Making a trip to Rome is exciting, and you may picture yourself waking up next to ancient ruins, heading downstairs for coffee, and then walking everywhere. This is common for most, if not all, travelers to Rome; however, the accommodation can offer a few surprises that many guidebooks fail to highlight.
If you would like to minimize any unexpected shocks during your trip, here you’ll get to know the most common things people find out about their accommodation once they’re already in Rome.
“Central” Doesn’t Always Mean Close
In Rome, the issue isn’t so much distance as how terms like “central” and “close” are used. Many hotels describe themselves as central, but this often just means they are near one specific landmark, while still being far from other attractions you may want to visit.
When booking, it’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s exact address on a map so you can see how it relates to the attractions you actually plan to see.
Historic Buildings Come with Trade-Offs
Many places to stay are inside very old buildings. That’s part of Rome’s charm, but it also means things don’t always work as they do in newer cities. Elevators can be tiny or slow. Some buildings don’t have one at all. Air conditioning might be weak or limited to certain hours. That said, a lot of historic buildings have been renovated with modern standards in mind; read recent reviews that mention those upgrades or improvements.
Noise Is Normal, Even at Night
Rome is a city that never sleeps. Late-night scooter traffic and people conversing loudly outside restaurants fill the streets with noise. During the earlier parts of the day, this noise is amplified by the narrowness of the old city’s streets.
If you’re a light sleeper who’s very sensitive to noise, you might want to look for places that mention soundproof windows or have inside courtyards. However, if that doesn’t fit your budget, then earplugs will help you sleep better. You’ll quickly learn that in Rome, there’s little quiet time during the day.
Wi-Fi Quality Is Hit or Miss
Internet quality varies widely between lodging options in Rome, so it helps to set realistic expectations. Some places offer fast, stable Wi-Fi, while others struggle with old routers or thick stone walls that cause buffering. This matters more than many travelers expect, especially for those planning to spend their evenings at their accommodation.
It’s often in the evening, after a long day of walking, that travelers realize the Wi-Fi isn’t as reliable as expected. In short-term rentals, shared networks can make streaming more complicated. Looking up guides on how to set up a VPN on an Apple TV or on your smartphone before your trip can help you bypass local restrictions and access your usual content abroad.
Photos Can Be a Little Optimistic
Many Rome listings take flattering photos to promote the space. This means that an online picture may make a room look bigger and brighter than it actually is. In addition, many properties have windows facing walls or other parts of the building and don’t provide enough natural light.
The fact that your room was represented favorably in photos doesn’t indicate that the place is undesirable; rather, it indicates that the pictures don’t show all aspects of the room. Reviews from previous guests regarding the size, the amount of natural light received, and the layout are generally more reliable than just looking at pictures.
Extra Costs Aren’t Always Obvious
Rome charges a tourist tax per night in the range of €4–€10, depending on accommodation, and it’s often paid in cash. Many people don’t know about this requirement until they arrive at their accommodation.
In order to avoid being surprised when checking in, review all available information before making a reservation. Adding small amounts for multiple nights can become quite large over time.
Comfort Standards May Feel Different
Unlike some other large metropolitan areas, some visitors report that hotel beds and pillows in Rome tend to be firmer than what some will be accustomed to. Furthermore, the actual ability to adjust the climate of the room may not be available or limited. While these comforts may not pose any direct issues, the quality of your sleep could ultimately be affected.
If comfort is especially important to you, it’s worth choosing newer properties or places that have been recently renovated. Just keep in mind that these options usually come at a higher price.
Rome Rewards Realistic Expectations
Flexibility is key when choosing accommodation in Rome. Most likely, the place will not be the exact size, comfort level, or amenities that you expected. These are all quite common. By accepting these inconveniences, you may obtain an incredible location, atmosphere, and a unique experience of being part of a vibrant city.
