Frequently Asked Questions
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the section of interest.
Al SanPietrino FAQ
How far are you from the airport?
There are two airports in Rome, Ciampino (for
charter and many local European flights, including RyanAir and
EasyJet), and Fiumicino (the main international airport, also
called Leonardo da Vinci.) Getting to us from either airport
should take anywhere from 40-60 minutes. From Ciampino, you may
take a shuttle bus that coincides with the flights to Termini
station. These bus rides usually take 30-40 minutes. From
Fiumicino, you may take the Leonardo Express trains, which leave
the airport every half hour at 07 or 37 past the hour. The train
ride is about 40 minutes, and is non-stop to Termini. We are six
metro stops from Termini station, or about a 15 minute taxi ride.
If you take a taxi from either airport, the ride should take 35-45
minutes, depending on traffic. Consider that it will take about 2
hours from landing time to arrive at either or our locations from
either airport if you take public transportation, and 1.5 hours
from landing time if you take a taxi.
How far are you from the train station and the Metro?
We are six metro stops from the Termini
station, which will take about 10 minutes door to door.
We are about three minute walk from the Metro
station (Ottaviano.)
Do you have airport pickup/dropoff?
Yes, we can provide a private car service for
pickup and drop off. Rates vary depending on the number of people
and amount of luggage. Generally, for 1-3 people with a normal
amount of luggage, the rate is 45 Euros one way. For four or more
people, or for those traveling with more than 2 average-sized bags
each, please inquire about rates.
What is the best way to get to/from Civitavecchia (for cruises)?
There are two options we can suggest: We can
arrange for a driver take you/pick you up. The rate starts at 130
Euros for up to 3 people. Or, you may take the train into/from
Termini station in Rome. The trains leave about every half hour
and cost about 4-10 Euros per person. Here is the web site with
the schedules: http://www.trenitalia.com.
Where is the best location to drop off a rental car?
We highly recommend that you consider taking
the trains in Italy whenever possible. However, if you do plan to
drive to Rome and drop off a rental car, most of the major
agencies have drop off locations near us, just off the via della
Giuliana. The same is true for car pick-ups. It is not necessary
to pick up your car at the airport or train station, both of which
are less convenient. Please feel free to ask us for the nearest
drop off/pick-up location for the agency you will be using.
Please note that if you are driving into Rome,
you may not bring a car into the historic center, during the week
between 6am and 8pm, or on Saturdays between 2-6pm. You will need
to drop off or park your car if you want go in the restricted
area.
Is there parking near you?
There are several parking garages near us.
Rates vary depending on the size of the car, but generally plan
for around 15 Euros per day. The garages are covered and guarded.
You may risk parking in the street, however, you are likely to be
fined.
Can I arrive early and drop off my bags?
Yes, you are more than welcome to arrive as
early (or as late) as you need. If the room isn’t ready, you may
leave your bags and go for a stroll. In any case, we will spend a
bit of time with you going over the map. Likewise, if you need to
leave your bags with us on your departure day, due to a late
departure, you are welcome to do so.
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Rooms
Do you have any non-smoking rooms?
Our facilities are 100% no-smoking.
How big are the beds?
Our single (twin) beds are 80 cm (32") wide by
190 cm (75") long. (An American twin is 39" wide x 75" long.)
Our double beds are 160 cm (65") wide by 190 cm
(75") long. (An American queen is 60" wide x 80" long.)
How big are the rooms?
Our inns are made out of converted apartments.
Therefore the room sizes depend on the apartment layout. Some of
our rooms are just big enough for two beds, plus of course the
closet, the nightstands and some luggage storage space. Other
rooms can hold up to four people comfortably.
What is the difference between Hotel Panda and Hotel Al
SanPietrino?
The main difference is that at Hotel Panda,
there is no elevator. Also, in terms of ambience, Hotel Panda is
on a small cobblestone street, with a neighborhood feel. Hotel Al
SanPietrino is on a third floor close to the via Giulio Cesare,
which is an area known Vatican city.
Both locations are equally nice. The look and
feel of the rooms is similar: serene, understated decor, with
soft, neutral tones and natural and ethnic fabrics. All of our
beds have Simmons mattresses and orthopedic frames. Each location
has a 24 h reception, with a kindly girls for any help.
