Hi

Have just read the post re pick pockets. Am surprised as we didn't have a problem at all. The again, we never used the buses, underground etc etc. Unless we feel comfortable we avoid!

I never carry a hangbag in Italy generally, and jewellry is limited to wedding rings and a small necklace. Hubby just has a bum bag and only puts a limited amount of cash in a small wallet inside .... credit cards etc stayed in the hotel safe) He keeps his hands on his bum bag all the time - but I imagine, that it would be easy to be put off by anyone. We were warned when we went to Venice that pick pockets may rip open ruck sacks so I walked behind him (not much of a body guard at 5ft but it helped). I think we over reacted but we've never been 'had' yet.

I can appreciate what you say about Rome having a problem, I suppose what I mean is, that to me I would use the same precautions going to London (I never feel particularly at ease there). We've been lucky and have never heard of anyone we've travelled with or who has been to Rome having any problems. Sorry you did, it must have ruined what should be a magical holiday.

Mosstrooper,

I don't think anyone on this forum would be too embarrassed (or romantic??)to admit having been robbed. They would probably be only too glad to prevent it happening to someone else. I think you have a very lopsided view of Rome. My wife and I have been several times. Luckily never had a problem. There are thieves everywhere. Last month in Paris I stopped some kids trying to steal a wallet of a restaurant table by using an estate agents brochure to cover the theft.

Thankfully, we've never had any problems in any city. We have seen some of the tricks they use both in Rome and in Barcelona but luckily we have never been victims ourselves and I have to say I didn't feel unsafe in either city.

Mind you, we walked everywhere in Rome so we never used public transport and were very careful in Barcelona on the metro as we'd been told it was worse than Rome. We went to the grand prix and loads of people we talked to had been relieved of wallets/money etc. as apparently that's a great weekend for thieves - lots of excited fans in crowded trains - they just ride the train back and forwards to Montmello!

Infact, I did have a nasty experience with a bloke on a train in Barcelona. Me and my hubby were getting on holding hands, he was in front and had already got on and I had one foot on the step when this guy barged past me and knocked me over, making me lose my grip on my hubby and scraped my knee. He was furious and stopped the guy, helped me up and made him wait until I'd got on but he didn't even apologise.......

hi 1 st post.
we are from ireland . planning a 2 week break in italy in mid july. to celebrate my 40th !! we would like to spend 1 week in rome doing the sights and 1 week relaxing and doing the activities our 13 and 15 year old kids want to do. have heard hotels are not of great quality and are very expensive ? is lake garda the best bet for our 2nd week ? any feed back would be great
thanks

Garda is beautiful, book early, last two weeks in july, first 2 weeks in Aug, is the italain holiday month......gets busy

thanks for advice. delighted to get a reply ! still out on whether to go north or south of rome for the 2 nd week. lake garda seems to be better for the kids though. at the moment i am trying to get to grips with finding a hotel for the week in rome. unbelievable..so many and so many different reviews on them all . not to mention the different areas...just mind boggling.

For a decent, and reasonably priced hotel try the Hotel Apollo near to the Coliseum, Piazza Venezia, Forum and Victor Emanuel Monument.

There is so much history there your son cannot fail to like Rome.

Your daughter can also be let loose with your credit card in the Via Del Corso which starts at the P. Venezia. This is the main shopping street in Rome and extends for about a mile. Off this street is the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps where she'll find the designer shops around Via Condotti.

Most of the designer shops around there are by appointment only so she may have to blag her way in.

It's a 'win, win' situation really.

Some of my photo's here

Hey guys, I'm travelling this September to Rome for 8 days. I have booked the flights but have not yet booked accomodation, I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions??
Im looking for somewhere close to the main sites e.g Sistine Chapel, Colloseum, Vatican City etc. I used this website before to gain information about Paris last year and was very impressed, so im expecting a good reply lol
Oh.. one final thing, is it true that you can do a day trip to Egypt?lol
Cheers guys
Lee

Hi,
Thinking of going to Rome in early March. Can anyone reccommend cheap / reasonable priced hotels ( up to € 100 pn ) around Train station for convenience of travel to airport.

Try
http://www.hotelirico.com.
We stayed there about 4 years ago & it's within easy walking distance of Termini station. Very clean & a good standard continental breakfast.
You can also read reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com ....all favourable. I'm not sure of cost but i think it might just might squeeze into your budget.

Hi

Have a look on GOOGLE for a few ideas.

Pippy

I wouldn't stay too near Termini. It's not the most elegant of areas.

I'd head for the area around Via Nazionale. Not far from Termini but some nice hotels in the side streets and it's that little bit nearer the Coliseum etc.

i agree termini is not the best place but if you go a few "blocks" down south of the station towards piazza santa maria maggiore you will in a much nicer area but stilll close to the station.
I always stay click here and find it perfect and it is near termini and also has a metro station right out side.
Hope this helps

Hi Lee,

It's been a few years since we were in Rome and we stayed in the hotel Paris just off the Via Nazionale. It's budget hotel, however we were pleasantly surprised. We'd been told to expect tiny rooms in Rome, yet ours was quite large. The bathroom was well equipped and very clean. There was a (free) safe in the wardrobe which thought was a plus.
It's not too far from the Termini station which is handy if, like us, you are getting the train into town from the airport. With the exception of the Vatican City (for which you'll need a taxi) we found all the sights within walking distance. The breakfast wasn't up to much (a very basic continental), however to be honest we mostly ate in the bakeries with the locals.

Do look for some up to date reviews though as it is 4 years since we were there.
I can't remember the name (maybe someone else can?) but there is a hotel that's often recommended on here that is directly opposite the Trevi Fountain. That's more central than the one we stayed in.

In my opinion walking around is the best way to see the vity as just just stumble upon things, such as lovely fountains, although crossing the road can be a bit scary until you get used to it!

Enjoy!

Lee, just a thought - here is the link the city break page on Rome, if you read through it you may find some further info -

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=15328&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

It's been a few years since we were in Rome and we stayed in the hotel Paris in a side street just off the Via Nazionale. It's budget hotel, however we were pleasantly surprised. We'd been told to expect tiny rooms in Rome, yet ours was quite large. The bathroom was well equipped and very clean. There was a (free) safe in the wardrobe which thought was a plus. The breakfast wasn't up to much (a very basic continental), however to be honest we mostly ate in the bakeries with the locals.
It's not too far from the Termini station.
With the exception of the Vatican City (for which you'll need a taxi) we found all the sights within walking distance.

Thanks everybody for your help. I've just booked ( fingers crossed ) the hotel Argentina on via cavour for 3 nts 7th to 10th Mar @ €264 euro.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Via Cavour.

Can be very noisy at the bottom end near to the Coli/forum.

The top end (where you will be) is quieter and is convienient for St Maria Maggiore but it's a fair walk into the centre. You get a lot of back packers and students around there.

Plenty of decent restaurants in the SMM area. Enjoy.

we stayed at the hotel doria, had breakfat from the top of the terrace with a gorgeous view of the city inc: coliseum. opposite santa maria maggiore and the bus routes, and near some fab ice cream gelateries..mmmmmm.
perfect except the size of the shower...miniscule.