Rome Hotels Guide

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 24/05/2007 10:48:00
• In: Rome Travel Tips

Rome is divided in two by the River Tiber. The city is more commonly divided up into different areas for example to the left of the river lies the Vatican and the Trastevere, while the 'Centro Storico' historical centre, Termini, Repubblica, Porta Pia, the Colosseum and the Univerisity area are some of the more popular areas on the right of the river.

The one thing to remember about booking a hotel in Rome is that no matter where you choose to stay you'll never be convenient to all attractions, unless that is, you love walking. Of course this is the best way to see the city, but do remember to wear flat shoes (lots of cobbled streets!) and find yourself a really good street map. Actually you'll have no choice but to walk in the historical centre of the city as cars are not allowed (unless they have a valid permit).

Rome hotels near Termini…

If you're not up for that much walking, you should base yourself near Termini Station (Stazione Termini). Termini Station is the main railway and metro station in the city. From here you can get a train connection to almost any city in Italy. This station is also the point at where the red metro Line A and blue metro Line B meet, as Rome has only two metro lines which cross the city in the shape of an 'X'. From Termini Station you can take the red Line A over to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain or to the Basilica de San Giovanni in Laterano. Or you can take the blue Line B to the Colosseum or Circo Massimo.

If you want to be close to Termini choose one of these hotels; Hotel des Artistes, the Best Western Hotel Villafranca, Yes Hotel, Eurostars Domus Aurea and the Palladium Palace. If you're on a tight budget check out Hotel Planet and Hotel Rubino, two good 2 star hotels located within a stone's throw of Termini.

More city centre hotels in Rome…

We've lots of hotels in the historical centre of Rome close to top attractions. If you want to be close to the Trevi Fountain choose the Bolivar Hotel. The Hotel Borromeo is within a short walk of the world famous Colosseum and if you want to be based close to the Pantheon, right in the heart of the historical centre, you won't get closer than the Hotel Sole Al Pantheon, which actually occupies the same piazza (square) as the temple.

Other well located hotels in the city include the Kent Hotel and the Baileys Hotel which are both located close to Porta Pia, north of Termini Station. Porta Pia has excellent bus connections with the city centre.

The Eurostars International Palace is located in a prime location on a street called Via Nazionale and is just a short walk from Repubblica metro station.

Other Rome hotels…

Hotel Saint Paul is located close to the Basilica de San Paolo while the Prime Hotel Saint John is located near the Basilica de San Giovanni in Laterano. We've also got the Athena Hotel located in the University district east of Termini and the Hotel Santa Costanza, which has regular bus connections to the city centre being located off the major roadway Via Nomentano.

If you'd like a relaxing hotel in a peaceful corner of the city, then we highly recommend the Sunrise Hotel in Nuovo Salario which is a pleasant 25 minute bus ride from the heart of the city. Another excellent option is the Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, which is located in a district called EUR about 9km from the city. It's well connected to the city centre but you might be tempted to spend a lot of your time at this hotel as it boasts a superb restaurant and a swimming pool (quite rare in Rome!).

With such a good transport network (made up of buses and the metro) you won't need a car in this city, but if you do hire a car to discover the wonderful Lazio region you'll want to be located close to Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), the major motorway which orbits the city. The Eurostars Roma Congress is located about 2km from this ring road.

Rome hotels near the Vatican…

If you want to stay near the Vatican you'll have to book your accommodation well in advance as the Vatican is a year round mecca for pilgrims. And although it's always a busy area it's relatively quiet at night compared with other parts of the city centre. Hotels within walking distance of the Vatican include the Nova Domus Hotel, the 207 Comfort Inn Hotel and the Hotel Ara Pacis.

Guest who stay at the Raganelli Hotel or the Pinewood Hotel (further west of the Vatican) will only have to jump on the bus outside the hotels door for a short ride to the Vatican.

Rome is a year round destination so it's important to book your hotel well in advance especially if your coming for a major religious festival (Easter or Christmas). The months of July and August can be uncomfortably hot, which can make visiting attractions and queuing in the heat a chore. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you do decide to come in August, especially around the 15th  - don't be surprised if you see a lot of shops and restaurants closed - particularly if you're staying outside the historic centre. This is an annual holiday (the Romans call it Ferragosto) where the local people close their businesses and go on holidays to the coast, as the city can be very hot during this period.

And if you're hiring a car (check out our sister website Novacarhire.com) it's advisable to check with your accommodation first with regards to parking. Onsite parking and even street parking is very rare but most Rome hotels will be able to direct you to a private garage close by.

Hope this helps you to choose the perfect Rome hotel. Of course if you've any queries just drop us a line and we'll get back to you right away. Feel free to leave comments, advice or tips on booking hotels in Rome.