Anyone have any recommendations for a quality hotel in Rome for our post cruise tour. Also any special tours in that time frame

Welcome to FlyerTalk mbeitler!!

This post might be better place in Travel & Dining->Europe (Easter/Wester)

August is vacation month in Italy. Some small restaurants and shops are closed.
Many hotels have special offers during August.
Hotel de Russie is great.

I would recommend a tour of the Vatican museum. Get your hotel to arrange a personal guide (whatever the cost). You will be given in-depth information as well as a certain level of art instruction which makes looking at the treasures so much more meaningful.

Give yourself 4 hours for the entire tour. Also, you probably should arrive at the museum at the crack of day because there will be a line to get in. YOu don't want to be standing in line with your guide paying for the pleasure of their company.

Then on your second day walk the Roman Forum. You might do well with a guide book here, which will give you info on the various parts of the ruins. You can then walk over to the colloseum (sp?) and find a group guided tour over there.

Other than that, just walk around. Everywhere you walk in Rome is full of historic and interesting architecture. Stop by a cafe if you're thirsty or hungry. Sit and watch people. That's permitted. And just let the "Roman" quality of the city absorb into your bones.

You'll want to return, for sure.

Have a wonderful 2 days in a favorite city of mine.
Rita

Remember, that the Vatican Museums, etc.. observe a wide variety of religious holidays so check out their website for actual availability for visits.

Also, in late August, it will be HOT so try to spend an afternoon in the Borghese Gardens to cool off just like the Romans. If you want to visit the Borghese Museum (home of some of Bernini's greatest sculptures) you'll need to make a reservation.

As for hotels, the Cesari - near the Pantheon/Piazza Navona - is excellent, both for location and value (not to mention great a/c)

If hotel programs aren't a necessity, I'd check Priceline for hotel options. Use biddingfortravel as a guide. I scored the DeLaVille (next to the Spanish Steps) after a cruise. It was a great central place to explore from.

If hotel programs aren't a necessity, I'd check Priceline for hotel options. Use biddingfortravel as a guide. I scored the DeLaVille (next to the Spanish Steps) after a cruise. It was a great central place to explore from.

Wow, what did you pay? I chose the Intercontinental de la Ville for our trip. They do have good rates on their website but it is an expensive hotel. That's why I'm asking what you paid.

And yes, it's a wonderfully central place. You can even walk to the Vatican from there, altho it's a goodly walk. But Rome's a walking city.

Rita

Of note, Italian traditions have changed over the years and cities, particularly tourist destinations such as Rome, are no longer as deserted in August as they once were. In any case, the greatest risk of 'closure' is the week before and after August 15, which is a national holiday.

In response to your question on special tours, check out the City of Rome website (http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/it/main.asp) for upcoming exhibits and book a ticket in advance.

Rkt10: It was 2 years back, but if I recall, going rates were over $200 USD, +tax. I bid/won something in the $140-150 range+tax. 3 nites in mid-Aug. In my opinion, a good deal. I used biddingfortravel.com and researched/bid about 2-3 weeks out. I had a back-up cancellable reservation, just in case.

Yes, you should be able to find very decent prices here using Priceline. The touristic area is not very affected by the August vacations, my main concern would be to expect very warm weather...

Rkt10: It was 2 years back, but if I recall, going rates were over $200 USD, +tax. I bid/won something in the $140-150 range+tax. 3 nites in mid-Aug. In my opinion, a good deal. I used biddingfortravel.com and researched/bid about 2-3 weeks out. I had a back-up cancellable reservation, just in case.

great rate!
Rita