Later this month, I am ending a ten day trip with three nights in Rome. We have reservations at the Hotel Piranesi, near the Piazza del Popolo. We liked that the hotel is close to the Borghesi Gardens. Going back through posts of Rome, I don't see any references to the Trident neighborhood, which appears to run from the Spanish Steps to the Piazza del Popolo. It looks to have quite a few hotels, but is still residential from what I can tell. Since I have never been to Rome (or Italy for that matter), I don't know what to expect. We do have a solid restaurant recommendation for Osteria St. Ana, which is right near the Piazza del Popolo. Does anyone have anything to add about the neighborhood?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
FWIW, that's the area that Rick calls "North Rome" in his books. I like seeing that I'm in good company with Quirite, since I've always called it "Campo Marzio" as well. It is indeed very touristy, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when you're a tourist, esp. if it's your first time to Rome. That hotel is right next to the very scenic Via Margutta. More about that here:
http://www.roninrome.com/shopping-dining/via-margutta
Have you used Google Map Streetview to take a look around for yourself?
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia PA
62 posts
Thank you Michael for the entertaining link. Also, I did check out Google Earth, which is why I concluded (wrongly apparently) the residential aspect. Quirite, you have already given me a reason to return to Rome even before I have set foot in it, ha ha! If I told you that my companions and I enjoy a good balance of sightseeing (and don't mind walking to get there, as opposed to staying on top of them), leisurely wining and dining in places with a fun vibe, and visiting funky little shops, what would your recommendation for a neighborhood be?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It will be interesting to get Quirite's thoughts on where to stay, but I would suggest you look into the Monti neighborhood or Testaccio.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia PA
62 posts
Good enough guys, thanks for the info. Can't wait to check out these neighborhoods!
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Martha, for your first trip to Rome, I think you will WANT to be in a Tourist neighborhood. If you want to "split the difference" you can stay in the Prati (Vatican) neighborhood. I stay at Hotel Alimandi Tunisi, across from the Vatican museum, there's a great transportation link/bus stop a few blocks away, and the neighborhood behind this hotel is residential. I love eating at Piacere Molisi, and they don't speak English there. Assuming that since you want to be in a 'residential' neighborhood you've at least learned a little Italian, as you'll need it. At least memorize menu items ;-)
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia PA
62 posts
Thank you Donna, great information. Friends have told us specifically to go to restaurants where only Italian is spoken, so this fits the bill. I will brush up on my Rosetta stone too!