Which location is more romantic?
That is quite subjective. We are all very fond
of both locations and find them each romantic, tranquil and
private.
Can I request a specific room?
We will keep in mind any special requests, but
cannot guarantee a specific room.
Are the rooms quiet?
Yes, all the rooms have double-paned glass on
the windows.
What is the layout of the 2-bedroom/2-bathroom suite?
Is there a curfew?
No, we are not a hostel. You are free to come
and go as you please. You have all the keys necessary to be
independent.
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Amenities
What does each room offer?
Hair dryer
Alarm clock
Do you have televisions?
Yes, with dvd.
What kind of internet service do you provide?
There is a computer for guest use in the common
area. You are also welcome to use your own computer.
In addition, every room has an Ethernet plug
inside the room.
We have wireless (wi-fi) internet access on all
the floor. Please ask.
Do you have plug converters?
We can provide a plug converter, but do not
have currency/voltage converters. You can purchase these before
coming to Italy, or you can purchase them here at the local
hardware store.
Do you have hairdryers in the room?
Yes
Do you provide towels?
Yes
Do you have alarm clock?
Every room has an alarm clock
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Security
Do you have room safes?
No. Each room is safe because we are here all
the time and we know every person that enter and exit.
Do you have a safe at the reception?
Yes, we can store items for you at reception.
Please consider leaving valuable items with us if you are checking
out but not leaving Rome until later in the day. Rome is a safe
city, but pick-pocketing does occur.
Can I store my bags with you for the day or longer?
Yes, we are happy to store your bags for the
day if you are leaving later than the check-out time.
If you wish to store your bags for a longer
period, we will keep them locked in our office.
How safe is the neighborhood, especially at night?
We are in very safe neighborhoods, and you may
feel comfortable walking around at night, even alone.
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Rates
Are the rates in Euros or US Dollars?
Our rates are in Euros, but we provide a link
on our rates page (www.xe.com) so you can check the rates for your
country’s currency.
Does that include taxes/fees?
Our rates are inclusive of taxes, service, internet use. The only additional
fees you might incur would be for phone use.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, for final
payment, but we prefer cash payment.
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer a 10% discount to travel agents,
airline employees, embassy personnel, and to those serving in the
military (US or other) if the room is not already discounted.
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Phones
How can someone reach me while I am staying at hotel?
We will provide you with a cell phone for use
while staying with us. As you will probably be out seeing the
sights most of the time, it’s best to give friends, families and
co-workers your cell phone number. If you would like this
information in advance of your arrival, please ask and we will
give you the phone number of the room you will be in.
If guests call us at the reception, and you are
not in the facility, we will give them the cell number that we
have given you. If you choose not to use the cell phone we provide,
then we can leave a message for you.
Please note that with European cell phones, the
person receiving the call pays nothing, but the caller will pay
extra to call a cell phone. US-based callers should check with
their phone service provider to find out the rates to call cell
phones in Europe.
How can I make phone calls?
We will provide you with a cell phone that you
can use to make calls. Rates may vary.
We also have phones in the rooms.
You may use local pay phones to make calls. See
below:
Can I use a calling card to make phone calls?
If you wish to purchase a local calling card,
you may do so at any tabaco shop or newspaper kiosk. Cards start
at 3€. To use these cards, you will need to go to a payphone.
You may also purchase a calling card to make
international calls. You may have to use a local calling card to
use this card at a payphone (see above). These cards may or may
not work on our cell phones. This depends on the type of calling
card.
AT&T and MCI 800 numbers in Italy will work
with our cell phones, in which case, you will not pay anything for
the cell phone call, but will only pay your long-distance rates
that you have agreed to with your phone company.
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Children
Are children welcome?
We welcome well-behaved children of all ages.
Can my child sleep in the bed with us?
We recommend against this for everyone’s safety.
We are happy to provide a crib free of charge for children 2 and
under. Otherwise, the child will need his or her own bed.
Do you have cots or cribs?
We have one crib, available at no additional
charge. This is for children 2 years old or younger.
Do you have a high-chair?
No, we don't have a high-chair.
