Rome - Italy

Sheraton Roma Hotel & Conference Center

I got a couple of nights by using some SPG points I had accumulated from previous trips, making this hotel room cheap for a vacation trip. The hotel is nice and comfortable, as I would expect from a Sheraton at a large city. However, it isn't very well located:

• No restaurants on a walking distance. The hotel has a restaurant offering good food, but it is of course much more expensive. E.g,  a pasta dish costs about 18 Euro in the hotel, while a similar one will cost about 9 Euro on a restaurant.
• The metro (subway) station is at walking distance of about 15 minutes, but in order to get there, you need to walk on a very small sidewalk next to a road with cars driving at high speed. Also, the sidewalk isn't well maintained (you've to go over plans and trash on the way). Don't use it if carrying more than one small bag.  You can take the bus which is 1 stop away from the metro station.. but still not very convenient.
• The hotel offers a shuttle bus driving on regular schedules to the old town (close to the Coliseum) and to the airport. However, they charge 6 Euro one way per person (older than 4 year old), and our driver didn't treat passengers well (respectfully).
• The hotel will add 18 Euros of tax per day (note that this is per day, not per night. We pay an hotel per night). I would expect every hotel to charge some tax, and this money doesn't go to the hotel. But for you to know, here it is this above amount per day.

The Coliseum

A must see... better if you can learn some background history before going. 

I recommend taking a guided tour (also see my blog notes about advance ticket purchases)

If looking for a restaurant or coffee shop, check the menu for prices. The closest places can become expensive (e.g. 5 Euro for a small coffee). Walk 1 or 2 blocks further away, and you'll get more reasonable prices.

The Roman Forum

Just outside the Coliseum, you'll find the Roman Forum with ancient public roman ruins. An entrance fee is required (online, I bought the combined ticket for Coliseum and Forum)

The Vatican

Another absolute must see. 

Lots of visitors... buy online tickets in advance to save hours of waiting in line!

If traveling with young kids, be prepared. This place has lots stairs and isn't prepared for strollers. Also, strollers aren't allowed in St. Peter's (you can store them somewhere though, ask in advance)

If you have time , allocate seveal hours to visity this place. There is a Vatican Treasure Museum (7 Euro entrance), and lots of things to see and history to learn.

If looking for a restaurant or coffee shop, check the menu for prices.  The closest places can become expensive (e.g. 5 Euro for a small coffee). Walk 1 or 2 blocks further away, and you'll get more reasonable prices.

If traveling with kids... our experience with taking the tour was that the guide doesn't wait. He just continues without caring if you get behind because traveling with kids that are slower... still, the information we could hear was very useful.