Rome

Another attempt to have a moderately-priced vacation in light of the sinking dollar. Of all the major Italian cities, I have always found Rome to be the most affordable, the least pretentious and the most interesting.

We have written up The Daphne Inn in the past. Still a great place to stay, at a great price. Depending on the season, the rates range from 140 Euros up, and include breakfast. They will also give you a 10% discount if you pay cash.

Once again, our room was spacious and well-lighted, and our modern bathroom had a makeup mirror. Since The Daphne is a B & B, there is no lobby or bar.

Shopping

Stay away from the Via Condotti and the major Italian labels. The smaller boutiques near the Campo di Fiori and the Pantheon are still worth seeking out, especially during sales season. One of my favorite shops is Nuyorica. Piazza Pollarola 36/37 06 688 912 43.

Eating

We’re very fond of Gusto’s Osteria, and had lunch there our first day in Rome. It is well-located for shopping and has an interesting menu. Salads, pasta and a bottle of wine about 33 Euros per person. Via della Frezza, 16 06 321 114 82.

Dinner that night was at Trattoria Monti (approx 15 minute walk from Daphne). We shared an onion tart, pasta with gorgonzola and beef bracciole. With a bottle of wine the bill was about 35 Euros pp. Via San Vito, 13A 06 446 6573.

Next day, lunch at Casa Bleve. Gorgeous wine bar with a lovely selection of food on display. With wine and coffee, 40 Euros pp. Is convenient to the Pantheon and therefore some interesting boutiques. Via Teatro Valle, 48/49 06 686 5370.

Dinner found us returning to Uno e Bino. A cab ride away, and ensconced in kind of a wine shop, this restaurant features contemporary food. 40 Euros pp. Via degli Equi, 58 06 446 0702.

Excellent and reasonable lunch of pizza, salad and wine at Il Corallo. Via del Corallo, 11 066 830 7703. Al Bric for dinner. A lovely osteria enoteca with a huge wine list and known for its cheese—we shared a terrific starter of gorgonzola cheese fondue with crispy pieces of potato, then a pasta amatriciana (Roman in origin) and a pork dish. About 40 Euros pp. Via del Pellegrino 51/52 06 687 9533.