We are ending our 14 day Italy trip with 4 nights in Rome, arriving via train from Venice to Termini mid afternoon. I'm trying to decide between two bookings, first is Sonnino Suite (Piazza Sidney Sonnino, Trastevere) which is a en suite double bed room, and a one bedroom apartment at Via Marco Aurelio, 49, about 500 meters ESE of the Coliseum. The apartment is ~$150 more for the 4 nights but includes a basic breakfast and full kitchen/sitting area etc. We're not likely to cook big meals, but it might be nice to have the option. I've been told that the Trastevere location is more central but I'm trying to figure out if the apartment location would still be a good home base. We may splurge and use taxis from train station and to airport on day of departure (late morning flight) because of our luggage, but otherwise we're happy to walk up to several miles per day, at a leisurely pace and/or use some public transit to get around.
We don't have any specific must-dos for the biggest tourist attractions (No Vatican museum) for this trip and really want to explore areas including: campo de fuori, Testaccio, Piazza Venezia, Trastevere. We will also spend time with our niece who is lives near Pigneto area (college student). And we may consider a day trip to Anzio or somewhere else within commuter rail distance.
So, my question is, is the Via Marco Aurello area convenient enough or should we stick with Trastevere? I've been looking at apartment options in Trastevere but just haven't found one that seems right.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16140 posts
Based on location alone I would choose Piazza Sidney Sonnino. You are within walking distance from a lot of stuff, and the Tramway number 8 (light rail trolley) to Piazza Venezia stops right in front.
The other location is quieter probably, since it's not a major street, but farther from everything. It's closer to Pigneto (via subway or via long walk), but are you really going to spend a lot of time at Pigneto (also known as Banglatown)?