Page 298 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

296  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO STAY

Rome has been a major tourist center the past and present. Rome can offer the full
since the Middle Ages, when pilgrims from range of accommodations, mostly in historical
all over Europe came to visit the home of buildings, very little purpose-built. Pensione
Catholicism and its relic-packed churches. (guesthouse) no longer refers to a specific
The nostalgic can still sleep in a 15th-century type of establishment, but in practice many
hotel, or stay around the Campo de’ Fiori retain the name and more personal character
market, where visiting ecclesiastics were that has made them so popular with travelers.
entertained by courtesans in the Renaissance Other possibilities include hostels, residential
era. Those who prefer their history a little less hotels, and vacation rental accommodations.
raffish could opt for an ex-monastery or The hotel listings (pp300–303) are
convent, or stay in a still-functioning religious organized according to their theme and
house. Romantics can sleep in the house area, with DK Choice entries highlighted –
once occupied by Keats, while stargazers can see Recommended Hotels on pages 298–9
stay in former palaces graced by celebrities of for more information.
Hotel Prices are made far in advance, or at luxury hotels, where it may cost
Prices are set by the state, and the last minute. Discounts for up to €50. Hotels usually add
hotels should display the official long-stay visitors and groups are hefty surcharges to international
rate on the door of each room. often negotiable. Rooms phone calls, and may charge for
Tax (called IVA in Italy) is usually without a bathroom can cost parking and air conditioning.
included, and has been taken about 30 percent less. Lone The cost of drinks in minibars
into account in the price travelers are badly catered to, can also be high.
categories on page 300. and though it is possible to find All hotels, B&Bs, and camp-
Hotels in Rome generally have a single room for 60 percent of grounds in Rome must add a
low and high season rates. April the price of a double, on city tax (contributo di soggiorno)
through June, September and average you’ll pay as much as to the final bill. At present this
October are high season. Check 70 per cent, and occasionally tax is for the first ten days of any
tariffs when making reservations even more. stay and is fixed at €1 per day
at other times of year as you per person for campgrounds, €2
may initially be quoted the for establish ments up to and
higher rate. Except for Christmas Hidden Extras including three-star hotels, and
and New Year, there are some Even if the price of your room €3 for four- and five-star hotels.
real bargains to be had between includes service, you are Children under ten are exempt,
November and February, and frequently expected to tip as are stays in youth hostels.
also in July and August. Many bellhops and for room service.
hotels also offer special Internet Rates are often not inclusive
deals, especially if reservations of breakfast, especially at some Amenities
Internet access, air conditioning,
and bathrooms with hair dryers
are common in most mid-range
hotels, and phones in middle- to
lower-price rooms, although
travelers staying in budget
hotels shouldn’t expect much
more than a clean room.
Because most hotels occupy
historic buildings, room sizes can
vary dramatically even within the
same establishment (and this is
often reflected in the pricing), so
do ask to see your room before
you check in. Swimming pools
are rare, but roof terraces or
gardens are common across
the range of hotels.
Top-class hotels will usually
have some soundproofing;
otherwise noise levels can be
Spacious suite at the Hotel Majestic Roma (see p302) dreadful, in which case ask for a
One of the many charming restaurants in Rome

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