3 days in Rome

What do you consider inexpensive? It means different things to different people. Also, how many are traveling with you? Donna

First, we need more information to help you. What is your budget ("inexpensive" means something different to everyone)? How many people are with you? Do you need an elevator, air conditioning, breakfast included, or any other amenities? Or were you looking for a hostel, a convent, or some other place where saving money takes precedence over amenities? Next, have a look at Rick Steves Italy (or his Rome book, if you're not going to other places in Italy). It will not only have lots of accommodation suggestions, but also all kinds of other useful help on restaurants, sightseeing, transportation, etc. If you need more inexpensive listings than Rick has, look at EuroCheapo. EDIT: I see I was cross-posting with Donna.

Margie, I'm going to just jump in here, not knowing what inexpensive is for you. A couple of months ago I stayed at Hotel Genio in Rome, it's about 50 meters north of the north entrance to Piazza Navona - hard to get more central than that. Some of the rooms are on the small side, there's carpet and drapery (clean but has an older feel to it), but the selling point apart from location is the 6th floor terrace with 360-degree views of Rome (including Saint Peter's Basilica); breakfast is served there (in the dining room or out on the terrace), and the terrace itself is open from 7am - 11pm, so you can enjoy evenings with a glass of wine and a fabulous view. Cost was about 95 euro per night (single).

Margie,
We have ben to Rome twice, and loved Ricks recommendation of Hotel Giardino. Great rooms, good breakfast, and very well located to suit your needs. Next time, we want to try the ghetto, but if not, we would happily stay at hotel Giardino again.

Also, Margie when are you going? Last minute trip or in the future? These are all facts you need to put up so the rest of us can help you out? If last minute, Booking.com gives some unbeatable rates.

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm at the tail end of a three month whirlwind European trip with my daughter. As you can imagine the funds are running low. So when I say inexpensive I mean as cheap and safe as possible. Our trip is scheduled for Oct. 24-26. Having never been to Rome I would like to see as much as possible. I'm assuming there are hop on hop off trips and a Rome pass. Would these be helpful for such a short stay? Thank you for your help.

Margie, check out these two hostels. Ron in Rome recommended The Beehive. Use Google Maps or Google Earth to see location. It is within walking distance from the train station. Check the rates for The Hive. Once the rate screen pops up....scroll down to see the rates. http://www.the-beehive.com/ Also, if not available check out this one: http://www.twoduckshostel.com/

1) HOHO buses are not usualy cheap. Use the public buses and get one in front of Termini (the main train station)..That way you will get a seat. I used the Roma Pass and thought it was a good deal for a couple of days with transit and a couple of museums. The Metro lines are both available at Termini. One line will take you to the colosseum, forum and circus maximus. The other line will take you to a stop near the Vatican. 2) There are many budget hotels, b&bs, and hostels near Termini. I have stayed at Hotel Katti a couple of times. It is modernized, family-run, and comfortable. It is located about a 10-min walk from Termini. There are many inexpensive eateries in the area as the university is nearby and students eat there. At least one laundromat is located in that area. 3) I enjoyed the large cafeteria-style restaurant within Termini. Prices were reasonable and the food was good, with lots of choices.

Margie, I just returned from a quick trip back to Italy (Rome-Sorrento) and can heartily recommend the hostel in Rome called The Beehive. Linda and Steve are very gracious hosts and their staff is quite helpful with questions about how to get around, what bus to take, etc. They book up quickly though. Even in October. The Roma Pass will come in very handy. As others have posted, you get the first two museums/events free and public transportation is covered. I used it extensively during my 3 day visit. The Borghese should be top on your list if you love Renaissance art. You have to make a reservation for a timed 2 hour visit. If you are using a Roma pass for the Borghese, just call them to reserve a time slot. When you arrive 1/2 hour before your timed reservation, just show them the Roma Pass and give them the confirmation number. One tip for when you are at the museum is that you have to check all bags and cameras. However, you will need your identification to reserve an audioguide. When you check your bags, they usually have a small plastic bag that you can place your wallet (presumably with your ID) & guidebook in if you wish. Then you can go get your Audioguide if you wish. I highly recommend the audioguide to help understand the artist. I see you have never been to Rome. Please check out the Church of San Clemente if you can find the time; I recommend this as well(3 layers of churches on top of each other). Quite fascinating. Tip on food: The Conad grocery store in the lower level of Termini is wonderful for everything from bottles of wine, take home food souvenirs (be careful-not everything is allowed by the airlines), and picnic supplies. I hope you have a great time in Rome. Linda

If you can take the electric min-bus #116, it will do a circuit of the highlights of the historic center (you just need a regular bus ticket, or the Romapass which includes public transportation for three days). The Romapass also gets you into two museums free, with discounts on about 50 others. Last summer it was 30 euro for three days. If you don't want the Romapass, you can buy daily bus tickets (you only need to validate them on the first ride). I haven't stayed at the Beehive but have heard only good things about it. Also recommend checking booking.com for last-minute deals on hotels/b&bs.

If you're still looking, I'd suggest checking the convent of the Sisters of St Elizabeth of Hungary (something like Suore de S Elisabetta). It is in the RS guide, as I remember. It's about 1/2 block from the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, maybe 4 blocks from Termini. I had a single room there about a year and a half ago for about 40 to 45 E, including breakfast. Very clean, very safe, and really pleasant; only one of the sisters spoke a little English, but I was able to work around my lack of Italian. There is a curfew, but that wasn't a problem for me. The Monastery Stays website is also a good source, although they will add a small surcharge for their service. But it will still be less than most hotels --- and much more pleasant than a hostel.

Hotel Laura. Send me a PM and I'll send you a link to my pictures.

Margie, If you don't the somewhat more "basic" accommodations of a Hostel, I'd highly recommend Alessandro Palace. It's about a 10 minute walk from Termini and I've always found it to be a good place to stay. If you're willing to stay in a four-bed Dorm, the cost is €35 PP (which is about the cheapest I've found in Rome). There are some nice restaurants in the area, including the one right outside the door, Trattoria I Leoni D'Abruzzo. I was there in September, and had another enjoyable stay. Alessandro tends to attract a younger crowd, which your daughter would probably enjoy. The action in the Bar sometimes gets a bit "rambunctious" in the evenings, but I'm 60+ and I don't find that to be a problem. A few points to mention - they only take cash for the rooms and check-in isn't until about 15:00 (but you can arrive earlier and stow your bags in the luggage room downstairs). If you want to use the Lockers, you'll have to bring your own small Padlock. The Hostel also has double rooms, but those are more expensive and probably close to the cost of a budget Hotel. If you'd rather stay in a Hotel, I'd highly recommend either Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen, both of which are also in the Termini area (Hotel Sonya is closer to Termini). Hsppy travels!

I cannot thank everyone enough for all of your help and information. As an inexperienced European traveler your help is invaluable. On the down side, we've had to change our plans regarding visiting Rome. I've been in Europe for three months now and am at the end of the trip and the funds are dwindling quickly. So it became a choice between Rome and Sweden and Norway. These are the last two countries on my genealogical venture, for my Mother, and therefore could not miss. Thank you again for your help. I plan on saving this information as I do plan on coming back soon! First stop? Rome!