I am planning our end of April 2020 trip to Italy beginning in Rome. After researching numerous hotel options in the Pantheon, Monti, Trevi & Termini areas I stumbled upon a very nice option in the Testaccio neighborhood (SW of the Primade Metro & NW Roma Ostiense on Via dei Conciatori). I know Testaccio is further from the touristy sights but since there is a Metro close by I thought we could use that to get us a bit closer & quicker to the center. (I understand no metro goes directly in the Pantheon etc areas but it could get us closer to the Spanish Steps or Termini station & we walk it from there) Staying at the particular hotel in Testaccio would cost @300 € less total than many of the more central hotels.
For those experienced with Rome & the Testaccio area, is there any big reason why Testaccio would not be a good idea?
We are use to walking while in Europe. We do plan on seeing the usual Roman tourist attractions including the Vatican. Our stay in Rome would be 5 nights before heading by train to Cinque Terre.
Thx!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
586 posts
You may not like being quite that far away with 5 days for exploring. The metro is okay but not as comprehensive as other cities. On our last stay, we were in a small hotel in the Prati area...it was a bit cheaper and also much less touristy but close enough to many sights walking or by bus.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1457 posts
We have stayed in various parts of Rome and now always stay in Testaccio as our first choice, but north of the metro rather than south. We stay in airbnb apartments and could recommend one or two very nice ones if you would consider an apartment. Much easier to walk to everywhere and also there are trams and buses. Probably less expensive than a hotel. How many people?
Posted by
seattle
2063 posts
We just stayed in an Airbnb in Testaccio. We liked the neighborhood very much. It feels like it’s geared to Romans, not tourists. It is very well connected to Trastevere via walking and tram. Also, not far from the colosseum. We were able to get to Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon via trams 3 then 4 easily.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We've stayed in Testaccio, but just north of the Mercato Testaccio (which is really cool), which put us closer to the center and on a convenient bus line. IMO, the main reasons not many tourists stay there is (1) distance from the historic center and (2) not as photogenic due to a lot of post WW2 construction.
Be sure to use Google Maps Streetview to take a look around the hotel you're considering. (We once avoided staying above a McDonald's that way.)
Posted by
OP
North Carolina, US
90 posts
Thx for the replies based on feedback I google street viewed the place and we weren't enamoured. We have switched our focus to either Hotel Villa San Pio in the Aventino area or Guest House Villa Matissa in Trastevere. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If you decide on the one in Trastevere, be sure to wander north to Piazza San Cosimato. The ratio of locals to tourists is much better there than at Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. If you want some tips on where to eat around there, let me know.
Posted by
seattle
2063 posts
When comparing hotel reviews, recommended looking for comments on noise if that is a factor for you. We have found many nice places to stay that are in charmingly, but noisy locations.