We have four nights in a small, pretty cheap hotel just outside of the Via Veneto on Via Collina. There isn't really anything in that area we were planning to see and I am hearing much of the restaurant scene there isn't where we'd prefer to eat... I am hoping someone can tell me whether we would be much smarter to try and get something closer to Ancient Rome or more centered. I'm hearing mixed reports on the reliability of public transportation. What is your experience with catching buses to get to the Coloseum, Vatican etc. We know we'll be walking a ton and can walk a ton, but at the end of long touring days an extra mile or two maybe more than we want to do. Thanks for advice.
Rick
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
That hotel is not really just off the Via Veneto. It's pretty far out. I like the Via Veneto area and don't think it's far from the sites but your hotel is quite a bit beyond that and not close to a metro line. I don't know if there is a bus stop close by, you should ask the hotel for this information. I would probably look for something else. You can use venere.com to look for hotels within your budget. Donna
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
Without checking the map, I don't know where it is. But in general the further out you stay the cheaper is. And I don't know what cheap is for you. You need to balance the cost (cheap) against the addition cost and inconvence of getting where you want to go. What is the priority? In general the public transit is dependable. Buses may run a little slow/late depending on traffic but they run. We always stay in the Termini area just for the convince of public transit and more reasonable prices.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
What is your budget? How did you find this hotel?
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
105 posts
we found the hotel by checking on the hotel sites in Rome, comparing a ton. We thought it looked walk-able. I think we will look for something closer in. and by cheap, this one was about $110 a night. We had tried Trastevere but they were sold out or more than $200 a night, which we thought was more than we could spend. Maybe we should rethink that.
thanks again. Rick
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
We see a lot of people staying near us at a tourist hotel in Parioli. It's quite inexpensive and reasonably nice, but they waste 45-60 minutes on each trip by bus (with transfer) into the Centro Storico. If you want to go back to your room for a rest or to change clothes, do you really want to give up 2 hours to do it? Stay in the historical center. You time is worth something, too. We have rented apartments for far less than $200 per night when traveling to Rome. VRBO, Venere, Cross-Pollinate are all excellent sources of lodging. Via Veneto has a lot of high-priced restaurants that look nice but lack that "Roman" feel. You'll find better cuisine at lower prices elsewhere.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Rick, I tend to usually stay in the Termini area, as transportation is so very convenient there both for Metro and trains as well as Buses. I find that to be a very "efficient" method, as I can choose whether to use walking or a combination of public transit and walking to visit various attractions. When is this trip taking place? The Guidebook has good listings for Hotels in several areas in Rome, but if you need suggestions, post another note. Happy travels!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34235 posts
I found Rome buses frequent and easy to use, but often crowded. Location is everything...
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I've been using buses and metro in Rome for years and it's gotten much better - more express buses, which cut down travel time due to fewer stops. I found a hotel near Piazza Navona for 95 euro per night (single), roof garden for breakfast. Also check booking.com for prices and reviews.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
R&R, your instinct is right. Keep looking and find some place in or closer to the historic center. You might have to pay a litle more than $110 a night (you don't say when you're going, and that makes a difference), but you'll be soooo glad you did. Laurel is 100% right when she talks about how nice it is to be able to go back to your room mid-day for a break. Every single time we've stayed outside the historic center of some city or village to save money, we have regretted it. Lesson learned. As for Roman buses, we found them to be reliable enough (albeit absolutely packed during rush hour) and taxis are pretty reasonable within the city - usually about 10 to 15 euros.
Posted by
Atlanta
3267 posts
The Aberdeen Hotel is in Rick's book but has gotten mixed reviews on this site. We were able to book a double for 100 EUR per night for October. It's probably a small room but we're happy with the location and price. It's located near Termini.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I stayed out a bit once and had to use the bus and it was fine, but it did take time and we were only 2 blocks from the bus stop. We used a taxi for both ways to and from the airport ($$$) as they had no shuttle. Since it was summer and really hot, if we went back to the hotel to freshen up, by the time we got off the bus we did not want to go back out in the evening. My next trip was ..more expensive Holiday Inn, nothing glamorous, but okay (free shuttle ) and much closer to everything..so it was worth it and given the free shuttle could have ended up cheaper. Stay close if you can.
Posted by
Austin
977 posts
Forgive me if this seems too simple, but have you checked prices and reservations for the RS hotels? Last time in Rome we stayed at the Smeraldo which was modest but clean & convenient near the Campo de Fiori, and we walked everywhere (except to the airport). The first time I went I stayed on the Via Nazionale in a pensione. Staying central is worth it.