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-   -   Culture, food and gelato - 3 weeks in Bella Italia (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1966482-culture-food-gelato-3-weeks-bella-italia.html)

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 2:35 pm

Culture, food and gelato - 3 weeks in Bella Italia
 
Here my new Trip Report about my recent journey through Italy. Stations with overnight stays were:
Rome
Florence
Ladispoli
Bologna
Venice
Bergamo

As food is important in Italy it was also on our journey. We experienced 21 stars in 13 restaurants but had also nice dinners at non-starred restaurants. But most important we experienced many cultural highlights and of course a lot of great gelato…...

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 3:02 pm

Flight DUS - FCO
 
Flying to Rome from DUS is not that funny as the only reasonable option is Eurowings abd they don´t even offer BIZ on this route (which is best option with more than 2 pieces of laguage). In the end I found an discounted Basis fare which was even after booking first row seat and laguage cheaper than Smart.
Fortunately the airport was empty with no waiting time at check-in and security. So we did a short stop at Hugo Junkers lounge. Offers improved since my last visit, the now offer scrambled eggs. OK, they tasted not very good, but at least they are available….

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a32aa24947.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...641b6faf9c.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...49505cac50.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bee0893e0e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73bc57541b.jpg
They now have "art" at the restrooms, first time I saw such graffiti at a lounge.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4d8a572a98.jpg
Weather during the flight was clear so we had some good views:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f5643f67a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f5f2f69d59.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52947cf59d.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...949eb1c1b1.jpg
Finally:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cf5a81d38f.jpg
At the airport I learned someone seems to know more:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3412419644.jpg
Perhaps I should call?
Also I learned why you should never buy the cheapest bag:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...65d9cde750.jpg
Glad it wasn´t mine….
I pre-ordered a car (S-Class) via Blacklane, the driver waited for us at the exit. Also there waited many scammers who try to guide you to their "taxi". Surprisingly it was quite a long way to the parking space. More surprisingly our 2 bags didn´t fit in the S-Class trunk, which is really a joke. After the Driver dinined to put one bag in the passenger footwell and already called someone I used some force and got the third bag in. Not so good for the bag but we were ready to start….
Ride to our hotel was comfortable with a good equiped car. Trafic was heavy as expected.

stu1985 Apr 22, 2019 3:28 pm

Gorgeous views on the way to Rome! :)

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 3:49 pm


Originally Posted by stu1985 (Post 31026567)
Gorgeous views on the way to Rome! :)

Indeed and much more impressive in real. Always hard to take pictures from a plane.

eightblack Apr 22, 2019 9:26 pm


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31026393)
Here my new Trip Report about my recent journey through Italy. Stations with overnight stays were:
Rome
Florence
Ladispoli
Bologna
Venice
Bergamo

As food is important in Italy it was also on our journey. We experienced 21 stars in 13 restaurants but had also nice dinners at non-starred restaurants. But most important we experienced many cultural highlights and of course a lot of great gelato…...

We are about to set off on a family holiday to Florence shortly so I am very interested to read about your exploits and dining experience there. I intend to eat my body weight in cheese and pasta and as much gelato as the other side of my stomach can handle.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 12:12 am


Originally Posted by eightblack (Post 31027447)
We are about to set off on a family holiday to Florence shortly so I am very interested to read about your exploits and dining experience there. I intend to eat my body weight in cheese and pasta and as much gelato as the other side of my stomach can handle.

Good idea! Only 2 days in Florence this time but at least one good dinner (Pizza). Will need some time before I "reach" Florence.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:20 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
After considering different options I booked finally Hotel Eden in Rome. The whole mess with their riff-raff owner came up during our stay, so I woudn´t book it again for this reason. This said I now slide it out and only report about the hotel.
From outside:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...040cfeef30.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...91bca8d5c7.jpgWe were greated very friendly at the door and escorted to the front desk. Were were introduced to the manager on charge and the concierge, definitively an arrival above average. Our room wasn´t ready so we were invited to some drinks during the short waiting time.
The lobby of the Eden is stunning, even at high standards. It´s divided in 3 main-parts.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d3bdbc4eb.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1f09875f39.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...663279725b.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29ffe147a6.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2a40177dc.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e030d6beb6.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bb6b16779a.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2a836b805.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...848f4bded6.jpg
After a short wait we were escorted to our Junior Suite 101 on the ground Level.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f98cefa41.jpg

It was located in a side tract which you can see here.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8da1ed90a0.jpg
The room had a special layout as you can see here.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...912e0f21d9.jpg
Unfortunately no place to hang up your coat in the corridor.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73690c8e6d.jpg
While the room wasn´t big it was furnished very well with high quality materials.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e16340ea26.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fd2b77eb71.jpg

