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Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 11:58 AM UTC
Hola Zuzu!
Your book is right; Termini is a very convenient location if you’re looking for cheap accommodation not far from the city center. You can go to Piazza Navonna by taking the metro to Piazza di Spagna station. From there, is just a 5-10 minutes walking :-) Roman Metro work’s fine, though it doesn’t cover the entire city, as it happens with Madrid one. Depending on the number of days that your are planning to spend in Rome, I’ll suggest you to buy one-day or week pass for the Metro. I’m sure you’ll rather spend your money in Italian wine than in transportation, isn’t it? ;-)
Saludos
Alfredo
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 12:13 PM UTC
We did not think that area was very secure. Specially at nigth. But we did not have any problems.
The metro is ok, but do not dismiss the taxis. They are so cheap. We took them to go all around the city and most fares were around $4.00. So if there are two or more of you, this could be cheaper, and way more fun, those taxis drive crazy, than the metro. Also if you are coming back to your hotel late at night, it would probably be a good idea to taxi back. I envy you. Rome is a fun city and you will have a great time.
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 12:29 PM UTC
Hi Zuzu,
its me again. I'm staying at La DolceVita B&B, which is close to the Spanish Steps an area I prefer to the stazione termini area. The offer we got for 7 people in an apartment is very reasonable for Rome prices. They also offer doubles maybe you want to try that. http://www.ladolcevita1.com/
Take care,
Silke
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 12:33 PM UTC
Personally, I thought the area near the train station was pretty dreadful. I agree that cabs are a great way to get around, so you can always use those at night to be safe. I also thought the Metro system was about the worst and most confusing I've ever used.. crowded and not much fun. :-(
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 01:01 PM UTC
I would not stay around Termini (Central) Station. It is not so close to Navona or Spain or live area, neither is particulalry safe, reasons for being indeed cheap. If you can find a reasonable location in the baroque area (Pantheon, Navona, Popolo, etc), I would make a little 'investment' and save also time and concerns while moving in town. Check also Trastevere for convenient accommodation, pretty crowded by itself and still close to Farnese, Campo de Fiori and Navona.
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 02:39 PM UTC
Gracias Alfredo,
I love to walk. Right now, I have started walking again in Dublin, i.e. 50 minutes to walk into the city and 50 minutes to walk back. I do it even in the evening. The only time when I would not do it is after going dancing when it is very late. SO I would do the same thing in Rome and probably combine using the metro and the taxis.
Thanks for the info.
Hasta pronto,
zuzu
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 02:41 PM UTC
Hi Pulgaron,
In what way did you say that this area is not very safe at night? Did you feel threatened? Are the streets dark? How late is late?
Thanks.
zuzu
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Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 02:43 PM UTC
WOW Silke,
I did not realise that SEVEN of you were coming to Italy at the same time! Too bad I will be missing you all.
I will definitely check this B&B.
Thanks.
zuzu
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 02:43 PM UTC
It was the people hangin around the street corners that made me be on guard.
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 02:47 PM UTC
Hi Zuriga,
Regarding the metro system, when you say the worst, most crowded, etc., to what other metro are you comparing it with?
I come from Montreal, where we have a metro, which is great. I have used the metro in New York, no problem. I have also used the metro in Madrid, no problem and the metro in Bilbao, which is brand new.
I must say that if I am used to the metro system in Madrid I will be fine as it was often crowded. BUt it was a great and inexpensive way to get around, especially since lots of places like restaurants, bars, clubs, etc., when giving their addresses, refer to the nearest metro station.
Thanks for your answer.
zuzu
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 05:07 PM UTC
The area near Termnini, albeit safe, but not the safest. It is generally considered to be a dirtier part of town. Termini like most other major stations in Europe does attract an interesting crowd. However, you did say NE of Terrmini which actually puts you in a nicer area. That area is actually a major university area. No worries. Except you are moving yoursel pretty far from city center. As far as the metro is concerned, it only operates to midnight. Stations also close early then midnight. Some as early as 11:30-40ish. So after that time it will be best to use the taxis. I hope this helps.
Tony Polzer
3 Millennia Tours
www.threemillennia.com
tony@threemillennia.com
+39 347 193 6027
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 07:34 PM UTC
I've always stayed in the rectangular grid of streets northeast of Termini because the area is indeed cheap and simply packed with hotels. It's a bit characterless, straight busy streets lined with big blockish 19th century apartments, but doesn't seem any less safe than anywhere else I've been in Rome and a good deal safer than some
To walk to Piazza Navona from there isn't a very pleasant walk after the first few times you've done it. You're mostly on broad busy boulevards with loads of traffic, or you can twist and turn through the back streets which takes forever. I'm thinking the most direct routes would probably take a brisk 30-45 minutes if memory serves. (I was there last summer but I wasn't really looking at my watch.) There's also bus service, which can be useful at off peak hours. Peak hours are a nightmare.
