| Getting
Around Town: WALK! There is nothing more fascinating
than walking in Rome. Walking shoes are a must! Metro
available close to hotel. Buses available. |
| Restaurants
We Like:
-Pepy's Bar ("American Bar") has been sold and redone...now offering flight attendants a 10 per cent discount as long as we present an id.... they have lovely sandwiches,coffees,etc... .- opens early
a.m. - coffee available in to-go cup (Thanks for the update on the this cafe, Carol!)
-Bakery
around the corner
-Hostaria Romana
Via del Boccaccio
Very Good and very reasonable in price.
-Osteria
del Sostegno
5 Via delle Colonnelle
Also Very Good and Reasonable in price
(Thanks, Patti!)
Tipping:
- Leave a few coins in bars or cafes. Service is
typically included, but in restaurants where service
is not included, leave around 10%. Italians may
not necessarily tip, but foreigners are expected
to do so.
|
Shopping
Finds:
The dollar is so low against the Euro that there are
few food items worth buying and carrying home. Many
familiar products are now more reasonably priced in
the States. Olive 0il and Balsamic vinegar are fun
to shop for, but again, almost not worth the trouble.
On the other hand, we all like what we like and some
things are just worth it. We have to admit
that a rather large piece of Parmigiano Reggiano usually
comes back home, well priced or not.We still like
the Rio Mare canned tuna with peppers, and face it,
a trip to the grocery is always on everyone's "to
do" list. We hear from flying partners that the
same tuna can now be found in MUC and a similar product
in ZRH. July clothing sales in the retail shops are
terrific. First week of August (and also in Verona),
excellent shopping on men's clothes. |
| What
to See:
There is so much to see and do in Rome, it would
be impossible to put a comprehensive list here,
but for the purposes of layover touring - we're
trying to hit the highlights. If you want to walk,
it would be practical to pick one or two sights
at a time, although there is a tour bus which will
take you around the city; for an extra fee you can
purchase a ticket enabling you to get on and off
at different sights at your discretion.
| The
Vatican (St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museum) |
The
Trevi Fountain |
| The
Colosseum |
The
Spanish Steps |
| The
Borghese Gardens/Borghese Museum |
The
Piazza Navona |
| The
Palatine Hill |
The
Circus Maximus |
| The
Roman Forum |
The
Pantheon |
| Campo
de' Fiori |
Arch
of Constantine |
|
| What's
On Around Town: |
| Travel
Time to the Hotel: At least 1 hour (+), traffic can
be heavy |
| Flight
Time from IAD: 9 hours (+ or -) |
| Nearest
ATM : outside of hotel - ask concierge. Alert!!!!
Within the past few weeks a
flying partner's debit account was hit for a large
amount of money. The debit machine was in the Piazza
Navona - be cautious with ATM's. If the machine seems
to work incorrectly or with difficulty, or if anyone
suspicious is standing around - leave and find another
machine. Make sure you cancel your transaction
and check your account for unwanted transactions.
We recommend changing money at the exchange at IAD
- no service fee for crew. |
Nearest
Grocery:
"Best grocery store I found is called Panorama. it can be reached by metro on the green line get off at Pietralata station and take the left exit it is right there. Comparable to the Esselunga in Milan.
Best ice cream in town (according to locals) Gelateria Giolitti off via del Corso, follow the ice cream trail....
Hope it helps. Ciao Paola"
Another is
out the door to the right, up the street,
look for the escalator on the left, take it down to
reach the grocery (ask concierge). Also small grocery
around the corner - close. |
| Closest
Gym: There is a spa in the hotel. |
| Best
Place to Run: The Borghese Gardens |
| Good
Walks: Anywhere, especially the Vatican, the Colosseum,
the Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain,
The Borghese Gardens, Piazza Navona |
| Easy
Day Trips: A day trip to the Appian Way - use the
archeobus which departs from the Temini (central train
station) every hour between 9:45 and 4:45 - tkts 8
Euros. |
| Misc.:
Alert! Hotel charges for extra guests in your room.
Van for transport to hotel is small; no room for extra
passengers - plan accordingly. |
| Hotel
Ammenities: fridge/mini bar, slippers, robe. No coffee maker! Beds are HARD. Computer in lobby for a fee. |
Rome
Page