Transportation from Fiumicino to hotel in Rome

If you mean that a shared shuttle with other people is the same as the cab, then take the cab. If you're worried about not being able to communicate even the name of your hotel, just have the name, address and location on a slip of paper you can hand over if you're desperate. I've never had to resort to that in Europe, but it might ease your mind. Assuming your hotel is in center of Rome, cab fare is a fixed amount at 48 Euros, including all your luggage.

Make sure you get a taxi from the official queue (although unlicensed taxis may not be an issue at FCO).

Ck out roninrome.com lots of tips on negotiating FCO and transport into Rome.

It may depend on exactly where your hotel is.

We never take a shared shuttle (the type that drops people at individual hotels) or taxi from Fiumicino but opt for inexpensive airport express buses (or more expensive Leonardo express train) to Termini and walk from there if staying reasonably nearby. You could also take a cab from Termini, or the the metro if your accommodation is walking distance from a stop. It all depends on what you're comfortable with.

Since you asked for the best way, consider a private car service. After a long flight, some jet lag, not being familiar with the area, there is nothing better than having your private driver meet you inside the terminal and whisk you to your hotel. No fending off the rogue cabs, waiting in the regular taxi line, or just having a "lost" feeling. It is not the cheapest way, but it is definitely the best. We can not say enough good things about Rome Cabs. It is a private car service (not a cab company) but only cost about 10 Euro more than a regular taxi. We always use them and have always been very pleased. Go to romecabs.com and see what you think. We usually send an email and they answer us with a quote within 24 hours. You do have to pay cash (Euros) and the end of the journey but not in advance. Hope this helps.

There are no rogue taxi cabs at the taxi stands at the airport in Fiumicino. Just go in front of the terminal at the taxi stand and get on the first on the line exactly like you'd do at any airport in America. The flat rate to any location in the city center is 48€. That is the best option for you and your spouse. A private car (limo) service like Rome Cabs is another alternative although a few euro more.
Train or bus is an option only if you are staying walking distance from the station and you have very little luggage. If you have to take the train then a taxi from the station to your hotel, the sum of the two modes of transportation will likely be more money than the taxi directly from the airport to the hotel.

Maggie,

Using a Taxi as Roberto suggested will be the easiest option. I'd suggest having the address of your hotel written in Italian, to show the driver.

If your hotel is close to Termini station, a less expensive option is to use the Leonardo Express (~32 minutes, €14 PP, buy your tickets at the airport rail station). One important point to mention is that you MUST validate your tickets prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! One other point is that there are two trains servicing FCO, the Leonardo Express and the FM/FR1. Be sure to board the correct train!

I often use a "combination approach" if not staying near Termini. I take the Leonardo Express to Termini and then use a Cab from there to my hotel.

Allow me to draw your attention to the important part of Roberto's accurate statement: "There are no rogue taxi cabs at the taxi stands at the airport in Fiumicino."

The ones you have to watch out for are the guys who approach you inside the terminal asking if you want a taxi. Steer clear of those.

If you tell us which hotel you're staying at, we can tell you if it's in the 48 euro zone.

Thanks for all your suggestions, all made perfect sense. Yes, you're right, we will be jet-lagged. Right again, that the shuttle would be stopping at many hotels. So a cab or Rome Cabs seem the best option.
We're staying at Hotel Michelangelo near the Vatican, not close to Termini.

Thanks for all your suggestions, all made perfect sense. Yes, you're right, we will be jet-lagged. Right again, that the shuttle would be stopping at many hotels. So a cab or Rome Cabs seem the best option.
We're staying at Hotel Michelangelo near the Vatican, not close to Termini.