I was going on holiday to Rome and was looking for a nice hotel to stay at, that was located in the center of Rome, which allowed easy access to all the Roman architecture and its incredible destinations, me friend recommended the Twentyone Hotel. Twentyone is a modern boutique hotel on Via Cola di Rienzo, one of Rome's best shopping streets. Castel Sant'Angelo and the historic center of the city is just a pleasant 10 minute walk away. Rooms offer an LCD satellite TV, air con, mini bar, and free Wi-Fi. A continental buffet is available in a bright breakfast room. The hotel is in the elegant Prati district, home to the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica. The hotel is conveniently located near, St. Peters Basilica, Pantheon, and the Colosseum. The room was quite sizeable and very clean and modern. The street offers a number of shops, cafes and supermarkets. Twentyone Hotel is a fantastic hotel - clean, well appointed and in a super location, it's one block away from the subway for sightseeing and walking distance to all other sights. The neighborhood surrounding the hotel is filled with boutiques and cafes.
For you girls, Twentyone Hotel is located by far, in one of the best shopping districts in Rome, on Via Cola di Rienzo street. My friend was complaining about the heat and walking distances, we traveled in order to see the Roman architecture and history of the Roman Empire. However, she had no problem walking for hours up and down the streets to frequent all the boutiques and shops located in the shopping district. She would literally just strut for hours shopping til she couldn't walk anymore, than I had to carry her back to the hotel. I reckon she might have possibly forgot the reason we were in Rome originally, not for leather handbags, shoes, or clothes; but to see all the amazing sights, somehow this seemed to escape her during her shopping frenzies. There are so many sites in Rome to see it definitely puts your mind on overload.
I wanted to visit the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and Pantheon. Rome is famous also for their many fountains, palazzos, and piazzas, not pizzas. The fountain we visited was Trevi Fountain, where you must toss the proverbial coin over your shoulder and make a wish. We visited many of opulent palazzos. We also visited by far one of the most popular piazzas, in all of Rome, the stunning, Piazza del Campidoglio. The highlight of the trip was visiting the Colosseum. The Colosseum was this massive, wondrous, elliptical amphitheatre where many of the Romans would gather to watch gladiators fight, do re-enactments of famous battles, and perform executions. The Colosseum is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture. Sadly, due to earthquakes, a fire and looting of the stones, the Colosseum is just a mere, but spectacular skeleton of its original self.
Our next destination was the Pantheon. The Pantheon was primarily used as a place of worship, a temple. It's truly amazing how well preserved this piece of Roman Architecture is, considering it was built back in 126 AD. It consists of a porch of large granite Corinthian columns, a total of 16, massive structures holding up a large triangular roof, or pediment. The main building is circular, wiv a beautiful oculus which opens to the sky, a real wonder of beauty. Once inside, the light from the oculus shines through, as if the heavens are opening, illuminating the ground below. The following day, it was off to St. Peter's Basilica. Outside this massive construction lies St. Peter's Square, where people flock to see the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica, along wiv the Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica is where the body of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles is buried. This has to be one of the most beautiful, spiritual and important places that I've had the pleasure of visiting, along wiv both the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome.
After our visit to St Peter's is was back to the hotel for a good night's sleep. We were both absolutely knackered from all the walking and waiting. However, I'd definitely do it all again; but wiv less shopping, ok Adriana ;) Some tips for anyone coming to Italy, especially in the summer, always drink lots of water; wear sunscreen (SPF 1000 if it exists, or if your fair skin, or transparent, and burn easily, wear a fire suit, luckily the sun's not much a problem for a bloke from Western OZ); use reliable transportation to get to many of ur destinations (walking can be difficult when it's real hot & humid); have a fun time and ignore all the crowds, because they're everywhere you go; and lastly, don't take girls who's primary reason for travel, is merely to shop, than actually want to go sightseeing (Adriana). The Twentyone Hotel was fabulous, and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a safe and centrally located place in Rome. read more