OK to drive into Rome for 15 minutes?

Yes, you should be able to do this as you're familiar with driving around Rome. I think it's a good idea, in fact, since you've got the car. The driver should stay at the wheel and someone else check the luggage in for safety. I lived and drove in Rome for two years, 2007 and 2008 so I feel confident suggesting this to you, as long as you are comfortable driving in Rome. M.J.

May the force be with you - and beware of the ZTL!

Most people on this site would rather eat glass than drive in Rome...or Italy in general. If the thought of driving through the unknown with lots of traffic doesn't frighten you, then you shouldn't have a problem. I always rent cars and have never had a problem in navigating Italy, but I wouldn't waste my time backtracking just to drop off luggage. If you pack smartly, your luggage shouldn't be a burden on any train or bus.

Probably NOT a good move. In order to get to the hotel, you'll have to drive through ZTL zones. Unless you register your vehicle with your hotel and get an exception - or go when the ZTL is not active - you could be looking at a fine far more expensive than a taxi fare. There is a ZTL entry/exit point on Via Luiggi Petroselli, just in front of Teatro Marcello. You might look at this post to see multiple views of the maps: ZTL's in Rome

I've driven in Rome several times and it is no big deal, assuming that you have driven in crowded US cities. The hassle is caused by the no-car zones and one way streets which make the main routes somewhat roundabout. Google Maps Street View has the route in from the beltway, so you can "drive it" to see how it looks. If your rental drop off is in the underground parking lot in Villa Borghese then, with or without luggage, I would have the rental car company call a cab for you. It's a 2 mile walk from that parking lot to your hotel area. The subway is no help, way too much walking at both ends. FYI the entrances into the parking lot in Villa Borghese are very easy to miss.

Thanks, all!
(And Hello, Ron! We're still heartbroken that we won't see you again this year). I did just call the hotel (duh!) and they are JUST outside the ZTL by a block! They said as long as we enter through Circus Maximus area and not go past the hotel, we should be fine. We've been to the Villa Borghese car rental area before- I'm thinking we'll either bus to the hotel or just walk the 2 miles. We LOVE walking in Rome. We'll "risk it"! Thank you all again! Maria

Hey - Ciao Maria - you'll have a great time this year! I understand what the hotel is telling you - headed to the Forty-Seven? They are correct. If you COME from Circo Maximus - which would be heading from east to west - then yes, you will avoid the ZTL's. The problem is GETTING to that side of town (to the Circo Massimo area) from Tivoli - so do map out your route carefully. Then, of course, you have to get across town from the HOTEL. I'd suggest heading out from the hotel to the LEFT (the ZTL gates are to the RIGHT) and catch the road along the river (Lungotevere) and follow it up towards Piazza di Popolo. After leaving the hotel, turn right at the first red light and then right onto Lungotevere. I'm not as "up" on the ZTL's as I should be as we primarily rode a motorino and thus were "not-impacted" by ZTL zones (which is why I drove a motorino!). Also, whenever I was in a car downtown, it was also our Embassy friends with CD plates or Italians who lived in the ZTL areas and had passes. Thus, I generally just ignored these areas unless I was in a rental car. You will also face the renatal car challenge. Just be careful!