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Flushed with the success of our family clan abroad for my 30th, I am thinking of organising another trip for my Dad's 65th next July, and being practising Catholics they really fancy Rome.
Can anyone recommend a good, decent priced, boutiquey hotel to stay in?
Any good recommendations for things to do / must avoid?
How long is good to stay there? 3 days enough to cover most things?
We rented an apartment in Trastevere which was fantastic, as we could do our own thing. It was in a very old street, and we had 2 restaurants downstairs, and 4 around the corner, walking musicians at night, etc etc - very atmospheric. Got it over the internet, and the owner met us at the apartment to give us the key and let us in. It was wonderful, I'd do that again anytime, made me really feel part of the atmosphere. Was also within walking distance of nearly everything and out of the usual tourist areas, so no people trying to rip you off.
We had a guided tour of the Vatican with an art student, excellent stuff - found them in the Forum where a girl was giving free 'taster' tours and handing out info re the Vatican one. Excellent value. The Colosseum of course was very cool as was the forum.
Do you like cats? We stumbled across an amazing cat sanctuary housed in the ruins of the location where Julius Caesar was murdered. They don't have the RSPCA just a volunteer group saving cats and rehoming ones around the world including those who have been harmed by humans or are disabled. You can go and meet the cats and the volunteers and donate money too. That for me (a cat lover) was a massive highlight! We ended up adopting 'at a distance' a cat we met, sending money to keep him fed. Anyway, I'm raving........
I know there were some boutiquey hotels near the spanish steps but I think they were pricey.
Your Dad is a lucky man! We went to Rome about 4 years ago, we went for a fairly cheap option, but it was charming and very central, if a little tired. Mind you, this was 4 years ago. If you are interested, here is a link Hotel King Rome Official Website - Spanish Steps Accommodation Roma
It is not the Ritz, but was ideally located!
The vatican is not open everyday, so check this out, so that they can at least go when they are there. My hubby is mad keen on archeology, so we did most of this stuff, the forun, the colasseum, the vatacan and St Peters Cathedral. 3 days, imho, is a perfect length of stay. We stayed fairly central and walked evrywhere...the public transport isn't great. It sounds wierd, but midweek in the non busy months would be best...of course this depends when his birthday is I guess.
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"All the right notes...but not necessarily in the right order"
I was thinking of going to Rome a while back but due to lack of funds we didnt go but I found this hotel on trip advisor Daphne Inn :: Rome and decided I'd stay there if I went again!
By the way just realised you're coming to Dublin in Jan too!!!
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Jenny xx
Married my soulmate 1st October 2005
Remember that the things around you are never as important as whose arms are around you.
She recommends the Vatican and Vatican museum which can be done together in a day and so another two days would be plenty to get round lots of things. She said everytime she goes she discovers different things and that while three days is enough at the same time three months would do her better
She recommends an open top bus tour. She said you can see where everything is and use that to help decide what you might want to see. You can hop on and off the bus as it goes round if you see something you like the look of.
She said keep a tight hold of your handbag! And if you throw money into the Trevi Fountain only throw very small amount and throw it as far back as you can because thieves steal it. They have sticks with magnets on that they use to get the money they can reach!
She said a lot of what they've found and enjoyed is just by wandering around up little streets.
I didn't get long to chat to her but if she comes up with anything else I'll let you know.
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Vodka - cheaper than botox and paralyses more muscles
YAY I just booked the flights. Decided to get them for the parents as a crimbo present, and go in April as it's mega cheaper. Going 22nd April for four days, direct from Brum. Going to moon over lovely hotels now that you've recommend, thank you xx
Do you know if they can still vitis the spot where Pope JPII is laid to rest? My sis and I went there when I was 20wks preggers (not advisable in rome's summer's heat) and strange as it may be for non catholics, visiting PJP was the highlight of my weekend. So, I would recommend that (he is in the vaults of St. Peter's along with other popes).
We went to the Vatican when we were in Rome - well you've got too, don't you? I took as many photos as possible to show all my friends from the same 'religious side of the fence' back home - the reactions were quite hilarious. Unfortunately the HF himself wasn't in residence that day so we didn't get to wave at JP. However, we did manage to track down possibly THE tackiest souvenir ever from there, so we did ourselves proud
__________________ Diane & David, 9th September 2002, Carrickfergus Elim Church.
"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow."
"People will seldom remember the words you spoke but they will always remember how you made them feel."
Been DYING to see where you'd stay! It looks fabby.......where did you find it?
I would love to go to Rome someday
I went on Trip Advisor for a few hours and came out with that as a recommendation. It's all booked now too via email and sorted out. I am ordering a guide book to wrap up to tell the parentals.
The ones you all posted were GORGEOUS but a bit out of our price ranges for high season. Look SO lush though
Rec's for Rome
Lady Rools 
Vodka - cheaper than botox and paralyses more muscles 
just realised you're coming to Dublin in Jan too!!!
Married my soulmate 1st October 2005 
Ah those were the days!
Diane & David, 9th September 2002, Carrickfergus Elim Church.
"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." 
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