Visiting Rome - Secrets and Sounds

by Chiara Moriconi

When visiting Europe, everything's always done in a rush. Take Rome, for example, a city so large and so rich in history and art that even Romans don't know it in full.
I've visited Rome plenty of times, and have stayed in youth hostels, 3-star pensions, and luxury hotels, but to be honest, it's quite difficult to decide where you want to sleep. Say you're feeling stylish and want to stay in a cool and hip hotel, where are you gonna look? Travelling with the family? You'll need some child-friendly place where kids are more than welcome. I found newborn Italian Collection to be a comprehensive travel site where hotels are packed under a specific collection (Romantic, Luxury, Adventure, Historic Cities, etc..) Easy to search and book, I've found curious boutique hotels and family-run lodgings to fit my budget. Below, among a few accommodation suggestions, you'll find and be delighted to discover what lies beneath the common guide books.

1. Drink from the fountain of youth. Actually, it's just a fountain where Romans swear you'll drink the best water in the city. The Fontanella in Villa Borghese. Take Viale Aranciera and just before you get to the lake you'll find a spout protruding from stone. Try it and let me know. 2. Keats and Shelley RIP. Visit the Protestant Cemetary beside the Pyramid, a lovely (strange, but true) and well-kept cemetery where the noise of traffic abides and where Keats (and Shelley) eternally resides. 3. Fall asleep to the sound of music at Franklin Feel The Sound hotel, just steps away from Vatican. All the rooms have differents themes from rock to soul, and with over 400 CDs to choose from at reception, you'll never get bored. http://www.italiancollection.com/en/hotel-franklin-feel-the-sound.html 4. See Rome through a keyhole. The hardest thing is to actually find the quiet square atop the Aventine Hill, but you'll be rewarded once you do. Peek through the hole of a large brass door, and be amazed by the unexpected view. 5. Shoes fit for a Pope. Walk behind the Pantheon on Via dei Cestari and find all the clergy clothes you'll be able to fit in one suitcase. Find the famous Gamarelli store, the Pope's official tailor where they make clothes in 3 sizes when a new Pope is elected: short and fat, tall and thin, or average. 6. Business travellers' delight. Stay close but not too close to Rome's international airport. Enough with the sterile rooms and unfriendly staff! The brand spanking new Pulitzer Hotel (http://www.italiancollection.com/en/hotel-pulitzer.html) is flashy, artsy and well-connected to the city's attractions. 7. Dine and Wine. Take part in what 'politicos', international gourmands and in-the-know-families claim to be heaven just steps away from Navona Square. Casa Bleve, set in a stunning palazzo, offers an extravagant yet affordable culinary experience with a wine cellar to boast. Perfect for brunch.

For more information on the Eternal City and where to rest your tired feet, see http://www.italiancollection.com/

About the Author
Currently living in Italy, this author travels for pleasure and writes for a business.