My husband and I are taking the Rick Steves Village Italy tour next year. We wanted to fly in and out of Milan but got some really favorable awards travel flights by booking a flight into Rome. We'll arrive there at 8 p.m. on the day before the tour. We plan to stay overnight in Rome, and leave at noon'ish the next day for the approx. 3.5 hour train trip to Padua. Any recommendations on a good place to stay in Rome for one night? It doesn't need to be fancy, as it's just one night. We're looking for clean, comfortable, friendly and welcoming, reasonable in cost, and convenient. We prefer like small, family-run inns rather than large hotels. We'll be tired from the flights but ready for a nice meal out,, so it should be within walking distance of some good restaurants. With just a few hours to stroll around in the a.m., we'd like to be near some of the major sites. Close proximity to Termini Station would be a plus.
Posted by
Indianapolis
293 posts
Vickie - You might consider The Beehive in Rome. It is a hostel but has private rooms, too. It does tend to fill up quickly. If I remember correctly, it is about a five minute walk from Termini. In my opinion, it meets all your needs. - Sharon
Posted by
New York
1206 posts
I have stayed at the Hotel Aberdeen ( you can find all the information on line and in the RS Rome book) twice. RS Rome tours stay at this hotel ( and I went on the tour twice, went in September 2013) and they give reasonable rates when you go on their web site and click on Rick Steves reservations. Hotel stay includes buffet breakfast ( which is very good) and it is in walking distance of the Termini Station. The staff is very nice, hotel is clean and nice. It is just want you are looking for. If you are leaving around noon, you will have time in the morning to go to the Santa Maria della Vittoria church which is only a few blocks away from the hotel. It is a must see and quick and easy if you are leaving around noon. Or the Baths of Diocietian which is also a must see and right around the corner from the hotel. You would be able to see both if you leave no later than 10AM because both are close to each other and won"t take too long to see. Baths of Diocietian will take longer to walk around but go to the Santa Maria della Vittoria church first, then to Baths of Diocietian and that is closer to go back to the hotel. Both are can be done in the morning. Just a suggestion if you have time in the morning. If not just go to one to see as they it is so very close to the hotel. Baths of Diocietian is closer to the hotel. Have a wonderful time.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
There are many inexpensive hotels very close to the Central Train station.
I have stayed at the Hotel Sonya (on an RS trip) and extended for 3 more days
at the Hotel Contilia (less expensive)- both are smaller hotels....
Both are just a few blocks from the train station.
I have been on the RS Village Italy Tour and really loved it.
I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32448 posts
Vickie,
Either Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen mentioned in previous posts would be good choices. Both are close to Termini, so convenient for transportation and there are lots of restaurants in that area. You might also look at The Beehive (owned by an American couple) which is also in the Termini area. It's listed as a "Hotel/Hostel", but they have double rooms and the rates are very attractive.
With any of the places listed, I'd suggest booking well in advance (especially The Beehive). I'm sure you'll really enjoy the Village Italy tour!
Happy travels!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23777 posts
We have used both Sonya and Contilia same as Francis. For an overnight, I would use Contilia as it is just two streets away out the south door of Termini. Sonya is very nice and we were just there for a few days last month. It is four to five blocks from Termini across from the opera house.
Posted by
Vacaville, CA, USA
46 posts
We have stayed at the Hotel Italia several times. It was a Rick Steves recommend. Great staff, reasonable price for Rome. Bus stop half block away. The Hotel is just off the Via Nationale, 5 min bus ride from the Termini. You don't have to drag luggage very far. It is a nice street, not seedy like area around the Termini. Send them an e-mail, they respond quickly.
Fred