I'm going to Rome--Part II---Anyone know of cheap hotels near the train...

[joeybee12]

...station? It's not the greatest area of town, but very convenient.
Thanks.

[Ergotron]

1. Hotels in Rome

Now is a good time to visit Europe. The tourists are all gone and the prices have come down.

Check at the information desk at the main station (Stazione Centrale). It's in the middle of the main lobby, near the escalators. They can even make reservations for you, if you ask them. Might be easier, unless your Italian is good. (I just returned from three years in Italy...spent much time in Rome)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

3. Lucky you-3 years in Italy!

One of my favorite countries. Were you stationed over there witht he military or working?

[Ergotron]

5. Navy, down in Naples.

[fofer]

2. Papa Germano!

Try Papa Germano (http://www.hotelpapagermano.it/). It's walking distance from Termini. Very clean and convenient. The English-speaking staff (especially Papa himself!) are very helpful and friendly. My husband and I stayed there last year and I highly recommend it if you're looking for clean, inexpensive digs near the train station. Have fun!

[Ergotron]

7. Papa Germano gets high marks from many

I've never stayed there, but it is popular with many Americans there. Also recommended by the USO in Rome, so you know they at least speak English.

[joeybee12]

8. Thansk for papa Germano

Just went to their web site and sent a request. I leave on Monday--very excited. I will end up spending most of my time in Prague, though--going to be tarveling over there a bit before Dumbo blows us all up!

[fofer]

9. You're welcome!

Good luck with your trip. I'm jealous---Rome is great, and you'll have a fantastic time. Enjoy!!

[radwriter0555]

11. Watch the pickpockets. Make copies of ALL your docs... Hide your cash on

YOU in your sock, in your undies.

There were true stories about the corrupt train guys cooperating with the pickpockets using ether on sleeper cars to put people to sleep to steal their stuff... so really be careful on the trains.

The train guys can be ASSHOLES... so just be rude right back! And if you use that eurail pass, validate it properly.. don't make any mistakes.

ENJOY! WOW, you are going to have SO much fun! If you make it to Lucca stop in the email joint near the bike rentals and tell Andre that Tracey from Los Angeles said HI!

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Pensioni are less expensive than than the hotels. And the best bargain

is the Youth Hostel in Rome (ostello). Both pensioni and the ostello are relatively close to the train station but if you're going to use a payphone, you have to buy "tokens" at tobacco shops. The tokens are called "getoni" (jay-ton'-ee). Ask other travels for tips.

Buon vacazione!

[joeybee12]

6. Thanks--anyone know of a hostel website?

I could probably do a search and find one--just want to make sure it's a legit one.

[no_hypocrisy]

10. Try these. Don't forget to eat in trattorias. Cheap and good food.

www.iyhf.org

www.hotels.org

www.hostelsalessandro.com
(Rome)

www.mejplacehostel.com
(Rome too)