After leaving Lake Garda’s exquisite, impressive, breathtaking (the adjectives could continue on and on) Villa Feltrinelli, we returned the rental car to the train station at the small northern city of Brescia and took two trains (switching in Milan) to arrive in Rome. We arrived at Rome’s Termini Station during rush hour and paid the price for that in the form of plenty of time waiting in the taxi line as only one taxi appeared every three to five minutes.
Our travel plans changed and I had made a same day reservation through Expedia.com at Raphael Hotel, close to Piazza Navona. I have walked by this hotel many times and was curious to try it. The price was about $300 for a double room for one night without breakfast and in the end, I didn’t think it was worth it. I will explain why in our upcoming special report on Rome. The concierge did however send us to an excellent and cozy new restaurant nearby.
Without breakfast served at the hotel, I headed to what is purported to be the home of the best coffee in Roma, Cafe San’ Eustachio. My cappuccino and chocolate-filled croissant did not disappoint and prepared me for a day exploring Rome’s shopping scene. I only had time to stop for a piece of yummy Roman pizza and a Diet Coke (“the champagne of Americans” as one Italian waiter once told me).
Tonight, we’re staying at Fortyseven Hotel and so far, so good, and…breakfast is included.