How to Find Cheap Hotels in Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and for good reason. Here you'll find some of the most famous ancient sites in the world, as well as fast-paced nightlife, exciting shopping and great food. Whether you're staying a couple of days or a couple of months, it's easy to get wrapped up in Rome's history and splendor.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer with internet access

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Get familiar with the city's geography. Rome is about halfway down the coast of Italy. The city is large, but many tourist sights are all clustered near the central railway station.

2. Visit the wonders of Rome. The ancient city is home to the Colosseum and Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio, among numerous other world-famous sites.

3. Take a day trip to the holy Vatican City, which is entirely surrounded by Rome. If your timing is right, you might even get to witness an appearance by the Pope.

Organize Your Transportation

1. Search the Internet for a cheap flight into Rome. There are two airports to choose from, the Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino, and Ciampino. Compare tickets into both to find the cheapest rates.

2. Consider taking a train from your accommodations in Rome to one of the other fantastic cities in Italy during your stay. Train service is fast and affordable.

3. Use the bus service while in Rome. The service is called Eurolines, and it runs between several different stops in the city and to other cities as well.

Choose Your Lodging

1. Book accommodations within the Vatican City limits if you want to be close to the Sistine Chapel. Painted by Michelangelo in the early 1500s, the chapel's ceiling is among the most famous Renaissance works in existence. To book accommodations, contact the Rome Tourist Board at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

2. Consider finding cheap accommodations during the winter months. Though winters in Rome are not too cold, fewer tourists choose to visit the city during that time.

3. Look for a cheap hostel within Rome's city limits. If you don't mind sacrificing a bit of privacy, hostels provide comfortable sleeping arrangements if you're traveling on a tight budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Spring and autumn are Rome's busiest tourist times, so avoid the vacation rush and plan around them.

• Compare the prices for hotel and airline ticket packages into Rome for cheaper rates.

• Familiarize yourself with the central railway station called Stazione Termini. It is a perfect central spot to venture to any of the places you want to see in Rome.

• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Be aware that some shops and restaurants close for the month of August in Rome if you are planning a cheap summer trip.

• Beware of active pickpockets while visiting Rome. Protect your belongings, and try not to look too much like a tourist.