Travel overview of Rome, Italy
Rome has been one of the world's strongest beacons, with an empire that spans 2500 years. At present, Italy's capital remains to be one of the world's most visited cities, with attractions that blur the timeline. Millions of religious devotees congregate to the city annually, as Rome, alongside with the Vatican, still hold the Seat of Papacy. Tourists can visit the remnants of the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods by touring the city's busy thoroughfare. Guests can wander under Michelangelo's paintings at the Sistine Chapel, or see the majestic architecture that depicts St. Peter's Basilica. A treasure trove of museums crowns the city's streets, with the Vatican Museums, Musei Capitolini, and the Galleria Borghese housing the immaculate works of the Caravaggio, Bernini, and many others. Tourists should not pass visiting the scenic Colosseum, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Apart from the Pantheon, the ruins of the Catacombs and the Roman Forum give tourists a glimpse of Rome's former glory. Although golden chariots have long been gone, tourists can still step back in time, with a pouch from Via Condotti in hand.
'It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.
Julius Caesar, the best known Roman Emperor, is often quoted with these words that he is supposed to have used while addressing the people of Rome, asking them to stand up to injustice and fight.
These words form the essence of what Rome used to be “ a city around which half of the world revolved for a good part of a millennium. A city where Christianity decided to reside and thrive. A city where every nook and cranny is testament to one historic anecdote or other. A city where tourists flock to see an eyeful of the ancient marvels created by men of virtue, follies and ambitions. A city where pious bow their head down to feel humbled at the feet of their Lord. A city that never turns anyone down.
Tourists who are actually thinking of visiting Rome soon, should make it a point to get to know about the twisted history of this city that has forged history itself. There is a lot to be learnt, a lot to be known, a lot to be understood and even more to be actually seen. In that spirit of discovery, patience and desire to seek knowledge, you would probably stumble upon the very soul of Rome. That would probably be the highest point of your life as a traveler.
Cheap Hotels in The Holy City
There's no city that has better familiarity with tourism than Rome. People around the world have harboured the ambitions of visiting Rome at least once in their lifetime for over two millennia. In that sense, Rome is the very first tourism hotspot in the world.
With that said, many tourists would proceed to imagine that finding cheap hotels in Rome would be an uphill task that would result fruitlessly. Reality couldn't be more different.
There are over 500 cheap hotels to be found in Rome if tourists are willing to trade off comfort for convenience. The Modern City Center “ the heart of Rome in its present state “ is far too expensive for tourists to look for an affordable hotel. So, the outskirts of the city is where such a hotel can be easily found and booked.
Among various budget hotels in Rome, Raffaello Hotel is perhaps the best known. Not really cheap by standards of other cities, Raffaello Hotel is still quite fairly priced for its location and history.
Hotel Opera Roma and Hotel De Monti are similarly priced, but slightly less ornate examples in this category.
Luxury Hotels in Rome
For the seekers of joy and comfort of the highest order, Rome has many luxury hotel and resort establishments on offer. These would, however, cost much higher than similar luxury establishments in other parts of the world.
Via Veneto is a prime location for such luxury places, housing over two dozen top notch hospitality brands in one neighborhood. Quite interestingly, tourists would be thrilled to know that one of the finest movies ever made “ La Dolce Vita “ was shot around this neighborhood.
Among these luxury Rome hotels, the most notable has to be Portrait Roma. A fabulous hotel by every possible definition, Portrait Roma scores a perfect tenner on every front “ location, service, hospitality, luxury, decor, staff and food.
Another name well worth a mention here is Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora. Operated under the world class brand of Marriott, it is finely built property that blends sophistication with modern amenities.
JK Place and St Regis Roma are also similarly luxurious and attractive.
Must-Visit Places in Rome
To compile all the major attractions in Rome in one single write up is a mammoth task. That's why, only the most significant ones are listed here. Please note that hundreds of other attractions dot the streets of Rome and you should try to find more about what appeals your taste as a tourist.
The Colosseum will probably be the first pit stop for most tourists. Featuring ancient playing and fighting arenas, it is a sight of immense grandeur and history imbibed into every brick. The Pantheon “ from which countless town houses borrowed their style “ stands proudly in the city center, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Churches in Rome will be difficult to cover for you as a tourist even if you make one trip to Rome each year. So, seeing the ones you personally connect with will be the best idea.
Borghese Gallery opens up tremendous wealth of art and culture that is a treasure of the humanity as a whole. Fountain of the Four Rivers is another majestic site, now a muted witness of past glory. While you are at it, make it a point to visit some of the oldest Roman cafes and pizzerias to taste the most authentic Italian food you could every lay your hands on.
Local Transport in Rome
Being a capital city, Rome is quite well equipped with efficiently built and run local public transport comprising of a vast network of buses and trains. Buses run with great frequency, and a number of customisable package tours are available, eliminating your very need to travel in Rome by yourself.
Many Rome hotels have deals with tour companies that provide these packages. So, striking a deal with your hotel manager can be a quick way to get this issue over with!
Rome Weather: What Does it Dictate?
The warmest month in Rome is May, and quite clearly, this is the month when most hotels in Rome charge their guests the highest fares. But a lot of activity and agreeable weather (notwithstanding the humidity) make it all worth it.
If you wish to escape this dilemma, the weather in October and November is quite okay, as it rarely plunges below the freezing point. However, do not stay back in Rome for Christmas unless you really have to, as virtually everything doubles up in prices in the month of December.