Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Sleeping
From opulent five-star palaces to chic boutique hotels, family-run pensions,
B&Bs, hostels and convents, Rome has accommodation to please everyone, from
the fussiest prince to the most impecunious nun. But while there's plenty of
choice, rates are universally high and you'll need to book early to get the best
deal.
Rates & Payment
Although Rome doesn't have a low season as such, the majority of hotels offer discounts
from November to March (excluding the Christmas and New Year period) and from mid-
July through August. Expect to pay top whack in spring (April to June) and autumn
(September and October) and over the main holiday periods (Christmas, New Year and
Easter). Nowadays, the rates that many hotels apply change on a daily basis and can often
vary enormously depending on demand, season and booking method (online, through an
agency etc). Where possible, we've given prices for the low-season minimum and high-
season maximum, unless there's a single year-round price. Most midrange and top-end ho-
tels accept credit cards. Budget places might, but it's always best to check in advance.
Many smaller places offer discounts of up to 10% for payment in cash.
Getting There
Most tourist areas are a bus ride or metro journey away from Stazione Termini. If you come
by car, be warned that much of the city centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone) and off-limits
to unauthorised traffic - see the Transport chapter,
Click here
, for more details. Note also
that there is a terrible lack of on-site parking facilities in the city centre, though your hotel
should be able to direct you to a private garage. Street parking is not recommended.
Pensions & Hotels
The bulk of accommodation in Rome consists of
pensioni
(pensions) and
alberghi
(hotels).
A
pensione
is a small, family-run hotel or guesthouse. In Rome they are generally
housed in converted apartments. Rooms tend to be simple and although most come with a
private bathroom, those that don't will usually have a basin and bidet.
Hotels are bigger and more expensive than
pensioni,
but at the cheaper end of the market
there's often little difference between the two. All hotels are rated from one to five stars, al-
though this rating relates to facilities only and gives no indication of value, comfort, atmo-
