Page 299 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

WHERE T O ST A Y  297

booking is valid as soon as the
deposit is paid, so you could
lose money if you pull out.
Double-check reservations prior
to departure. Many hotels have
a fierce cancellation policy and
there is every chance that you
will be charged for at least one
night, even if you don’t stay.
Another reason for checking
reservations is that some hotels
delib erately overbook and then
offer unsatisfactory alternatives.
If you arrive by train, touts
may descend on you at the
station with offers of hotels. Fine view of the Colosseum from the dining
They can be of some use if you room at the Palazzo Manfredi (see p301)
Entrance to the luxurious Eden hotel, are looking for a budget hotel,
established in 1889 (see p302) but exercise the usual caution. within Rome, while the Lazio
A better bet if you have not region pro vides advice on
room facing away from the road. reserved in advance is to head accessibility farther afield (800
Parking in central Rome is a for one of the Rome City Tourist 27 1027). The public transpor-
problem, though a few hotels Board offices, where staff will tation authority Bus Abile offers
have a limited number of reserve a room for you within a pick-up service and bus tours
parking spaces of their own. the price range you specify. for travelers with disabilities; they
Business visitors to the capital must be reserved in advance.
are well catered to, with
practical hotel amenities such Checking In and Out Traveling with Children
as conference rooms. Italian hoteliers are legally
obliged to register you with the Children and are usually
police, which is the reason they welcome across the range of
How to Reserve
always ask for your pass port. hotels in Rome. Most hotels can
It is best to make reservations Everyone in Italy is supposed provide cribs or small beds, but
through the hotel website, by to carry with them some sort high chairs, children’s meals, and
phone, or by email. You should of identification. babysitting services are rare.
do this at least two months in In some of Rome’s lower-priced Many hotels do not have
advance if you want a particular pensioni, do not be surprised if special rates for children and
hotel during peak season. If you you are asked to pay on arrival. charge a standard rate if you
require any particular features, Mention in advance if you require an extra bed in a room,
such as a view, insist on intend to pay by credit card. whether for a baby or an adult,
confirmation in writing to A common tax dodge by many which can add anything from
ensure that you get what hotels is to ask for payment in a few euros to 40 percent on
you have been promised. cash; you are entitled to refuse. to the price. For a family with
If a deposit is required you older children, two-room suites
can usually pay by debit or are sometimes available.
credit card. Under Italian law a Disabled Travelers Contact the hotel in advance
Provision for disabled travelers of making a reservation for
is poor. Hotels that occupy more infor ma tion on family
parts of buildings often start rates and children’s amenities.
their rooms up several flights
of stairs, while others can only
accommodate disabled guests Bed & Breakfast
on the first floor. Ramps, wide A popular option for visitors
doorways, and bathroom to Rome is bed & breakfast
handrails are rare. accom modations. This can be
Contact the hotel featured anything from a spare room
in the listings directly, before in an apart ment to something
reserving, to check whether more like a small hotel. The
they are wheelchair accessible type of breakfast can also
and can provide any other vary depending on the owner.
specific require ments (for Contact the Bed & Break fast
more infor mation see p368). Association of Rome for details
Elegant bar area at the boutique-style Roma Per Tutti is a useful or visit Rome’s tourist board
Hotel Art (see p300) website dedicated to mobility website (see p299).

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