Two days/nights in Rome - Help with Hotel and...

Sorry - that should read we'll be splitting up the time for one "day" in ancient Rome and one day in Vactican Rome. Thanks.

Are there just two of you? What's the price range you're looking for? Are you okay with a little walking? Have you been to Rome before? As for neighborhood, the Campo de' Fiori/Piazza Navona neighborhood is smack between Vatican and Forum, and is a great n'hood for your first time to Rome. Take the train from Rome to Florence. (That's an easy one.)

Thanks for your patience and help. Traveling are myself, my wife, and our 22 year old son. We're looking forward to the walking. We've never been in Italy before.

Does the Steves tour start in Rome. If so, stay in that hotel, makes life much easier. If the tour starts in Florence, then stay in the Termini area for convenience to transit. Hotel Sonya, Aberdeen are good choices.

Thanks - the Steves tour starts later in the month. We're visiting Rome, Florence, Varenna, Venice and others then starting our Village Italy tour in Padua.

Art, I may have missed it, but when is this trip taking place? You'll be receiving an Italy Guidebook with your tour package, so that will have all the information you need to plan touring in Rome. I'd suggest staying in the vicinity of Roma Termini (rail station) and the two suggestions mentioned by Frank would be a great place to start (Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen). As someone else mentioned, travel by train to Florence as that's the easiest and quickest method. Using the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita trains, the trip is only about 1.5 hours. Note that reservations are compulsory on those trains, and those will be included in the cost of P-P tickets. If you're using the slower Regionale trains (no reservations possible), BE SURE to validate your tickets in the yellow machine or you'll risk a hefty fine! As this is your first trip to Italy, be sure to wear Money Belts (those will also be provided in your tour package, but you may have to order another one for your Son). Be especially vigilant on the Metro or the infamous #64 or #40 Buses. Buon Viaggio!

Art, congrats on your first trip to Rome. You'll have a great time. My son came and lived with us at age 22 - and fell in love with Rome. He stayed three months and then his job required he head back to the States. He goes back every chance he can. Because it's your first trip, like Michael I'd recommend you stay in the centro area. It's not as convenient to the train as the Roma Termini area, but the opportunity to walk around the center of Rome - especially at night - is quite memorable. You can choose between hotels near the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, or Piazza Navona. These links offer the "best-rated" hotels by booking and venere.com guests. The Roma Termini area has 350+ hotels - here's another list of the "best-ranked" hotels near the train station. As mentioned it would be convenient for the train transit, but you can stay many places in Rome and still be at the the train station in 10-15 minutes via taxi , bus, or the metro.

Ken has covered your transportation options - riding the train is easy! The Trenitalia website is currently undergoing some changes - so be even more patient than usual! You might read this article for some help in booking tickets in advance, if so inclined. I'd also agree to wear a money belt - or some other form of "personal security." First-timers often stand out to the experienced hustlers in Rome. You might read this posting for more pointers. Sounds like you'll have a great vacation - Good Luck!