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Rome Lodging Selection For First Time Visitor

I've been on Airbnb for days now trying to find some lodging options that I think would suit me. I found this apartment which is very near the Pantheon. I wanted an affordable listing with numerous 5 stars reviews, a superhost listing, a/c, kitchenette and washing machine. Bonus is that it's in an over 600 year old building and using the pegman on Google maps the area looks beautiful and doesn't appear to be as busy. It's a bit further from the train station, where I would be arriving from Naples and taking a day trip to Orvieto, so there's not much importance there and better to be away from the station. I feel it's a good fit distance wise getting to most places on foot.
It's a bit more than I was hoping to spend, $770 total =$154 per night including taxes, but IMO a steal for Rome.
I'd welcome thoughts please and thank you!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49622029?check_in=2024-10-06&check_out=2024-10-11&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8ae4fe99-8b8a-4af1-abfa-3a646a02e2e8

Posted by
1034 posts

I just stayed near the Pantheon the first week of November, literally around the corner from Giolitti. So possibly also 100 meters from the Pantheon. Just be aware that the crowds in Piazza della Rotonda were quite large, and some of the narrower streets in the area were packed solid at times. Not to deter you - the apartment looks fine, if a bit spartan, and you are centrally located - but take time to learn the buses running along Via del Corso.

Also, you are nowhere near Termini - unless you are backpacking, you would need a cab or bus to reach the apt with luggage, and the cab might have to drop you a few blocks away - check with the host.

Posted by
2085 posts

Agree a cab may be your best bet to get to the apartment from the termini. But for any ither day trips, getting a bus to the termini shouldn’t be too far of a walk from the apartment. The apartment looks goid and a binus it has an elevator.

Posted by
7895 posts

I think the location would work fine. Everyone seems to have their own highly opiniated preference of where to stay in Rome, but there really is no good or bad. I agree that there is no great reason to stay near Termini, access to the station is very much secondary to having a nice area to wander around at night close to your room. I also would have no problem taking the bus to the Pantheon area with my bag rather than a cab.

Specific to your location, yes, it is well within strolling distance to most sights, Rome is a great walking city, unless you have some mobility issues. If you feel good about it, go for it.

Just for the record, I prefer the Trastevere area and tend to shy away from AirBnB, but like I said, everyone has their preferences.

Posted by
88 posts

We stayed in the same area and were very pleased. It was very walkable to most sights which is more important than being near Termini. I agree with the above person who advised to stay in a location that lends itself to evening strolls. I always consider where I would like to be in the evening when picking a location.

Posted by
319 posts

Good day,
We have stayed in several different areas of Rome over the years and we have learned one thing that is true for us. The Piazza Navona area is our absolute favorite. We love the Locanda Navona, which is about 200 meters off of the piazza. We have also stayed at the Hotel Du Torri and loved it too. On some previous trips we stayed in the Via Veneto area which was fine but, not a lot to see and do close to the hotel. The metro is fine and easy but sometimes you just want to walk around your neighborhood and the Piazza Navona area serves that purpose well. It is all an easy walk to the Via Del Corso, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo de Fiori, etc. And there is a taxi stand just outside the Piazza Navona, on the north end.
No matter where you stay, I am sure you will have a great time.

Posted by
79 posts

Thank you all once again for your helpful replies, I really do appreciate it!

Even though I've been doing more Rome lodging research I keep coming back to this property. I know there are mixed opinions on staying in a B & B, especially for a first/solo visit, but the hotel/B&B options are pricier and don't meet all of my needs. I will be in Italy for two weeks and want to travel as lightly as possible, so having a washing machine at each of my base accommodations is a must. I don't want the expense of paying for laundry services, or spending time at a laundromat. A kitchenette will also allow me to save on food expenses, by having the option to buy and store groceries, but I have no plans of cooking. For some this property may seem spartan, but I prefer the minimalist style, unless my budget allowed for a luxurious historic property.

I am a walker, and love exploring on foot and being able to do so early in the morning or in the evening would add to the enjoyment of my trip.

A number of these Airbnbs arrange for cab service/luggage and from the reviews this one does as well.

Once I get my flights figured out, I'll most likely be booking this.