Rome Hotel and Restaurant Recommendation

Friends of mine who visited Rome this summer recommend the Hotel Lirico (book direct on Venere) near Rome's Opera Theater Square. They said the family-run Hotel Lirico is in a good location, easy to get to from Termini Station (Rome's central train station), and yet quiet. The hotel has air conditioning, nice rooms, and breakfast but small bathrooms.

From the hotel they walked to the Colosseum and other top Ancient Rome sites. They also advise visiting the Colosseum in the morning and buying Colosseum tickets elsewhere to avoid ticket lines at the Colosseum.

The best part of their stay at Hotel Lirico was the very helpful and friendly staff who gave them good restaurant recommendations and advice. The staff also willingly assisted when my friend had her wallet stolen in Rome. (see Italy Travel Tip: Avoiding Petty Theft)

Near the hotel, they recommend the Ristorante Pizzeria Il Barocco for dinner where they dined twice. The food was inexpensive and very good. Il Barocco is at Via Napoli 45/48.

Related Rome Travel: More Rome Hotels | More Rome Restaurants
Roman Colosseum Pictures | Rome Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

_{Picture of Rome's Colosseum © 2006 by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com}