Note also, that although Rome is a big city, the parts you want to see are fairly compact, and you CAN walk everywhere.
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Wed March 26, 2003 09:29 PM UTC
I found that the Metro system in Rome was on a par with the Metro system in Madrid. Neither is as wonderful as Montreal which is blessed with one of the best in the world.
The Termini area I found to be rather questionable for safety. I actually stayed southwest of the station by the Santa Maria Maggiore. I almost had my camera stolen by a horde of gypsy women(that's what the locals called them) outside of the station itself. I managed to beat them off. I also witnessed a rather nasty street fight between local youth gangs right in front of the Santa Maria Maggiore itself.
That aside I actually found a couple of decent bars in the area. A couple of excellent cheap restaurants too. Just be on your toes if you are in this area.
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 01:27 AM UTC
HI Zuzu.. well, I've been in many metro systems around the world and felt really uncomfortable in Rome. Maybe it's just that we were tourists, but I've always felt fine in Paris or London. Perhaps we get a bit more nervous when we don't know the language or customs. The D.C. Metro is clean and even NY is fine for me these days. Time of day certainly determines a lot about how crowded trains get.
In any event, have a great trip!
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 02:39 AM UTC
Silke, the Dolcevita sounds good, and as you say, very good prices. Have you stayed there before? I would love to know whether it is as good as it looks, and how convenient the location is. Thanks!
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 07:19 AM UTC
Hi Zuzu,
I'm really sorry that we are missing each other too....maybe next time somewhere in the world it works out better. I'm in Rome with my part of my italian course, funny enough the only one who hasn't been to Rome yet is my italian teacher who is originally from the Milan area.
Nermut,
no I haven't been to LaDolceVita yet, all I can say so far is that it looks good on the pics and the owner Luca is very friendly and helpful. I'll be able to tell you more next week when I'm back.
Rome I'm coming !!!
Silke
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 10:28 AM UTC
Tony,
Thanks for your answer regarding the Termini area and the metro system. You are an angel!
See you soon,
zuzu
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 10:31 AM UTC
Hello dnwitte,
thanks for your comments of where you stayed in Rome, the walking, etc.
It is already helping me get a better idea of the place.
Counting the days with great anticipation!
Thanks for the info.
zuzu
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 10:35 AM UTC
Hi Paul2001,
Thanks for your input on Santa Maria Maggiore.
By the way, nice painting on your home page!
Glad to hear you like the Montreal metro system!
Have a nice day,
zuzu
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| Rome |
ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Thu March 27, 2003 10:36 AM UTC
Hi Zuriga,
Thanks for your input on the metro systems.
I definitely plan on having a nice trip. So far, so good!
Have a nice day,
zuzu
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| Rome |
Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Fri April 11, 2003 04:35 PM UTC
hello Zuzu,
how are you? get to know you from both beach_dog and Carmela's homepages...and happen to find that you were in Rome...
I plan to go to Rome during Easter holidays and is looking for accomodation with convenience and cost-effective...so maybe you can share with me your experience of your recent trip in Rome...will you still be there end of April? would love to meet you if possbile...
thanks in advance!
Vivian
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Fri April 11, 2003 04:54 PM UTC
Hi Vivian,
I will be in ITALY until APRIL 22. I will be spending EASTER in SICILY. I have only booked accomodation in advance for the first 3 days of my trip. The rest I did as I went along. It all depends how much you are restricted in terms of your budget and what you want to do. I prefer to pay a bit more and have the flexibility of where and when I want to go. That is why my trip has changed somewhat, i.e. I am doing less cities that I had planned because it is too tiring and I want to appreciate the places and the people and the food.
I hope that helps you a bit.
zuzu
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Fri April 11, 2003 04:59 PM UTC
hi Zuzu,
thanks for the reply. so which hotel you booked for the first 3 nights?
thanks!
Vivian
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| Rome |
Re: Re: ACCOMODATION IN ROME! Posted: Fri April 11, 2003 05:03 PM UTC
For the first 3 nights I booked at hotel lussemburgo on via nino bixio. I also stayed 2 nights at hotel ripani nearby. the problem is that now they are getting booked fast and the singles go fast and are more expensive.
I am staying near termini train station now and I managed to get the guy to leave me the room for 55euros per night instead of 85euros (includes full bath). it is expensive but i got tired and i took it anyway.
zuzu
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