Arriving in Rome Late with Luggage - Where to Stay?

Monique, Given your late arrival time, one option would be to stay at the Rome Airport Hilton, which you can walk to from the Terminals. Have a good rest, a nice breakfast and then continue your journey to Termini and Florence. The other option would be to use one of the Hotels within easy walking distance from Termini. Two that come to mind are Hotel Sonya and Hotel Aberdeen. After a rest and breakfast, return to the station for your train to Florence. Whichever option you choose, be sure to tell the Hotel that you'll be a "late arrival". Happy travels!

I would stay near Termini. After you arrive at the airport take the train or if you have a lot of luggage since you're staying for 2 months arrange for a car (www.transfersrome.com is who I used my last trip). In the morning you'll be right by Termini, which where the fast trains to Florence depart from.

For our one night stays in Rome we use Hotel Contilla - one block south of Termini out the side door. Three stars and adequate for one night. Sonya is further - 4 blocks and Aberdeen is further still = ten minutes.

I stayed at the Aberdeen, a 10 minute walk from Termini. The hotel was comfortable and I had no complaints. Make sure that they confirm air conditioning. I recommend a cab from the airport - just get it over with and crash in the hotel. If your body clock wants you to have a late snack there are places nearby and the hotel will know where they are.

If you're going to get there that late I would arrange a mini-van from the airport to the hotel (www.transfersrome.com). You're going to spend about 80-90 euro to do the short trip. Or if you can do the Leonardo Express, it's much cheaper, but if you have lots of luggage I would just suck it up and arrange the min-van. We stayed at the Ariston Hotel, it's no frills but it was clean and one block away from the Termini. Make sure that the hotel you stay in confirms and guaranties your late arrival. I have never gotten to EU that late but I have read horror stories when hotels give your room away because they didn't know you were arriving late. And being level headed and polite might not be your best side when you're going to be exhausted... This is the web-page for the Leonardo Express that takes you from FCO to Termini Rome. Remember to walk all the way to the front of he station, before you leave it and then decide which direction you need to go to the hotel. Check Google maps to the hotel from the Termini. http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=99eb7bd0cfdea110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

Monique, If you do decide to stay in Rome near Termini, the Leonardo Express is still a reasonable option, even with luggage. On a Sunday night at ~21:00, it's not going to be that busy. The cars will likely be very lightly loaded. You didn't indicate what type of lodgings you prefer, but there are also some Hostels in the Termini area, which will be much more cost effective if you choose Dorm rooms. The one I usually stay in is about a 7-minute walk from Termini, and the four-bed Dorms are only €35 PP. Cheers!

Hi and thanks for your suggestions! It seems like a general consensus that Termini is the place to be. In answer to some of your questions: it doesn't matter what type of lodging. It's only 1 night so we can pretty much do anything. Also we will each have 1 suitcase and like a small duffle bag so it's not THAT much luggage and I think public transportation (versus a private car) would be fine. No one mentioned the SITA bus shuttle. Does it not run Sundays?