Rome - Lodging, Food and Attractions

So you're going to Rome. Well, "When in Rome, do as the..." No, it doesn't quite work. You're a tourist, and you want to have good accommodations as well as to experience the best food and art (or whatever else you're looking for) that the city has to offer. Here are some recommendations for dining and accommodation, as well as some sights that you simply can't miss when visiting the great ancient city!

Where to Stay in Rome - Nice Hotel with Great City Access

Address: Coors Italia, 1 00198 Rome
Phone number: +39 06 84951
Fax number: +39 06 8841104
E-mail: roma_vittorioveneto@jollyhotels.it

My first time in Rome, I stayed at a hostel. In fact, I hosteled my whole trip, so I experienced some incredible places at incredible prices...but also some dingy, over-crowded, extremely badly-serviced hostels. So, as far as hostels go, I advise that you do not stay any hostel that you have not heard/read good recommendations about!

As far as hotels, my favorite in Rome is the Jolly Hotel Vittorio Veneto. The things I liked best about it: incredible breakfast buffet, great location (easy access by metro, bus, walking, etc. to all over Rome), and spacious rooms. This hotel is located in between the Via Borghese and Villa Veneto, and offers guarded parking if you come with your own vehicle. There's a restaurant, bar and convention center in the hotel. Each of the 201 rooms in the hotel offers air conditioning, soundproofing, Pay T.V., Minibar (you have to pay out your ears for any item you take, of course!) and phone.

Where to Stay for a Romantic Getaway in Rome - Charming Guest House

Address: Via della Giuliana 72 - Via Tommaso Campanella, 41, Sc D, Int 9 - 00195 Roma
Telephone Number: +39 06 77250543
Fax Number: +39 06 77591877
E-mail: booking@bbfandf.com

Of course, if you're up for a romantic getaway in Rome, you'll be looking for a smaller, more unique location than a gigantic hotel. My recommendation on this front would have to be the F & F Bed and Breakfast, for its charming facilities and great location.

Prices for a double room range from about 90-100 Euros per night, depending on high or low season. There are price reductions if you stay four days or longer. There are only three rooms in the place, however, so you should be early on booking to ensure you get a room! The staff at F & F are happy to help you find places to go around Rome, and are extremely accommodating. They also do airport runs (for a fee, of course!) The rooms in this quaint little place are lovely, and the location is prime, just a little walk from the Coliseum!

Check out their website to find out more details, as well as to access the excellent list they have compiled of current theatre, music, art and culture events all around Rome! http://www.bbfandf.com.

Where to Eat - Great Italian Food, Great Price, Great "Hidden" Location

Almost any restaurant in Rome (a 'trattoria' or 'ristorante,' to be precise) will serve better Italian fare than anywhere in the U.S. But here is a lovely little out of the way restaurant in the city that you might like to try!

Hours: 12:30-3pm and 7-11pm
Address: Vicolo di Montevecchio 27
Location Near Piazza Navona & the Pantheon
Transportation Metro: Spagna
Phone Number: 06-6873781

One adorable and very reasonably-priced restaurant is the Osteria Gallo near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. On a winding little road on the northwest edge of the Piazza is this tiny little ristorante with nice outdoor seating. The homemade pastas are incredible (spaghetti, deliciously-stuffed ravioli, lasagna, etc.). Beef fillet, roasted fish, great tiramisu, are just a few of the options at this great little restaurant. And you can meet the chef who is proud of every delicious dish that is presented here! Enjoy this great little corner place...and then find your own favorite!

What to See - Rome Classics You Can't Miss

The Coliseum - it's not only an architectural legacy with its towering columns, arches, and stadium seating that once seated 5,000. It is also a historical masterpiece that hearkens back to days of blood and glory when Romans thronged through the eighty entrances to see fights between man and beast. Here are the current details on hours and prices so that you don't miss this great attraction that you're sure to remember for a lifetime...oh, and don't forget to get your picture taken with the Roman guards that circle the place carrying sword and shield and wearing awesome plumed helmets!

Hours: Nov-Feb 15 daily 9am-4:30pm; Feb 16-Mar 15 daily 9am-5pm; Mar 16-Mar 27 daily 9am-5:30pm; Mar 28-Aug daily 9am-7:15pm; Sept daily 9am-7pm; Oct daily 9am-6pm.
Guided Tours in English: 3 times daily, and 7 times daily March 28-Oct 30 (9:30am, 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 3pm, 4:15pm, and 5:15pm)
Location: Piazzale del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali
Phone Number: 06-39967600
Admission: $12.00 (plus $4.50 for guided tours)

The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel - If you have only two hours in Rome and can only go one place, go here. The ageless beauty of the artwork here is staggering. Unfortunately, no photography is permitted (officially) so you'll either have to store the beauty of it in your mind forever, or else take illegal photographs. However, beware that your camera can quickly be confiscated and your film taken if you are caught (there are always penalties for breaking the law!)

Hours: Mid-Mar to late Oct Mon-Fri 8:45am-3:20pm; Sat and last Sun of the month 8:45am-12:20pm. Off season Mon-Sat and last Sun of the month 8:45am-12:20pm
Location: Vatican City, Viale Vaticano (take a long walk around the Vatican from the St. Peter's Square)
Transportation Metro: Ottaviano/San Pietro,and then walk quite a ways
Phone Number: 06-69884341
Website: www.vatican.va
Admission $14, but free to all on the last Sunday of each month
Closed for all national and religious holidays