LOCAL CULTURE
DRIVING IN ROME
Driving in Rome: The stories about driving in Rome are true; the traffic is chaotic and parking is almost impossible. If you are driving, we suggest you book a space in our garage in advance and explore the town on buses, trains or taxis.
HOSPITAL FIRST AID SERVICE
The service in Italian Hospitals is usually free of charge and medical services in Italy are considered to be some of the best in Europe. However , you may be required to queue depending on the level of emergency and don't forget to take a form of identification with you. Please also note that due to new regulations, you may be required to could be required to pay a fee according to the level of emergency.
METRO
The subway system (Metropolitana) is simple and cheap, with two fast lines that intersect at the Termini train station. One ticket is 1,50 Euro and is valid for any journey within 75 minutes. Please note it can be used only once for the Metro during this time, but you can use it to catch buses for the remaining time. Head for the first or last compartments as they are generally the least crowded.
RESTAURANTS IN ROME
Restaurants are generally open noon-3pm and 8-11pm, and often much later. The busiest times tend to be 1-1.30 pm for lunch and 9-9.30pm for dinner. As restaurants are very busy for dinner, it's best to book in advance.
TAX/DUTY-FREE
VAT refunds are only available when you have spent in excess of 155 Euros at any one store. Please note that not all stores apply tax refunds. You must obtain a VAT form at the store where you purchased the goods. At the airport, get the form stamped by Italian customs.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Hotel Location
The InterContinental De La Ville Roma is located within walking distance from one of Italy's most highly regarded shopping areas, the Spanish Steps, and the famous Via Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona. The concierge will be pleased to give you details.
Nightlife
Nights out in Rome start late and end even later. Concerts never kick off before 10.30pm and after 11pm at weekends. Even on weekdays, most clubs close after 4am. Remember that on Fridays and Saturdays, many mainstream clubs serve up commercial house music.
Opera
The elegantly furnished, imposing Teatro dell'Opera is the only theatre in Rome which offers a full season of leading productions. In Summer, opera is performed outdoors in the enchanting Terme di Caracalla or in the Piazza di Siena.
St Peter's Basilica and Churches
St Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world. There are more churches in Rome than days in the year.
The Emperor's Terrace
Start your evening with an aperitif on the Terrazza degli Imperatori on the sixth floor, and you'll have the whole of the Eternal City and 3,000 years of history at your feet. Open in the summer months only.
WHAT TO PACK
Dress code for St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine
No shorts or bare shoulders are allowed. This applies to men, women and children. You will be refused entrance in a miniskirt. You may well be asked to leave your bags in the cloakroom near the entrance.
Jogging in Rome
Villa Borghese is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Rome and is only a five-minute walk from our hotel. It's perfect for an early-morning jog. Please contact the concierge desk for more information.
The Seaside
As the climate in July and August is really hot, many visitors chose to spend some time in Ostia, the ancient port of Rome, just 30km away. In addition, you may decide to take a day trip to the enchanting Amalfi coast, about three hours away by train or car, so don't forget your swimsuit.
Weather
Rome in July and August can be very hot (28-36C.) Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, clothes and shorts.