What is the additional charge per room if we have a child or
children with us?
Children 2 years old or younger, who do not
require their own bed, are not charged anything extra. Children
over the age of 2 are considered adults in terms of rates, i.e.
two parents with one 4-year old will be given a triple room.
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Breakfast
Do you serve breakfast?
We don't serve breakfast, but you can have a
good breakfast in lot of place nearby, that offer fresh croissants
and bread from a local bakery, and a variety of other pastries,
along with butter, jams, honey and Nutella. They also serve
yoghurt, fresh fruit, cream cheese and local cold cuts, orange
juice, a variety of teas, filtered coffee, hot chocolate and
espresso drinks, including cappuccino and caffe latte.
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Air-conditioning
Do you have air-conditioning?
Yes, we provide air-conditioning in the rooms
and in the common areas.
Does the room have a temperature control for the air
conditioning?
Yes, you have a remote in your room to control
the temperature, air-flow and fan speed.
Is there an extra charge for air conditioning?
Normaly it's included in the price.
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Bathrooms
Do you have rooms with tubs?
No.
Do you have any Jacuzzis?
No.
How big is the bathroom?
Bathrooms sizes may vary, but all bathrooms
have a minimum of full shower stall, toilet, sink and bidets.
For the rooms with shared bathroom, how many rooms/people
share the bathroom?
There are two rooms that share one bathroom,
which is in the corridor. There could be up to 3 people total in
both rooms, but there are usually two people per room.
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Who is SanPietrino
We were inspired at the worker of Vatican City,
that built and repair when need the famous square, San Peter
square, in front of the church. From this worker take their name
the strange stones used on the floor of the square and used after
in a lot of square in Rome, the sanpietrini (or like some one call
sampietrini)
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Rome FAQ
Your visit to Rome
When is the best time to come to Rome?
December, January and February
are cold (highs during the day between 30’s and
mid-50’s) and can be rainy, but Rome is very un-crowded then. You
will not have lines at museums and can get into any restaurant.
You will have Trevi Fountain virtually to yourself even at 3pm.
Airfares and hotel rates are at their lowest. This is low season
in most of Italy (except for Valentine’s Day week.) Winter sales
begin in early January!
March and early April
have warmer (mid 50’s and 60’s) weather, but
can have plenty of rain. Be aware that during March and April,
there can be very high-request dates, such as during the annual
Rome Marathon (March) and during Easter week (varies each year.)
mid-April, May, June, and early July
are beautiful months, with plenty of sunshine
and long days. Weather will be in the comfortable 70’s and 80’s
during the day, and 60’s and 70’s at night. This is high season in
Rome and other Italian art cities.
mid-July, August
are very hot, with temperatures in the 80’s and
90’s during the day, and 80’s at night. It can be very humid and
you will need to rest and/or stay indoors between 1 and 4pm. This
is mid-season in Rome and other Italian art cities, but high
season at any coastal cities or the islands. Summer sales are on!
September, October, early November
are the busiest times of year in Italy’s art
cities. The weather is beautiful, in the 60’s and 70’s during the
day, and 50’s and 60’s at night. There is very little rain.
November, early December
Are still nice, with cooler weather (mid 50’s
and 60’s), but less crowded than early fall. This is mid-season.
Christmas and New Year’s
This is a beautiful time to be in Rome. The
city is all lit up and decorated and there is an old-fashioned
fair set up at Piazza Navona.
What holidays should I be aware of?
Easter is one of the busiest times of the year
in Rome.
The weekend of the Rome Marathon varies, but is
usually sometime in March. Check
http://www.maratonadiroma.it for details.
Two of the busiest holidays of the year for
Italians are the 25th of April (Liberation Day), and
the 1st of May. If these dates fall near a weekend, it
will be very busy in Rome.
How many days do I need in Rome?
We recommend 5 days to really see Rome. If you
don’t have 5 days, then 3 days should be your absolute minimum.
Everyone is different, and some people feel they have ‘done’ Rome
in two days, while others feel they still need more time after 10
days. Here are some suggestions:
Day 1: a walk signed on the map, that
takes you around the center, including: The Spanish Steps, Pincio
Hill (view), Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, St. Ignazio, Piazza
Navona, Campo dei Fiori, Largo Argentina and Trevi Fountain. Of
course, we show you where our favorite ice cream and coffee spots
are, and throw in a couple of fabulous churches tucked along the
way for good measure. This walk takes about 3 hours, not including
stops, so you can do some or all of it.
