My husband and I will be arriving in Rome early on a Friday, and leaving on Saturday afternoon for a cruise. We want to spend our little time seeing the 'must see' sights and are looking for a place to stay. I have checked with Hotel Sonya and Roman Residence near Termini, but have been told that Termini is a bad area and we should avoid it. However, looking at other posts here, it seems like many people love the Termini area. I was looking at this area specifically because (a) it is near the major transportation hubs and (b) it fits my goal of less than 160 euro per night. As a bit of background my husband and I are in our late 40's, both are military, and I, specifically, have travelled abroad extensively. With that said, should we avoid Termini (and the associated pickpockets, gypsies with fake babies, etc.) or just be situationally aware? Also, if we were to stay in the area, are there any tips for transiting between the station and our hotel with our bags in tow? Should we just pay the few euro to get driven to the hotel? And finally, with the choice of Hotel Sonya or the Roman Residence, which would you choose (and why)? Thanks so much!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Just be situationally aware as you put it and you'll be fine. Rome is very safe. The area around Termini is perfectly safe, just not quite as scenic as some other neighborhoods. But do take a money belt and/or neck purse.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23281 posts
Always love "have been told" always from a friend of a second cousin who probably never left the US. We have been in Rome five time for a total of nearly three weeks and always stay in the Termini area for the reason you mentioned. We have used Sonya, Aberdeen and the Contilla. Prefer Sonya just for the convenience and great breakfast. We always walk with our luggage because we think the Rome cabs are the greater risk. There are lots of people on the street walking with luggage to and from Termini. American tourist are not the only ones with luggage going to and from the station. There are several nice restaurants in the area and everything is very walkable especially at your age. We have yet to see a gypsies, pickpocket or anything else threatening in that areas. Take that back watch for the Vespas !!!!
Posted by
OP
Chesapeake, VA, USA
23 posts
Thanks for the info! As an option, what about staying in the Trastavere area?
Posted by
White Plains, NY
96 posts
We are in the Hotel Sonya as I write this reply. That being said while this might not be the most "neighborhood" of areas to stay in it fits your criteria; price is right, distance to the train station perfect and the staff is nice. Can not speak for other areas but for one night it's good.
Posted by
Malinta, Ohio, usa
49 posts
we are going to Rome for our first visit in June, I booked at the Ancient Romance b&b, it has good reviews and seems to have a good location just outside vatican walls. they follow up with emails right away.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I love Trastevere, but it's not really what you're looking for, IMHO. It's a little out of the way for a one-night stay. Given your priorities, I think you should choose Termini. Remember, you can use Google maps to get a sense of what any particular area of Rome looks like.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Suzan, I absolutely don't agree that the Termini area is a "a bad area and we should avoid it". I find that area to be very safe and convenient, especially for transportation and I've had no problems at all. I stayed near Termini twice last year (in different areas) and will again on my trip this year (possibly in Hotel Sonya if I can get a booking - must get busy and arrange that). I've also stayed in Trastevere and it's a beautiful part of Rome, but with such a short time frame I really believe that Termini would be a better choice this time. Keep in mind that pickpockets and "scammers" are not limited to the Termini area. I've seen them in Trastevere (especially near the Santa Maria in Trastevere Church) and other parts of Rome as well. As you're both military, I'm sure you won't have any trouble dealing with them. However, it would still be a good idea to wear Money Belts, as they are very skilled in their "craft". Regarding getting to your Hotel, I'd suggest printing out a map from the Internet and just walking. In my experience, Taxi's take a while even driving a short distance because of the heavy traffic in that area, so it will likely be more than "a few Euro". I used a Taxi to get to Hotel Aberdeen last year, but once I "knew the way" I walked back to the station even with a 50 lb. Backpack (I had a Map but wasn't in the mood to walk when I first arrived). Happy travels!