One week of our three week Italian vacation this September will be spent in Rome. We will have a rental car that we'd like to park at the B&B/hotel and use other transportation while there.
From a cost and convenience standpoint, where is a good place to stay that has parking for the rental car? Are we better IN Rome or Rome adjacent? Any suggestions or thoughts ? We have no idea what we're doing but we're trying to learn as much as we can. LOL Thanks in advance ! :)
I'd advise against having a car in Rome and advise that you definitely stay in Rome. Public transportation, and mainly your feet, are the best ways of experiencing Rome. Look at city maps and I think you'll see how compact Rome can be. What you won't see are a whole lot of parking lots!
Is the 3 week rental cost + the cost of leaving it in a parking lot for a week so good that it's cheaper that 2 separate rentals ( one before and one after Rome)?
You definitely don't want a car in Rome, and staying in the 'burbs will waste way too much time in transit every day you're there.
Any way to rearrange your stay so Rome isn't stuck in the middle of the trip?
Unfortunately, the car is non negotiable. We fly into and out of Milan (where we are picking up the car as this is more of a driving vacation) and Rome falls smack in the middle of the trip.
"If this is the case, find a hotel near the city center which is not inside the ZTL (restricted traffic zone) and has parking on the premises or arrangements with local garages." This is what I'm asking for...
So, yeah...we need a place to stay where we can park it until it's time to leave. We did that during our three week UK vacation this past spring. Pulled into our B&B in London, parked it and never took it out until we left.
hey hey echo
oh my god, laughing about your "no idea what we're doing" but you are going to italy. don't stress it and get more gray hairs. you're starting early and asking questions. yes the car is a PITA in the cities and the ZTL zones. make sure who ever is driving that they get an IDP (translation of drivers license) at AAA/CAA for about $25 and 2 passport size photos, same day pickup.
knowing wherever you get a place in rome, the cost is about 35E or more a day for parking, and some say at different location, how far who knows.
check out olivetreehill.com, it's a B&B or small cottage, about 30 minutes away from rome with free parking, bus/train station nearby. read about the place and the couple that own/run it. maybe something you are interested in.
aloha
GO NINERS!!
Hi echo,
Maybe watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2VcEkPaeF4 to gain some insight into Rome's city centre and its outline -- an overview and good pointers about the centre and visiting the main attractions.
Some other helpful videos https://www.youtube.com/user/ItalyGuides
Additionally, check out The Roman Guy Rome videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRomanGuyTours They are a popular tour company, but they have quite a few videos about Rome with helpful suggestions and tips.
They are pretty good for a beginner visitor to Rome. Sean is one of the company's leads and narrates most of the videos. They are fun to watch and laid back.
Naturally, any suggestions or tips you read about or watch regarding attractions, restaurants, etc, it is always best to check actual websites for policies, time changes, pricing, photo taking, etc.
The Vatican, St. Peter's, The Borghese Gallery, and The Colosseum have strict bag policies. With the exception of The Borghese, the others allow small backpacks, cross body bags of "about" 14" - 15."
Anything larger going into The Vatican or St. Peter's would most likely have to be checked - a hassle for you to go and retrieve your belongings after The Vatican visit. But, if you must, there is a free bag check area below the steps of St. Peter's Basilica (off the Piazza.) That would be the easiest to retrieve large bags, etc. Also, there are restrooms down the hall.
The Vatican and St. Peter's have official security/police outside and inside.
The Borghese Gallery did not allow bags in the past - giving out plastic bags for any valuables that did not fit into pockets. Now they are allowing or have been allowing "small" purses - very small.
The Pantheon (Church) has been allowing bags. There are laymen monitors at the door - not official guards - or that I have seen the last several times. They are there for crowd control and to sort of "eyeball."
Keep in mind that time of year (high and low season) will affect a lot of things. It will ultimately be up to guards or whomever for allowable "anything."
Elyssa, who has the Romewise YT is also very good. She lives in Rome and is super nice! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYYrGa2k0QCB_AvF01YCpgw
I have been to Italy in September as well as December. September will still be warm and is considered the high season.
Here is another curious site to view https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio.html
There are also drop downs for other areas of Italy to view.
You can view the most popular and populated attractions and areas of Rome. The cams give a nice "bird's eye view." You will clearly see there is no need to drive in Rome. It is a very walkable city - an outside museum with beautiful architecture and facades.
Get "lost." That can be fun. With that, you can come across any surprise around any corner - a cute little Church, a small cafe to sit and rest a bit, a small market to purchase a panino and/or water.
On one trip to Rome, in December, I took a side street (around lunchtime) just mainly for curiosity - heading to The Trevi. I began to hear music - horns. I followed the music. I came upon a "marching band" with the musicians dressed as Santa, horns, a drum, playing Christmas songs. People were clapping, singing and dancing along. Good time.
Have fun. I love Rome!
