5 Tips for a Luxury Trip to Rome for Less
Exploring Rome's timeless allure, replete with every luxurious splendor you can dream of, doesn't have to mean breaking the bank, shares Simone Amorico. Hailing from Rome himself, Amorico along with his partners operates Access Italy, a leading purveyor of extravagant Italian vacations.
"Mastering the art of luxury traveling on a budget in Rome is a matter of knowing the perfect time to visit, the right places to eat, shop, and lodge," Simone advises. To help travelers navigate this, he has compiled some savvy pointers to have a luxe Roman holiday without overspending.
Time It Right
January through March and November and December (the week before Christmas is the exception) are the best times to visit Rome, especially if you’re looking for a break on lodging. High-end travelers can get between 30 and 50 percent off usual rates at five-star hotels. This also when hotels offer special promotions, like a third night free or a spa treatment and daily breakfast included with your stay.
Mr. Amorico advised travelers in the United States to consider a trip during Thanksgiving week. “While Americans may have time off, Italians don’t celebrate the holiday, and it’s considered low season which means hotel prices are low,” he said.
For those who can’t travel to Rome during off-peak season, Mr. Amorico said that it’s best to stay in hotels in less touristy but still located in well-situated neighborhoods such as Monti, Testaccio and Parioli. The properties in these areas have nightly rates at least 20 percent lower than ones in touristy spots. Or, consider renting a luxury apartment, which can be between 30 and 50 percent less expensive than a luxury hotel.
Dine Smart
Stay away from the overpriced, average restaurants situated in Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Campo dei Fiori, Rome’s main squares. You’ll enjoy less expensive and tastier meals and also get more of a local flavor of the city by dining at spots in Monti, especially on Via Urbani, where there are some excellent trattorias. Other areas worth visiting for great local restaurants include Via del Corallo, Piazza del Fico, Via Giulia and Via del Governo Vecchio.
When it comes to lunch, Mr. Amorico suggested enjoying a thin-crust pizza (around $10) at a pizzeria or going to a trattoria for a bowl of pasta (around $12) such as his favorite, cacio e pepe. This strategy allows you to save your money for a nice dinner or two with wine in some of Rome’s terrific seafood and fine dining spots. His top recommendations are Assunta Madre for seafood and Ristorante Tullio for classic Italian dishes like cannelloni and Roman-style artichokes.
Opt for Weekday Private Tours
Investing in a private guide can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of specific things, such as art or historic architecture. It's a slightly lavish expenditure but worth considering if you want in-depth knowledge. To maximize savings, consider hiring your guide during weekdays. Weekday rates for guides in Rome are typically lowered by approximately 20 percent in comparison to weekends, and this discount increases up to 40 percent during off-season periods.
If you're visiting Rome between May and October, you might be interested in exploring the Vatican Museum. In such a case, opt to hire your guide for a Friday evening. This particular evening the museum extends its operating hours and you could benefit from a more cost-effective hire rate. Additionally, a Friday night visit tends to be much cooler temperature-wise and less populated, making your visit more comfortable and enjoyable," said Mr. Amorico.
Explore the Sale Seasons
In the heart of Rome, you'll find prestigious stores carrying luxurious brands you may recognize. But here's the secret: these high-end stores often hold two sales annually. Winter apparel gets a generous price slash starting from early January, while summer clothing sees a markdown in the beginning of July. Each sale typically runs for about a month to a month and a half.
Circling back to Mr. Amorico's wise advice, don't just limit your wardrobe hunt to the famous brands. Expand your fashion radar to include up-and-coming designers who offer chic, fashionable, and competitively-priced clothing, footwear, and accessories. These hidden treasures can usually be discovered in trendy, independent boutiques tucked in the neighborhoods of Monti, Trastevere, Parioli, and Fleming.
Savor Each Step
The true essence of Rome can best be admired when traversing its historic streets on foot, regardless of your travel budget. Allocate your funds on exquisite experiences rather than on vehicular transport such as renting a car or hiring taxis, advises Mr. Amorico. Rome, in its glory, is akin to a sprawling open-air museum, brimming with history on every corner. Immerse yourself in its charm and richness by experiencing it up close - this way, each cobblestone you tread on tells a tale.