Day 2: If this is not a Saturday or
Sunday, and preferably not a Monday, then visit the Vatican and
Vatican Museums. This is a full day, although you can do it over
two days if you like. After this, you can either walk back passing
at Castel St Angelo through the center over the beautiful via dei
Coronari and visit anything you missed on the first day, or you
can take the bus up to the top of the Gianicolo hill and have a
gorgeous view of the city from above, then walk down into
Trastevere for dinner.
Day 3: In the morning, visit the Domus
Aurea (Nero's Palace), St. Peter in Chains (Michelangelo’s Moses),
San Clemente Church (fascinating underground excavation of
2000+-year-old burial grounds.) Have lunch, and then visit Ancient
Rome, including the Coliseum and Roman Forum and possibly the
Palatine Hill. Or, visit the Galleria Borghese (you need a
booking for this) in the morning, then Ancient Rome in the
afternoon.
Day 4: Galleria Borghese if you didn't
do it the day before, and more strolling wherever you missed...or
shopping!
Day 5: Possible day trips, including
Pompeii, Tivoli, ostia Antica, Assisi, Orvieto.
We can offer suggestions for other combinations,
but this is a good start to just see the basics. You see why one
needs at least 5 days in Rome! The reason we suggest 5 days is so
that you may take your time, include some rests in between sites,
and allow yourself to enjoy the wealth of art and history that
Rome has to offer.
What should I see in Rome?
As stated above, you should plan on a minimum 3
days just to see the main sights. However, there are many
wonderful things to include in a visit to Rome:
3 day visit
Baroque center of Rome, including Trevi
Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Piazza Navona
Vatican and Vatican Museums (includes the
Sistine Chapel)
Galleria Borghese museum in the morning, then Coliseum and
Roman Forum (and Palatine Hill)
4 day visit
see our suggested itinerary above.
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Options for additional days
In Rome
Neighborhoods to visit
Trastevere
Campo di Fiori
Jewish Ghetto and largo Argentina
Interesting churches to include
San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in
Chains)
This church contains Michelangelo’s statue of
Moses.
San Clemente
one of the most eclectic churches in Rome.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
probably the oldest public church in Rome.
St. Ignazio (Saint Ignatius)
one of the Jesuit churches in Rome, with a
wonderful tromp l’oeil above the altar.
Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
(Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs)
this church in Piazza Repubblica was built into
the oldest Roman baths (Diocletian). Michelangelo designed the
ceiling when he was 89. It was his last architectural work.
Other
Shopping at the Spanish Steps
Porta Portese market on Sundays
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Tours in Rome
Can you help with bookings for the Vatican?
Yes, we are happy to do this for you.
Can you help with museum and other bookings?
Yes, we will book the Galleria Borghese and the
Domus Aurea for you. There is no need to book for the Coliseum,
and the Sistine Chapel cannot be booked in advance, except through
the Vatican directly, in which case you will have to take one of
their tours.
What kinds of tours can you arrange?
We work with several tour operators, which
offer a variety of tour choices: city tours by bus or foot; day
trips; and even multi-day tours of neighboring cities. You have
the option of participating in a larger group tour, a small group
tour, or even a private tour.
Do the tour companies take credit cards?
The large, standard tour companies do, but the
smaller, local companies only accept cash.
Do you have any special or private tours?
Yes, we can put together private tours for any
size group, and can help you with any special requests, such as
wine-tasting, shopping or culinary tours.
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Weather in Rome
What is the weather like in Rome?
In general, Rome is blessed with mild weather.
During the winter months (late November through late February), it
is cold, and you will need a coat, gloves and a scarf. It hardly
ever snows in Rome, but does rain more during the winter. The
spring is very mild, warm-ish and rainy. Summer can be very hot,
especially July and August. September, October and early November
are lovely, warm enough during the day to go out without a jacket,
and just cool enough at night to need one.
Weather web sites:
Here are some of our favorite weather site
links:
