Need some help and advice about Rome

[Naveron]

Hi there. So excited. We will be taking our first SeaDream cruise in October 2020, with an Italian-focused cruise beginning and ending in Rome. I love doing research about places to stay but I am feeling very overwhelmed about choosing a place to stay in Rome. It will be our first time in Rome and just don't know where to start. We do know that we want to stay in a location that is not so crazy overrun with tourists (I know this will be difficult).  If any of you have recommendations for hotels you stayed in Rome either pre or post cruise, I would love to hear them. Thanks!

[Jim Avery]

In Rome we have stayed at the Hotel Valadier with good results. I also recommend highly RomeCabs for any tours or transfers to/from Civitivecchia or the airport.

[Naveron]

Thank you Jim!

[BeignetBoy]

A few years ago, we stayed at a boutique hotel that was outstanding before a SeaDream Cruise.

 https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/

 

It was very convenient to many things, but not overrun with tourists. And the staff was outstanding.  We highly recommend this hotel.

[TrapperZimmy]

If being away from the crowds is important, the Cavalieri would fulfill that requirement.  It is up on Monte Mario and they have a shuttle bus that takes you to the Piazza Barberini, which is near the Spanish Steps.  About a 15 minute ride.  The hotel is a Waldorf Astoria and quite luxurious.  We have enjoyed it both before and after sailings.  This year we only had one night in Rome after the cruise and wanted to stay more in town.  We chose the Aleph Rome Hotel, which is part of Hilton's Curio Collection and were very pleased with the accommodations.  Quite upscale and not at all touristy.  Very impressed with the staff.  It is near the Barberini, so we were able to walk to several places we wanted to see.  I'd stay there again.

 

I also second Jim's recommendation for Rome Cabs.  We have used them to get from the ship to the hotel, and then again from the hotel to the airport.  Very reliable, comfortable cars and friendly drivers.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

If your time in Rome is limited, and you want to “see everything”, I can recommend a two day private tour with RomeCabs (as per Jim’s advice several years ago).  We had a nice Mercedes van for just the two of us.  Mrs D sat in front and loved taking photos through the big windshield.  The tour included private guides at the Vatican, the Coliseum, and Forum area.  The driver was also very knowledgeable.  They got us around all lines.  Breezed into the Vatican despite the hours-long lines.  Their Vatican guide was very interesting.

 

On the second day we checked out of our hotel and our driver kept our luggage in the van while touring, and dropped us at the train station at the end of the day, as we were moving on to Florence.  Very convenient..

 

Given the overall cost of a trip to Rome, the tour was very reasonable.  And it was VERY enjoyable.

 

[Naveron]

This is all wonderful advice and exactly what I am looking for!  I don’t feel so lost now!

thank you!

[knotheadusc]

We used Rome Cabs to get from the city to the pier.  It was money well spent!

[Scspartan76]

We stayed at the Rose Garden Palace this summer. Amazing hotel, great breatfast. And walking distance to everything

[JES4845]

While understandable you want to stay away from tourist mobs, it will be your first time in Rome and there is much to see in and near the Centro Storico major tourist area.  One alternative to staying away from the areas you will want to visit anyway is to stay within them but in your own oasis, so to speak.  We have stayed at Albergo del Senato Hotel adjacent to the Pantheon many times (small boutique hotel).  You walk out into the middle of everything you want to see but you can retreat to it easily to relax, use the restroom, make plans, etc.  (There is a lovely rooftop bar with amazing views.). In fact we are staying there next week again before boarding SeaDream.  Speaking of which, you too will be there in October.  While as a major city Rome is always busy, from past trips in Oct and Nov it isn’t as busy as it is in the peak summer months.  Enjoy your trip ... one can’t go wrong with the Rome & SeaDream combination.

[Naveron]

Thank you so much for that advice!

[sparklplenty]

On 9/30/2019 at 8:20 AM, JES4845 said:

While understandable you want to stay away from tourist mobs, it will be your first time in Rome and there is much to see in and near the Centro Storico major tourist area.  One alternative to staying away from the areas you will want to visit anyway is to stay within them but in your own oasis, so to speak.  

 

We employed the same strategy as JES4845 on a first-time visit to Rome 2 years ago, staying directly on the Piazza Navona at a gorgeous 8-room boutique hotel called Lifestyle Suites.  Absolutely magical to be able to walk through the crowds mid day and step through the huge 15th century doors into a charming oasis of calm complete with rooftop bar. And mornings sipping a cappuccino on your tiny balcony overlooking the Four Rivers Fountain while watching the Piazza wake up is priceless.  The rooms are luxurious and the location is perfect.  We popped out to the Coliseum and then back for a rest and snack, out to the Spanish Steps with a return to change for dinner, all without a taxi, bus, or train.  Same thing the next few days - walking to all the sights, including the Vatican, returning whenever we wanted to recharge.  Speaking of the Vatican, HIGHLY recommend booking a "Be the first in the Sistine Chapel" tour. Yes, it's an early start, but we had 30 minutes in the Chapel with only 20 other people. Amazing!  Normally, you'd be packed in like sardines, sharing it with hundreds.

Edited October 4, 2019 by sparklplenty
Grammar

[Naveron]

I really appreciate all the advice.  I really did not know where to start and I know I would be missing out if I did not spend a few days in Rome!