Accommodations !!!
The good news dozens upon dozens of properties have undergone major renovations in the late 1990s. :-) The bad news is that with some 20 million visitors expected to arrive in 2001, finding a hotel room at any time of the year will be harder than ever. Make your reservations a long time ahead -- we're talking months here... Choose among our wide range of hotels here and book your night online !!!

Driving to Rome !!!
All roads may lead to Rome if you're driving, but don't count on much driving once you get here. Reception desks of most Roman hotels have at least one English-speaking person, so it's wise to call before leaving for your little trip, to find out the best itinerary into Rome from wherever you're starting.

Find out whether the hotel has a private parking lot. If not, you're usually allowed to park your car in front of the hotel long enough to unload your luggage. Someone at the hotel--a doorperson or a bell boy will direct you to the nearest garage or place to park.

Tipping advice !!!
In restaurants a service charge of about 15% usually appears as a separate item on your check. A few restaurants mention on the menu that cover and service charge are included. Either way, it's customary to leave an additional 5%-10% tip for the waiter, depending on the service. Tip checkroom attendants 500 lire per person, rest room attendants 200 lire (more in expensive hotels and restaurants). Tip 100 lire for whatever you drink standing up at a coffee bar, 500 lire or more for table service in cafés. At a hotel bar tip 1,000 lire and up for a round or two of cocktails.

From Rome south, tip taxi drivers 5%-10% of the meter amount. Railway and airport porters charge a fixed rate per bag. Tip an additional 500 lire per person, but more if the porter is very helpful. Theater ushers expect 500 lire per person, and more for very expensive seats. Give a barber 2,000-3,000 lire and a hairdresser's assistant 3,000-8,000 lire for a shampoo or cut, depending on the type of establishment.

On sightseeing tours, tip guides about 2,000 lire per person for a half-day group tour, more if they are very good. In museums and other places of interest where admission is free, a contribution is expected (500-1,000 lire). Service station attendants are tipped only for special services, for example, 1,000 lire for checking your tires.

In hotels, give the concierge about 15% of his bill for services, or 5,000-10,000 lire if he has been generally helpful. For two people in a double room, leave the maid about 1,000 lire per day, or about 4,000-5,000 a week, in an average hotel; tip a minimum of 1,000 lire for valet or room service. Double amounts in a very expensive hotel. In very expensive hotels, tip doormen 1,000 lire for calling a cab and 2,000 lire for carrying bags to the check-in desk, bellhops 3,000-5,000 lire for carrying your bags to the room and 3,000-5,000 lire for room service.

Getting from the airport to town !!!
Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport is 19 miles (30 kilometres) south-west of the centre of Rome and the best way into town is by train. There is a non-stop express to Termini Station, the central rail station, and a train to Tiburtina Station on the east side of Rome. As for taxis, you'll probably find a crowd of people soliciting to drive you into Rome, but it is best to go to the taxi stand and use only the yellow or white taxis. Make sure the meter is running and if not, settle on a fare before you leave the airport. Travel time will be 40 to 60 minutes.

Greeting someone in Rome
The Italians are keen on the most enthusiastic forms of greeting. Hugs, kisses and handshakes are all performed upon meeting a friend or even a mild acquaintance, regardless of sex. However, foreign visitors are not expected to join in with these warm hellos except, of course, for the handshake which is compulsory both socially and in business.

Rome dress code !!!
Italians take dress very seriously, they like to take time to do it... Therefore, smart clothing should be worn especially in business settings where it is recommended that both men and women dress in suits. Outside business, casual clothing is ok, but stay tidy if you don't want to feel out of place. Italians dress up whenever possible.

Getting connected in Rome !!!
It is possible to connect to the Internet at most hotels.
There are also quite a few cyber cafe's where you can send E-mail's.

One excellent Internet cafe in Rome

For more info on Rome, visit Travelnow.com