Termini gets mixed reviews. Many tourists read that it’s a dangerous neighborhood, and many residents, at least those that don’t live near Termini, agree. But the truth is, in 2000 during the Jubilee Holy Year, most of the neighborhood was redone – millions were invested into new facades and many of the old pensione were renovated. Reputations are hard to change though, even if they aren’t warranted.
The benefits to staying around Termini are many: it’s often considerably cheaper here than in other parts of the city; getting in and out of the city by train is easy, so that you don’t have to navigate the crowded buses or metro with suitcases; and no matter where you are in the city, you can always find your way back to Termini easily. It’s technically in the center of Rome (within the Aurelian walls) and you can walk to the Colosseum/Forum in about 25 minutes, or the same to the Trevi Fountain/Spanish Steps. It’s probably the most well connected neighborhood in the city as a whole.
The area to the North of Termini is nicer looking though. For those that know about our hotel, The Beehive, this is where we are located. Most of the neighborhood is filled with office workers and students during the day, and hotel guests at night. There are a few streets, right next to Termini, that have a lot of foreigners so you’ll see kebab, Bangladeshi laundromats, etc. Yet you’ll also see restaurants that have been around for 60+ years with the same families in them. Speaking of restaurants, even though many are tourist traps, they are often filled with Italians at lunch. There are two street markets (one small one on Via Milazzo, and a larger one on Via Montebello) with fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a few traditional bakeries, salumerie, a couple of excellent gelaterias near each other (Come il Latte on Via Silvio Spaventa and La Romana on the corner of Via Piave & XX Settembre) and one of the oldest wine shops in Rome (Trimani on Via Goito).
From the least expensive upward, here are my favorite Cross-Pollinate places in this neighborhood that always get positive reviews, north of Termini – rates quoted are based on high season:
B&B Atos – doubles from €80/night with ensuite bathroom and breakfast voucher at a nearby cafe:
Rome Best B&B – doubles from €85/night with ensuite bathroom and breakfast voucher at a nearby bar:
Simon’s Suite Apartment from €108/night for 2 guests:
Wellness Inn B&B €130/night for a double with ensuite bathroom and breakfast included:
The area just South of Termini has a few blocks that have not been renovated as much and in recent years have had many traditional shops taken over by Chinese wholesalers. Despite some grunge around here, there’s also some of the gems, if you know where to look. There’s the Roscioli bakery on Via Buonarotti, which has some of the best pizza bianca and suppli in the city. There’s Trattoria Monti, one of our favorite restaurants. And there’s Mercato Esquilino – for food lovers and people watchers, this place is a real find. You can also splurge and get a pricey cocktail on the rooftop bar of the Radisson SAS hotel on Via Mamiani. The area is a closer walk to the Colosseum and Forum, as well as the hip and historic neighborhood of Monti (about 15 minutes away by foot) and there’s a few metro entrances for the red line/Line A at Piazza Vittorio which can make it easier to navigate than the metro station at Termini. In this area, there are a lot of good, inexpensive accommodation with lots of character:
Frank’s House from €75/night, run by an expat New Yorker and his wife:
L’Altra Luna from €75/night for double with ensuite bath, breakfast, and use of the kitchen:
Clover Guestrooms from €80/night with shared kitchen – these rooms are managed by us through The Beehive.
Meltin’ Rome from €80/night:
Mr. Frills B&B from €90/night:
Walter’s Studio from €95/night:
For more information about the neighborhood, be sure and check out these posts from The Beehive’s Blog:
Putzing Around Piazza Vittorio
The Best of Piazza Vittorio – 3 food tips
