During our trip to Italy, we will be spending a week in Rome. Am considering lodgings near Piazza Repubblica after getting off the train at Termini. We will have one carry-on size suitcase apiece and a third carry-on that is smaller, so we don't want to trek all over Rome with our baggage, nor do we want to lug our baggage on public transportation. Is this a safe area for a couple of older adults? If not, can you suggest another one? We are good walkers. Thanks for your help one more time!
Posted by
white bear lake, minnesota, USA
87 posts
we leave Rome tomorrow but are near that area. Take Metro anywhere it will go to spare legs and feet for wandering the sights. cheap, fast and efficient. (note, it closes pretty early at night exc Fri and Sat.) Buses are plentiful but hot and packed like sardines always. If I come back, I will stay more in the center so we can wander to popular places at night or very early in a.m. before places are packed...e.g. Trevi Fountain...would love to see it when not surrounded by 400 people jostling to take pics of each other. also recommend go to Colliseum early a.m. and allow plenty of time for Pallatine and Forum, too., maybe buy detailed book about that area. RS book has little on Pallatine, and it is awesome.
You CAN walk to all these places, but Rome is very noisy, crowded, and hot. helps to save your energy for wandering the sights by using transport. We wandered aimlessly for hours in many areas more picturesque than the Repubblica area, then took bus or metro back to hotel. have fun
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Taxis are very reasonable within Rome. If you add that to your transportation options to get to your lodging, you open up all sorts of possibilities. For first time visitors to Rome, I would suggest staying around Piazza Navona or Campo de' Fiori, but there are tons of wonderful neighborhoods. Do you have either the RS Italy or Rome books? If not, do get them. They'll be the smartest money you spend on your vacation. You can read about the various neighborhoods yourself and decide which ones best match your particular interests. BTW, all of Rome is safe. Happy travels.
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
If you want to stay near Piazza della Repubblica, Via Nazionale has a number of hotels. Look for 3+ stars. Read reviews (especially the negative ones) before you book. I agree that the area around Piazza Navona, or around the Pantheon, or St. Peter's would be good places to stay. If you haven't considered convent or monastery lodging, you might look into that as well for basic, reasonable accommodations.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
If you are taking a taxi from the train station, be sure to go to the official taxi ranks (fares by the meter). If you go out the side to the others, they will gouge you.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Rome is a very safe city and you will have no problems in the Piazza Repubblica area. It's very close to the termini so it's a good choice for being near public transport. You can find very reasonably priced lodgings in that area. You'll easily be able to walk to most sites with the Vatican being the farthest out. You can take the metro there. If you are flying into FCO you can take a cab directly to your hotel for 40 euros or pay 14 euros each for the Leonardo Express train then walk to your hotel. For the extra few euros it may be worth it to have door to door service. I think you're fine with your choice of areas and many many people choose these areas everyday for their vacation. Donna
Posted by
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
123 posts
I believe you will enjoy Rome more if you choose accommodation that is more central - like Navona or Campo dei Fiori. Take a taxi with your luggage, and it will be the only tranport you need to use - everything will be walking distance. If you stay near termini you will be using public transport most days just to get you close enough to see the sights. Enjoy your trip!