Don't rent a car - it will just mean traffic, and hassle. I was there for a week last summer and loved it. There is a public bus just a 10 minute walk away that will take you into the city and basically any time, and is generally clean and fast, and you can get the hotel bus every hour or so (though it doesn't run as early and late as the public bus).
I too would second the suggestions regarding not drive in Rome. Americans accustommed to fairly regulated traffic generally find it impossible. This is the major problem with the Cavalieri athough there is shuttle bus I am not sure if it runs past 100O pm which is a problem in itself since you will find that Italians eat late and many restaurants often dont start seving dinner till 830pm. My suggestion would be to stay at this property for only a few days.
In any event staying there does not give you "feel" of the Eternal city unless you must use points try and stay closer to the Piazza Navona, Piazza Populo or Spanish Steps areas.
One of the great feature of this city is that its not real spread out and easily accessible by subway or on foot. Most city streets are oneway and are "partially pedestrian only" ( ie the hotel we stayed at near Piazza San Silvestre was only accessible by taxis picking up and dropping of clients if I had a car I would have had to park blocks away) Dont be surprised in driving down a street and find the local cafe has set tables and umbrellas in the middle of the road. If you do insist you may get some dirty looks they will pull out of the way and on you go and everybody return to their meals. Look all that part of the fun of visiting Rome.
Remember also Amex does not cover rental cars in Italy (Diners does)
Diving outside Rome is great fun you can drive as fast as you want (most people do) and had no trouble dropping off cars in other cities like Bologna or Milan.
Mike
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 05-24-2002).]
I've just done a long search but can't seem to find posts that I remembered reading about cavalieri's change in policy of only upgrading Diamonds to the executive level, with Golds being upgraded to room/w/vu and breakfast in the restaurant.
Anybody stay there recently? Could you give us a report including upgrade results?
Location: Memphis, TN USA UA 1K, NW Platinum, AA Gold, Starwood Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 701
I am scheduled to be there in April of 2003. Although only a Gold at present, I will pass the Planinum threshold next month. I too would appreciate hearing what your experiences are.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Msnowdon: Will be there in two weeks and will let you know. I am diamond, but can ask.
Michael</font>
Don't forget the trip report!
Anxious to hear about the whole thing.
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We stayed there some years ago and were treated royally - fruit and champagne in the room, etc. Terrific views. In a residential neighborhood with almost no restaurants, etc. Gold member.
However, public transit is a bear from that hotel and stops cold by 11 PM. Many transfers, 3 block walk - very time consuming. Parking in Rome is tough so a car was out. Hilton has (had??) a shuttle to downtown BUT not on Sundays. I would check out the transportation issues before booking there. We stayed previously at a non-affiliated hotel near the colliseum exit of the underground and were really happy with the convenience.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Posted by Msnowdon in another threat:
Hilton Cavalieri was the next stop, only 4 nights. At check in we are taken to a small office area to the left of check-in. A very nice person checked us in and showed us the lounge and room. The view was to die for. The lounge was great!! They left a bottle of Champagne in the room on ice, and each night there was a treat left behind. The room was old, but who cares with a view like that. They have redone the floor with the lounge, and the new rooms look great. Total bill 6.75 euro. The shuttle was great, took it in and usually a cab back to the hotel, and was only around 10 euros each time. You need to be careful they will nickel and dime you every chance they get.</font>
I recently made a reservation at the Hilton Cavalieri in Rome with a glonp award that required 150,000 points. I wondered if any one stayed at or is familiar with the property, and is it worth the extra 50,000 points. One can stay at the Hilton air port for 100,000 points.
Thanks,
I remember reading a few threads about the Cavalieri Hilton on the board in the past with a lot of information, try the search. I was there last year, you have a good view over the city, but it its quite ride to most tourist attractions.
