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Avere paura della propia ombra
To be afraid of his own shadow
The Best Hotels in Rome | Print |  E-mail
Written by Joe Johnson, guest blogger   
Thursday, 31 May 2012 01:41

trevi-fountain-rome-italy_x700Rome attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year, tourists flood into the city keen to get under the skin of its history,culture and strong sense of religion and spirituality that runs through the blood of the Roman people. The famous Italian passion flows throughout Rome, evident in everything from the intricately sculpted architecture, the outgoing, welcoming nature of the residents, and the perfectionist food and coffee sold at many of the side-street cafes. Of course, as a visitor to any city, one of the things that speaks volumes about the character of the place is the place you stay.

Whether you're in a hotel, apartment or villa, your accommodation is often the first impression you get of a new destination, and in my experience, Rome doesn't disappoint. This magical, mystical city hosts some of Europe's best hotels that can be simultaneously luxurious, quirky and unique. Here are five of the best Rome hotels:

*1. **Grand Hotel de la Minerve*

Se in the heart of the city the Minerve is the height of luxury, a regal white structure that is as grand on the inside as it is on the outside. Offering 135 rooms, the Minerve is spacious while still retaining and air of intimacy, room specifications are in place to suit all budgets and it even boasts a fitness area. The Roof garden dining area is the real centrepiece however, a true taste of Roman hospitality awaits here as you graze on traditionally Italian favourites while watching the sunset over the city skyline.

*2. **Babuino 181 *

Like the Minerve, the Babuino is right in the heart of the action, just minutes from Rome's famous Spanish steps. Although the hotel has fresh ,modern underpinnings it is laced with traditional Italian influences like Frette sheets, silk sheets and marble bathrooms to ensure guests have an authentic experience in the lap of luxury.

*3. **Hotel Hassler*

The Hassler is the embodiment of Rome and everything that a hotel in this city should be. Arguably one of the most lavish hotels in Italy and indeed Europe as a whole, this relatively small set up ensures guests are treated like kings. The walls are adorned with original paintings, 18th century furniture is a standard and the bathrooms even feature gold plated sinks. The Spa on the 3rd floor and panoramic restaurant on the 6th only make it more special.

*4. **La Posta Vecciha *

If you're looking to escape the lively hustle and bustle of Rome city centre then La Posta Vecciha is the perfect choice, being within striking distance of Rome but far enough away to enjoy intimacy and privacy. This hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea meaning its a perfect place to catchsome sun, or simply relax at the indoor pool.

*5. **Rome Cavalieri*

The Cavalieri is a hotel for foodies and those that like to pamper themselves. For starters, the 3 starred La Pergola restaurant is widely recognized as the best in Rome, a lofty accolade indeed. The cutting edge fitness suite here is the perfect place to burn off all those delicious calories before indulging the luxury spa featuring Turkish baths, saunas and hydro massage baths.

 
Summer promotion for Alitalia trips to Italy | Print |  E-mail
Written by Larry Aiello   
Sunday, 20 May 2012 20:34

Alitalia summer sales just announced - flights from New York

If you are planning a trip to Italy, the national Italian airline, Alitalia, just announced a major summer sale that is currently taking place.

Here are the restrictions - Purchase your ticket by May 29, 2012, and travel any time between June1 and August 11, 2012.

Sample Offers
New York to Naples (JFK to NAP - Capodichino) from $1,252 USD
New York to Palermo (JFK to PMO - Punta Raisi) from $1,343 USD

These fares are round-trip, and includes taxes and fees.

This is a pretty good deal, usually in years past, I've seen these fares go for about $1,400+ round-trip.

I hope your travels take you to Italy this year - Buon Viaggio!

 


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Find vacation travel Deals in Rome!

 

 
FIAT is a little furbo in their marketing tactics | Print |  E-mail
Written by Larry Aiello   
Friday, 18 May 2012 01:40

The word "furbo" in Italian is a word that can have a lot of different meanings.  
It is used to depict someone that is crafty, clever, sharp or astute.  It is also used in a negative manner for someone that is sneaky, not trust-worthy, someone that is willing to deceive you or to trick you.

Masculine / Feminine

In the Italian language, adjectives match the noun they are describing in gender and number.

So for feminine variation, the word would be "furba".

Masculine plural - furbi

Feminine plural - furbe

Example of the use of Furbo in Italian

I read an article today about FIAT motor corporation, based in Turin, a northern city.   They are Italy's number one auto manufacturer.  They became a little "furbi" in one of their marketing tactics.  They somehow figured out when the google car comes around to take pictures for google streets.  Very coincidentally, there just happened to be a picture of a FIAT car when they were photographing the address for the Volkswagon (VW) headquarters in Sweden.  Take a look at the picture below.  This is definitely a good example of the use of furbo in the Italian language.

