Hotel in Rome: Near the airport? or in the city?

Desiree, My suggestion would be to stay in Rome, preferably in the area around Termini station. That will allow you to do some sightseeing and have a nice dinner on your last night in Italy. However, that means you'll have to depart on the Leonardo Express at about 07:00 (or perhaps a bit earlier) to ensure that you get to the airport in time for check-in. Regarding Hotels you might have a look at Hotel Aberdeen or Hotel Sonya (both located in the Termini area). As this is your first trip to Italy, I'd recommend packing the Italy Guidebook along, as it contains a LOT of great information on sightseeing, Hotels, restaurants, etc. Happy travels!

Thanks for your advice. I am in a rental car, so I won't be taking the train to the station, but I will definitely consider your other advice. Thanks for posting!

Brave. First time in Italy. First time in Rome. Driving a rental car into Rome. Brave.

:D Ha! Well I should state that this is my first self-planned trip to Rome. I have been to Rome three other times with a tour group. Plus, I think I have what it takes to drive a car in Rome!!! (I hope)

Desiree Can you drop off your car before you arrive in Rome at one of the previous Italian cities? Then catch the train into Rome? Would be lots easier than driving into Rome. Are you planning to return the car on your arrival? Or are you taking it to the airport right before you leave? Again staying near the Termini as suggested above, would allow you to leave for the non stop train there to the airport. See RS Italy 2011 for info on this train. I would leave for the airport train or car way before 7 AM, probably at least 6 AM. Especially, if you have to return your car. If you are traveling this summer, would suggest that you speed your pursuit of a rooms. And, if you need a quad room, you might have an extensive search. Have a wonderful time on your family trip to Italy. Bobbie

I'm renting the car when I arrive in Rome the week before and spending the week driving around Tuscany and Umbria then returning back to Rome right before our flight home. I had planned on returning it when I got to the airport on the day of my return flight. I guess I could return it outside of Rome? but I'm picking it up at FCO so I thought it would be easier that way. I'm very open to suggestions, because I'm not a huge fan of driving and finding parking in Rome. I have all my rooms booked except for one night's stay. And I'm traveling with 4 adults so two double rooms would be fine. And it's in October so hopefully we won't have too much trouble finding a room(s). Thank you Bobbie for your help.

Desiree, as you're not leaving until 10:00, you won't need to stay out at the airport, why spend your last night in Rome at a drab airport hotel room? Because you do not need to be at the airport until approximately 07:00, ALL transportation options are available to you: the Leonardo Express, the FM1, the Sitbus shuttle, taxi, or private shuttle - thus I'd say you can stay anywhere in town! And because it's a Sunday, there will be NO traffic and you can easily - and quickly - get to the FCO airport. The FM1 train will be operating on a more limited schedule as it is a Sunday. As far as the car, as suggested. you could drop it in Chiusi, Orvieto, or even Viterbo on your way into Rome... and there are many spots on a Saturday where you can drop off a rental car. You might read this article, Car Rental Locations in Rome. It has the hours of operation and maps of the rental car locations for these cities. As you're coming into Rome on a Saturday, if you chose to drive, traffic will be lighter than a weekday. But as many suggest, I'd dump the car as soon as possible - and really look at the out-of-town options. Driving in Rome is NOT like driving in Tuscany! The ZTL's in Rome and the crazy folks on the motorini make the Roman driving experience unique and often more difficult. Don't forget to get your International Driving Permit before leaving for Italy. If you're leaving on a US-Flagged flight, you'll have to depart from Terminal 5 at FCO - this post may help you through that Terminal. Sounds like you'll have a wonderful time and you're making solid plans! Good Luck!

Great advice! I think I'll look into dropping my car off outside of Rome before I enter the city. Thank you!