We'll be first-time visitors, (self, wife & 13 yr old son) and we've booked at the Hotel Golden near the Villa Borghese. Does this seem like a good place to base ourselves for a 4- day stay in Rome? Dave
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I like that area. It's not the city center but it's still within walking distance to most sites, close to restaurants and shops and close to metro and bus connections. I wouldn't have a problem staying in that area. donna
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11839 posts
I agree with Donna. It's a lovely area and less overrun by tourists. From there, you can easily head to Monti (towards the Colosseum from your hotel), where there a number of fine restaurants that are off the beaten path for most tourists. Rome is very walkable and when you just can't walk any further, you'll find the mass transit system is very good. Rick Steves' guide has a good tutorial on how to decipher the bus stop signs.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
I stayed at the Marriott in this area several years ago. It's an upscale area with lots of restaurants, stores and gelato shops. If you are taking the metro to the hotel, get off at the Spagna stop. Upon exiting the train, instead of going to the street at this time, continue walking underground towards the Borghese Park. You will eventually ride an escalator up to the street and you will exit across the street from the Marriott. Looks like an easy walk from there to your hotel. If you can fit it in, do make a visit to the Borghese Gallery. It's a very short walk from your hotel and it is fabulous. When we arrived at our hotel at 3 pm, I had the hotel call and reserve a spot for me at the gallery for 5 pm that afternoon. It was a perfect time. Very few people were there at that time and I could get up close to the works. It's a small gallery and easily done in two hours. When we took our 13 yr old, the Rome Hard Rock Cafe was high on his list. It's located on Via Veneto close to your hotel. The boys ate there and I ate at a local restaurant across the street. For us, it worked. Have a great trip making lifetime memories with your family. We did!
Posted by
OP
san francisco, CA, USA
55 posts
Thanks, everyone! That's what I needed to hear. Dave
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I just got back from Rome, and I would advise making
a reservation before you leave if you want to see the Borghese Museum! There were large signs posted that it was full for the next two weeks! May, June are top tourist months. It would be a shame to be this close and still miss it!