Perhaps the closets were a little small for my clothes.....
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7bd5017e6b.jpg
Bathroom was also very nice, even if it had a little few storage pace and only one sink.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb226d6209.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d3ba576df4.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8921bb97f3.jpg
OK, when you turned on the towell heater too much water came out....
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0b151e9902.jpg
My biggest concern was the location of the room. During the morning it was very loud as the trash was collected in front of the room. During the day sightseeing busses drove in front of it and people could look straigt in your window. Not so great!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26c2391516.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a87b011c7b.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57d2fb2960.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...280a5fb1db.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58784edc60.jpg

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:29 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
Breakfast was served on top floor with stunning views:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e42bfff66.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e82a8277d0.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af591b306a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a89675bab3.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9996d4a25d.jpg
Guest one morning:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3eedd5e54a.jpg
Choices were not extensive, but everything of high Quality (hot choices with eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes etc. not shown.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c1548b724.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30fbc3564c.jpg
Made to order dishes were great, especially the gelato they served with the waffles and on request with their Pancakes.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5f55473ab.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...87318fb697.jpg
Perfect was the service at breakfast, you never waited for new cuttlery and plates were removed immediately.

Romanianflyer Apr 23, 2019 3:29 pm


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31026494)
Flying to Rome from DUS is not that funny as the only reasonable option is Eurowings abd they don´t even offer BIZ on this route (which is best option with more than 2 pieces of laguage). In the end I found an discounted Basis fare which was even after booking first row seat and laguage cheaper than Smart.
Fortunately the airport was empty with no waiting time at check-in and security. So we did a short stop at Hugo Junkers lounge. Offers improved since my last visit, the now offer scrambled eggs. OK, they tasted not very good, but at least they are available….

If I'm correct I remember using that lounge ones in the days of Air Berlin 3 or so years back.

Massively overcrowded back then, but they did have lots and lots of mini Wiener schnitzels at that time which was reason enough for me to like it :)

looking forward to read the rest and see all the pictures of the food! Last time I visited Italy (Bergamo) I had fabulous food as well in local taverns, just thinking about the buffalo ravioli and I get the urge to book a ticket back.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:33 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
One evenimg we did room service, quality was OK. Prices of course high. 28 € for a Pizza aren´t too cheap…..
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b6b9b15e7.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...767dc22713.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6b58f780d.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...efa29edae2.jpg
Will separately report about the Michelin-starred restaurant.
All in all a hotel with great service and good rooms. Perhaps a little bit overpriced (consider even with guaranteed upgrade via Diamond Club 1000 € per night for a JS without view) but nice. Someway sad the are owned by rat pack.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:39 pm


Originally Posted by Romanianflyer (Post 31030259)
If I'm correct I remember using that lounge ones in the days of Air Berlin 3 or so years back.

Massively overcrowded back then, but they did have lots and lots of mini Wiener schnitzels at that time which was reason enough for me to like it :)

looking forward to read the rest and see all the pictures of the food! Last time I visited Italy (Bergamo) I had fabulous food as well in local taverns, just thinking about the buffalo ravioli and I get the urge to book a ticket back.

Yeah, Air Berlin used it for the Schengen-flights. It changed a lot during the last years, they now even have a second level which they open at peak-times. Never visited at dinner-time so far, Always fly in the morning at Schengen area.

DanielW Apr 23, 2019 11:18 pm

Three weeks in Bella Italia sounds very appealling:). Looking forward to Venice too.


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31030232)
After considering different options I booked finally Hotel Eden in Rome. The whole mess with their riff-raff owner came up during our stay, so I woudn´t book it again for this reason.

I guess this is regarding the controversy over the Sultan of Brunei?

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 1:47 am


Originally Posted by DanielW (Post 31031417)
Three weeks in Bella Italia sounds very appealling:). Looking forward to Venice too.


I guess this is regarding the controversy over the Sultan of Brunei?

Yes, that´s the reason. Feels not good to me to give my money to such a person.

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 11:25 am

Rome: Trinità dei Monti and Spanish Steps
 
We decided to do a little walk and started at the Spanish Steps. But first a quick visit to Trinità dei Monti.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...496caaca16.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7c047e224f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1dc37adb1c.jpg
The view from above:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74c62775b1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb09727808.jpg
The Spanish Steps - who makes a picture without peoples get a free Gelato.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c7b956d082.jpg
The famous Fontana della Barcaccia
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b27f95e7d1.jpg

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 11:32 am

Rome: Basilica Dei SS Ambrogio E. Carlo
 
We really wanted out first Gelato but we passed SS Ambrogio E. Carlo so we went in:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d058bb48a.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f11574b73c.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c36710c2c.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30500bc407.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d60064a484.jpg


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