Melia Roma Aurelia Antica Hotel

I visited Spain in December 2003 and stayed with a friend at the Spanish managed Melia Roma Aurelia Antica hotel, a very modern 4 star establishment around 6-7 miles from Rome city centre.
It cost us around £450 each for six nights bed and breakfast, a return flight and taxi transfers, though obviously you could book this all separately possibly at a smaller cost. The hotel was located in a quiet, leafy suburban area made it naturally quiet and pleasantly isolated from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. There is a regular free shuttle bus to the Vatican and city centre, which is very useful.
The staff were polite and helpful, and the room was spotlessly clean and spacious, as well as air-conditioned. It really felt quite luxurious.
Breakfast was excellent: a buffet with a huge choice, to suit every taste and appetite. Little need for lunch after this morning feast! We ate at the hotel twice in the evenings, and these were definitely the best meals we had during our entire stay but they aren’t as cheap as some restaurants in the city.
The quality of the service was absolutely first class: a dedicated English-speaking waiter who gave us his full and sole attention during the entire meal! The food was very good as well, fully comparable to anything from the best London restaurants. A four-course meal for two, with wine, set us back 78 Euros, but it was well worth It.
The weather was wonderfully warm and sunny even in December and we took advantage of that by taking some pictures around the imposing St.Peter’s Square and the monumental St.Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s cathedral and the biggest church in the world. We went into the Basilica, saw part of the Holy Mass from afar, and visited the building’s museum (not the official Vatican museum which is 20 minutes walk away, well away from the square).
We then mingled with the crowds on the square as the Pope greeted us from the balcony – and then took more pictures. We then decided to go to the top of the dome of the Basilica, but despite a lift taking us part of the way, we still had to face an amazing 352 steps along a winding staircase before we reached the top – very exhausting!
Next, we walked away from the Vatican area, and going towards the city centre, stopped at the city castle, Castel St.Angelo, a very cylindrical building near the river Tiber, originally of ancient Roman origin and at various times used as a barracks and a prison. The convenient bar at the top of the castle allowed us the opportunity for a much needed beer and toasted sandwich. The rest of the day was spent exploring the city centre and having a look at all the interesting shops found in every alleyway. During our stay we visited all of the main sights, here is a brief appraisal of the highlights:
The Coliseum and the Forum:
After the Vatican, the Colosseum is the other essential place to see in Rome; it’s easy to get to by underground train. An amazing ruin, but full of the usual tourist traps and annoying groups with guides. No doubt you will be accosted by someone who will try to drag you into a group; it’s probably worth it as the entrance fee is included in the guide’s fee. The Forum and the Roman villa are quieter, but equally interesting. All these are essential for anyone with an interest in Roman history.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument:
Quite the most imposing monument I have ever seen! It was built to commemorate the King who united Italy and is also where the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located. You’ll need to be fit to climb all the steps, but the reward is a good view of Piazza Venezia below and the streets of central Rome.
Trevi Fountain:
Found off a side street that is itself off one of the main streets in the city centre, this most famous of fountains is always surrounded by tourists. By tradition, you should throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish. The fountain itself is very ornate, but nothing too special. Worth a camera shot.
Spanish Steps:
Located at Piazza di Spagna, these impressive steps are often used for fashion shows, when models descend down from the top, showing off the latest designer dresses. More commonly, you are likely to find this to be another gathering point for foreign tourists armed with cameras. There is a quaint English style teashop near the steps called the Babington Tea Rooms, but be warned: it’s very expensive. There are several smart streets around the area, including the Via Condotti, the place to go if you can afford to buy the pricey designer clothes displayed in the shop windows.
Piazza Navona:
Probably Rome’s main square, this is yet another favourite with tourists of all nationalities. Apart from some refreshing fountains, you’ll find cafés and restaurants here and in the surrounding streets, but alas they are generally expensive and not all very good. Beware of the tourist traps and take your time before deciding where to eat. One absolute MUST is the café Giolitti, found near the parliament building, which is not far from the piazza. The Giolitti sells the Coppa Giolitti, probably the best ice cream experience in the world!
Via Veneto:
Famous as a haunt of film stars in the 50s and 60s it is now just another smart street with expensive hotels and restaurants, mainly used by well off American and Japanese tourists. Of greater practical interest is Piazza Barberini nearby, where you can find a branch of EasyEverything. Don’t forget to email friends and family about your Rome experience!
The transport system in Rome is, like most things in the city, quite chaotic. The underground is of little use and covers only a few areas, so taking the bus is essential if you wish to venture much outside the centre.
I was not impressed by the restaurants in central Rome, many are expensive tourist traps, the food is often mediocre and portions can be ungenerous; pizzas are the only safe option. I found even Milan to better than Rome in this respect. You might be tempted to go for one of the classy restaurants on the Via Veneto, but I suggest you avoid these. If you don’t mind the bus or taxi ride, I recommend visiting the Trastevere quarter of Rome (across the river, in the southern part of town) where you can still find some affordable quality trattorias.
Worst of all is the traffic. It makes Paris seem like a village in Somerset! Crossing the road in Rome is a life threatening experience, so be VERY careful and don’t take any chances; before you know it you’ll often find dozens of scooters racing at you all of a sudden from nowhere.
Overall I recommend Rome as brief holiday of four or five nights, but no more. Less than four days isn’t really enough to do the place justice, but over five days is most likely too much. If there are any cities worth visiting in Europe, they are Paris and Rome above all. Make a careful choice of hotel and you’re guaranteed to have a fascinating time. One final thing: even in December it can be very warm, even hot, in Rome, so be prepared!