FIAT picture on google streets for VW headquarters

 
Rent a car in Milan Italy recomendations | Print |  E-mail
Written by Franco Borelli, guest author   

Milan car rental advice

Milan is the home of worldly pleasures; the shopping, opera houses and nightlife draw you in to its culture. The historical and modern points of interest can begin with a historical Duomo di Milano, a beautiful Gothic cathedral then discover that Milan is the home of Italian fashion. If you compared Milan to Rome, Milan is urban and modern where Rome is traditional and historical. Milan has historical landmarks like Castello Sforzesco a magnificent medieval castle or the Brera art gallery where you can find some of the finest artistic pieces in Europe.

rome-car-rental

A good way to experience the real Milanese lifestyle on your Italian holiday is to rent a car in Milan because you will be mobile and able to visit the sights of Milan in your own time. Creating your own itinerary you can take your time visiting the Pirelli tower or the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle the ancient and glamorous shopping mall.

You'll be able to visit  the fine shops, parks and many old churches. The many parks in Milan display beautiful greenery of relaxing and peaceful; there are so many sights to see in this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy the city on your time cruising around in your rental visiting shops, restaurants and museums.

There is so much to see in Milan, you do not have only visit the historical aspects there is the Museo d'Arte Paolo Pini that carries a contemporary art gallery collection. You cannot visit Milan and not go to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology.

milan-view-of-cityx250Traveling around Milan in a rental automobile opens so many doors. You witness such a mix of old traditional historical places like the Duomo and then you have all the modern buildings, art and the Cimitero Monumentale one of Milan's old cemetery is in a neoclassical style.

Going through the streets of Milan in your rented car allows you to visit the many places like driving down to the Via Dante a fashionable high street there are many sights like the city castle, street vendors and outdoor cafe table.

Sipping an espresso watching the many people of Milan going about their daily tasks, anyone who would like to visit Milan can do it at a leisurely pace. Take a casual pass by the many parks and gardens as the Sempione park that sits right behind the Sforzesco castle or the Giardini pubblici the public gardens which began in the 18th century.

Parking in Milan

The only disadvantage is that parking in the center of Milan can be very difficult.  And it can be expensive to use the garage.  Make sure you do not let a parking attendant in a uniform take your car to a garage, unless they are authorized by your hotel. It is best to drive it directly to the authorized garage.

Day trips from Milan

The advantage of renting a car in Milan is that you will be able to visit some of the places in the Lakes Region of Italy, which is a short 45 minute drive north of Milan.  Some of these beautiful places include Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, etc.

There are also many cities outside of Milan that by having an auto will give you an opportunity to see, namely the cities of Turin (via highway A4), and Bologna, an old university city with a lot of culture.  And for extended weekend trips, there is Florence and Rome to the south (use highway A7).

Skiing in Italy

From Milan, you can also visit the Alps, a mountain chain in northern Italy that has some excellent ski resorts.

Where to pick it up

The two main airports of Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) are served by all the major agencies.  They are both outside the main city, and well connected by major roads including the "tengenziale" which is a highway that rings around the city.

Recommended

AutoEurope has been renting cars in Italy and all over Europe for many years and has a good reputation, and good reviews.

Enjoy the great city of Milan and its nearby attractions and have a wonderful holiday!

 


 

You may also be interested in:

Fun facts about Milan

Lake Como - a good day trip from Milan

 

 
International Movie Festival in Rome | Print |  E-mail
Written by Larry Aiello   
Saturday, 05 May 2012 03:11

L'Isola del Cinema - The Island of the Movie Festival

Every year since 2006, between late June and early September Rome hosts a movie festival known as La Isola del Cinema.  It is hosted on Isola Tiberina, right in the middle of the Tiber River.  This is an open air cinema known as Sala Visconti.  There is also another cinema in Trastevere called CineLab.

The films include many Italian and foreign films including Hitchcock and Kubrick retrospectives. There are also films by Wong Kar Wai, Robert Altman, etc.

The island (along with the banks of the river) are lined with cafès, bars, and restaurants along with vendors selling knickknacks, DVD's, etc.

Here is a video from a prior year, but it gives you an idea about what the unique Italian movie festival in Rome is about.

 

L’Isola del Cinema Via Carlo Armellini, 16 Tel: 06 58 333 113 Fax: 06 58 11 060

You may also be interested in:

Renting a car in Rome

What's new in Rome

 

 

 
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