Rome Lodging – An Overview

Best Rome Lodging Areas

The Historic Centre
If you want to get yourself "into" the city of Rome for your visit, and your interested in the Colossuem, Vatican, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and other central "hot-spots" such as Trastevere, Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona, then this is all in a relatively small area in the centre generally called "The Historic Centre" or "Centro Storico".
The area is only a few square kilometres, and there is little difference between the various locations in terms of general access to the all the sites and atmosphere. Anything within this few square kilometres is "The centre".

There is an area which is a few kilometres square which is generally referred to as the historic center. This is "Renaissance" and "Baroque" Rome , and has older buildings (up to 700 years) which are generally smaller and darker than elsewhere, but are very characteristic. Most sites are walking distance from here, and so it is a very popular place for Rome lodging - generally reflected in prices. In this area are Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, and Trastevere etc.

Inner Suburbs
On the edge of this area, in addition to the Roman Forum and Colosseum, is the first ring of accommodation and Rome lodging, from which the center is up to/around a 15 minute walk. This is also very popular for visitors because transport is seldom, if ever, required to enjoy all parts of the city. There is also The Spanish Steps, Castel St. Angelo, Vatican, San Giovanni etc.

Together these areas are "The Centre". The apartments listed in "The Centre" are in this area. Each apartment is very different to the next, however, they have a few things in common. Security of doors/locks etc, and in safe areas. Cleanliness is absolutely guaranteed, of both the apartment and the linen, towels etc. Prices are all on the each page and correct.

If you want to clarify a preference, it is easiest to say "cobbled centre", "centre general", or " Rome generally".

Outer Suburbs
The suburbs provide generally cheaper accommodation and quite good public transport access to the centre, although much fewer rental options are available. If you don't need the city on your doorstep, then accommodation here is an option.

Rome has the more green space for every building than any other capital city in Europe .

The Whole of Rome
Greater Rome is encompassed broadly by a ring road called the GRA. Within this, there are many green areas, and many suburbs, along with the central historical region.

Rome Lodging Tips

Rome Lodging Facilities

Five- and four-star hotels have all the amenities you would expect at top levels and rates, with full services, spacious lounges, bars, restaurants, and some fitness facilities. Three-star hotels may have minibars and in-room safes and double glazing to keep out street noise. Two- and three-star hotels will have private bathrooms and in-room direct-dial telephone and television, and most will have air-conditioning. In less expensive places, you may have to pay extra for air-conditioning, and the shower may be the drain-in-the-floor type that floods the bathroom. In one-star hotels you may have to share a bathroom and do without an elevator. Always inquire about air-conditioning when booking a room for summer. Rooms in high-end hotels are soundproofed, but noise may be a problem in less expensive hotels anywhere in the city. Ask for an inside room if you're a light sleeper, but don't be surprised if it's on a dark courtyard.

Rome Lodging Reservations

It's always wise to book in advance, even if only a few days ahead. There is never a period when the city's hotels are predictably empty, though July and August and late January to February are relatively slack months. Inquire about special rates at all times.

If you do arrive without reservations, try HR (phone: 06/6991000), with desks at Leonardo da Vinci Airport and Termini Station (an English-speaking operator is available daily 7 AM-10 PM). Municipal Information kiosks throughout the city can also help you find accommodations free of charge. CTS (Via Andrea di Vesalio 6, northeast of Termini Station, Rome, Italy, phone: 06/441111), a student travel agency, can help find rooms.

You can book via e-mail or by telephoning and then following up with a letter or fax confirmation. You may be asked to send a deposit; get a statement from the hotel about its refund policy before releasing your credit card number or mailing a money order. Insist on a written confirmation from the hotel stating the duration of your stay, room rate, any extras, and location and type of room. When corresponding with hotels, remember that mail in Italy can be exasperatingly slow; telephone, fax, and e-mail are more effective.

Rome Lodging Prices

Room rates in Rome are on a par with those of most other major European capitals. Rates are inclusive of service, but it is customary to tip porters, waiters, maids, and concierges. Taxes and breakfast are separate items in five-star hotels. In all other categories rates quoted for rooms generally include taxes, service, and breakfast, which may be continental or buffet. The standard continental breakfast consists merely of coffee, cappuccino, or tea and a croissant or rolls, though many hotels offer heartier buffet breakfasts. All hotels are supposed to have rate cards on the room doors or inside the closet specifying what you have to pay and detailing any extras.