vatican and Cistine Chapel, then pre-book. It is well worth it.
When our trip to Rome was over, we had an evening flight. We walked to the Metro and got the train to the Termini station. Here we went to the left luggage, and deposited our suitcases. This then left us free to do some more sight seeing, without having to worry about our luggage. We could have left it at the Hotel, but that would have meant we had to go back to the Hotel. The Termini left luggage was the most convenient. It cost 4 euros for the first five hours, and that was plenty long enough for us. From the Termini we wandered around some more streets and saw some more sights. Rome is incredible. It semms that around every corner there is yet another monument or statue or museum. You could never get bored! An amazing City to visit.
When we had had enough, we went back to collect our luggage, and then headed to the Leonardo Express train, to get to the Airport. We were able to purchase our ticket on the platform right next to the train. The man says the desk is there every day for the Leonardo Express. Once on the train, it was a pleasant 30 minute ride to the Airport. And once at the Airport you just follow the signs. Easy!!
If you go, this Hotel is excellent, away from the hustle-bustle, but so easy to get around from here.
