Arrival in Rome, Italy

I am in Italy right now - first trip here. Our plan upon arrival was to take the train from the airport to the train station (Termini), then either walk, bus or metro to our hotel. When we walked out of the airport a woman approached us and asked if we wanted to take her shuttle van into Rome. It was 15 euro each (as opposed to 11 for the train), but she dropped us right at our hotel. Maybe something like that would be an option for you. As for a hotel, you might actually consider renting an apartment. I don't have any specific recommendations for you, but there are many websites with apartment rentals. Have a great trip!

It always helps to define "not too expensive" in specific dollar or euro amounts. Good luck. (Also, do you have the RS Rome book, or at least the RS Italy book?)

When are you going? We leave in a week, and will be gone for three - if you're not leaving for a bit, I can let you know what the place we're staying in was like - here is the VRBO link...http://www.vrbo.com/271515

I stay at the Hotel Panda near the Spanish Steps. My room was small but had a double bed and a single. Simple, clean, and in a great location. We took the train from the airport to the main station then the subway. A five min. walk to the hotel from the station. Wendy

The train is 14E so for three people that is 41E. The taxi is fixed at 45E so it would be more reasonable to take a taxi directly to your hotel. A less expensive way would the SITBUS shuttle at 8E/person. But you would still have to get from Termini to your hotel. OK, if walkable but the taxi to your hotel might eat up any savings.

Thanks to all of you who responded! And so quickly! We are thinking of going first week of June. I will be getting the RS Rome book; we have the RS Best of Europe book now with Rome included. I would love to know what you thought of your hotel, any of you who are going before us...thanks again so much for your responses..happy traveling!

My preferred method of getting from the airport to my B & B is by hired car. It is arranged ahead of time by the innkeeper and is a flat fee of 45 Euro for up to 4 people payable in cash upon arrival. They will meet you at the airport outside baggage claim holding a sign with your name on it. Tip 1 Euro for each large bag. I always stay in the Trastevere section of Rome at the B & B "Arco Del Lauro". It is modestly priced and the innkeeper, Lorenza, is very friendly and helpful. Trastevere is a safe, quiet, and walkable neighborhood. There are a great many restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife vibrant, typically Roman. By the way, the car that Lorenza has deliver us is always a Mercedes E Class, still 45 Euro. http://www.arcodellauro.it/index.php?lang=en

I left Rome yesterday and I highly recommend Domus Cornelia B&B, near the Cornelia metro stop. I used Airport Connection for transport there and it was 50 euro for 4 of us, cheaper than taxi by 10 euro. The driver is waiting at the arrival area with your name on a sign and it couldn't be more convenient with luggage and all. Their link is http://airportconnection.it/. Marcello the proprietor at Domus Cornelia is very helpful with navigating around the city. I booked the b and b with Bed and Breakfast in Rome http://www.b-b.rm.it/. Best regards, Katie

Living in Carson City, NV (near Reno) what airline did you use. Airfare is hovering around $1,200 from Reno. Should we fly to Paris first, and then take Ryanair to Rome? or try to fly direct to Rome? Any tips on your flights would be helpful. Thanks everyone.

Joette, I'm using Romecabs.com as recommended by lots of board posts. It's E45, they'll give you a quote if you go on their website, plus it's an honor system, they don't ask for your credit card no. but they are there to meet you with your name on a card! We'll see, leaving for Rome in 10 days, it's my 1st time there too. I'm staying at Nicolas Inn (#2 B & B on tripadvisor), they're charging E144 with the Rick Steves book.

If you cannot fly direct, then my preference is to make the switch in the US for a direct flight. IMO you lose most of a day if you switch in Europe.

Claudette: Have a great trip; will be anxious to hear what you thought of your experience!

Thanks Frank; yes, you are right about losing a day, so we'll most likely change in the US... Has anyone been to Florence? Do you have any hotel recommendations there? Also, has anyone been to the beach near Rome? Hotels?

"Has anyone been to the beach near Rome?" Beach "near" Rome? Would help if you could clarify what you had in mind by "near."

The beach about 10 miles from Rome...we see it on the map...

First time to Europe for me too! My Wife and I are honeymooning in Italy. Our First 5 days are in Rome. We are staying near the Colosseum. Can anyone recommend a good cheap way to get into that area? The trains seem a bit daunting. Is a 45E cab ride really worth it?

From RNO the options kind of stink for flights, if your travel dates are flexible, you can look at flying to Los Angeles and then the Alitalia direct to Rome (only available 3-5 days a week depending on when you are flying), otherwise you almost always have 2 plane changes each way. We tend to fly open jaw into one city and out of another so we've just gotten used to 2 changes each way. We've used RomeCabs a few times and highly recommend them for transfers in and around Rome. Venere is a good site for being able to put in your budget, specify a triple room and the areas you want and get suggestions.

my wife and i are trying VRBO for the first time in Rome as well. if it works out as well as i think it will, i might not stay in hotels again...