Any Rome experts out there?

[CJK]

We're planning on spending 3 days in Rome (first time!) and wondered if anyone had some tips for us including hotel recommendations? We were thinking of staying right near the Colosseum (will take the train there from the airport). Is that a good location? We will pre-book a tour of the Colosseum and then will also spend a day exploring St. Peter's and the Vatican museums (also will pre-book). Any other tips or suggestions for Rome?? TIA

 

[minnie mum]

I'm laughing at the moment because the ad at the top of my page is for Rick Steve's recommended Rome tours. And my recommendation would be to get Rick Steve's Rome guide book. It is a great resource for any traveller and can save you a pile of time and $$$$. I don't think there is any need for a paid tour of the Coloseum or the Forum if you have a decent guide book (that you've taken the time to read thoroughly before you leave). There are decent hotels near the main train station or Coloseum. My advice is to pick one close to a subway station just for ease of travelling around. You might want to check out Trip Advisor for reviews.

 

[wander74]

We're doing a trip to Rome (3 days) and Florence (7 days) next month.

I don't remember the name of the hotel that our agent booked for us but I did get Rick Steve's Italy 2013 and Rome and it looks like he has some great recommendations in there for places to stay and how to planned your trip based on the number of days you'll be there.

 

[GadgetTheInventor]

Being young, I like internet options too. I do a lot of research for my trips on the website VirtualTourist. People upload and review their favorite hotels, attractions, packing tips, off-the-beaten-path activities, etc. You'll find thousands of times more info online than in any book...but a good book can be a nice addition.

I also look on Google Earth. There will be links to the hotels and photos of the area to let you see how close you are to the places you want to visit. I was at a B&B last year and the owner asked us how we found out about the place and both me and another person said that we had found her on Google Earth and then clicked on the link to her B&B. It was the first time anybody had told her that, but the two of us discovered that we both had be researching our trips like that for a couple of years now.