Hello new friends! I received so many wonderful responses to my question about which would you choose: Florence or Venice, that we have decided to do mini-day+ trips to both places. At least we will be there and see some of it, if only for a brief time.

Now I need your help now with a reasonably price room (Euro 125), be it hotel, B&B, etc near the train station in Rome to ease the carting of luggage all over Rome. We will return to Rome on Wednesday, May 24 on the 19:00 train and need to get to the airport on Thursday morning for an 11:30 flight back home. Also needing a place for one night May 11. I have found all kinds of things on the web, but wanted some personal recommendations from my friends. Thanks for your help.

One more thing: what's the best way to get to the airport?

Sharon - grandma8 from Indianapolis

Sharon, if you follow this link to the main Slowtrav.com web site, you'll find lots of reviews of Rome hotels. Page down to those listed as Rome Republicca Termini to find hotel reviews near the train station.

As for the best way to the airport, it depends on what is important to you. If comfort and ease is more important than other considerations, a car service would probably be the way to go. If cost is the primary driver of your decision, the train is generally the least expensive route. What are your priorities?

I like the Hotel d'Artistes. It's about 5 blocks from Termini. Reception is on an upper floor. The lower floors of the building are apartments. It does have an elevator.

To go to the airport,

You can take the Leonardo Express (leaves every 30 minutes...takes about 35 minutes) from Termini 9.50 Euro per person (Track 24, I think)

You can also take the FM-1 train from Tiburtina or Ostiense stations Takes about 45 minutes and costs 5 Euros each

Cab will probably cost 40-50 euros.

Least expensive trip from Rome to FCO is the Terravision bus, which leaves from Via Marsala directly adjacent to Termini station. It's also tremendously easier if you are burdened with luggage.

We stayed at the Hotel Kennedy several years ago for 3 nights and was fine. It is minutes to the train station and on a street with heaps of cafes etc. With windows open was noisy but closed (double glazed) was fine.

A word of warning from the Terravision Web site:

"Termini Station «-» Fiumicino airport

"Please note that this is a dedicated airport-city transfer for the airlines listed below. As such, all passengers must demonstrate a valid airline boarding pass, ticket or e-ticket in order to board the coach in addition to their valid Terravision ticket or e-ticket."

This is followed by the logos of four airlines, of which I only recognized Air One.

we stayed at Hotel Aquarium, well, it's actually a B&B, few blocks from termini, about $60 euro/night.

Hi, Hotel Aberdeen is pretty close.
http://www.travel.it/roma/aberdeen/

Very nice expereince when I was there.

Glenn

I think you said you're planning mini day-trips to both Florence and Venice, from Rome. I would suggest not following this plan. Venice takes a minimum of 4.5 hours to get to from Rome, so it's not suitable for a Rome daytrip, as you'll end up with a minimum of 10 hours in transit with getting to and from train stations and waiting. Florence, a 90-minute trip by train, is quite possible, though.

Please consider rejigging your trip to use your time efficiently. If you are set on only one day in each place, take the train to Venice from Rome and spend the day there and an overnight. Then in the morning, take the train to Florence and spend the day there, returning in the evening to Rome. I'd still advise against this plan, but it would be some improvement over two separate daytrips from Rome.

Da Marta e Alida is a charming B&B right off Via Merulana, just a 10 minute walk from Stazione Termini. Rooms are clean, well-provided and secure. Run by mother and daughter who make every effort to ensure a pleasant stay. Rate for double with private bath is 95E/night. For additional information, directions and rates go to website below:

http://www.damarta.it/en/index.htm

The best thing this Nonna ever did was contact www.RomeConnection.com for transport to and from the airport. Mario was waiting for us at arrival and picked us up at our hotel for departure. No hassle with luggage and the train.

I ditto Hotel Des Artistes IF you stay in the Annex. The rooms are actually quite nice and the bathrooms are a good size and very clean. YOu have all the amenities of a 3 star hotel. It's less than a 10 minute walk to the station.

Take a look at www.hotel-robinson.com

I also have to chime in that doing Venice as a day trip from Rome isn't a good plan. Remember....if you go to Italy once, you WILL bo back...so save Venice for the next trip!

Best wishes,

My mom and I loved the Beehive two years ago and are going back again next month. About three blocks from Termini, right across the street from Enjoy Rome. They used to have a kitchen for guest use but now - according to the web site - serve their own ala carte breakfast, all vegetarian and organic and will do box lunches for your picnic. They have baths "down the hall", a 24 hour desk and a pretty nice cat in residence at 37.5 Euros per person per night.

I can't find my link right now but if you do a search for Beehive Rome it's sure to turn up.

Hope this helps.

Joy