Rome hotels through Windstar promo

[kbella]

Has anyone had recent experience with the hotels used by Windstar for their "2 free nights" hotel promotion? Windstar has booked us into the Ambasciatori Palace but I have read a few negative reviews regarding the rooms assigned to cruise passengers. Any information will be appreciated.

[twoboys]

We will not be on the cruise until September. But after reading negative reviews of that hotel I asked what others they had. We will be staying at the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. It is not necessarily what I woudl have chosen on my own because I prefer smaller more boutique hotels. But the location looks great for a short stay and it includes breakfast which is nice

[kbella]

That's interesting, two boys. I was not given a choice of hotels. Is your stay pre or post cruise?

We're staying an extra 4 days pre-cruise(booked on our own) and was hoping to stay in the same hotel as Windstar has us booked. But like you, the reviews make me a little nervous.

[6rugrats]

Have you considered asking what the price for your cruise would be without the "free" hotel? IME, declining the hotel reduced the cruise cost and you can book a better and less expensive hotel yourself.

[kbella]

I was quoted $200.

[6rugrats]

In 2013, we removed the two hotel nights, and my cruise price went down $1200!

[twoboys]

We are staying 3 days pre-cruise. Two of them are through Windstar. They calculate the VALUE of the hotel nights at $750 each but if you decline the difference in price was only $200. So we took the 2 nights from them and booked the 3rd on our own for about $400. They definitely have a couple of choices. I did not book directly through them but with a cruise specialist. But I did call Windstar directly to ask about hotel options.

[mominhouston]

we were given a $200 credit when we declined our 1-night hotel stay that WindStar included.

[kbella]

Thanks for all the info. I have a call into my TA to make sure I understand all my options.

[slgantman]

Does anyone know how far FCO Airport is from where Windstar docks are and what is the best transportation from Airport to get there? What are the costs roughly ? Thank you for your help.

[Traval]

It's quite a way to the port at Civitavecchia.

You could take the ship's transfer,pre-book a private taxi or take the train.

We have always used the train. From the airport you take the Leonardo Express to Termini station in Rome.From there you can take a train to Civitavecchia and then either walk along the front to the port---flat and easy,or get a taxi.

The airport train takes about half an hour and the mainline train about 45 mins.

I can't remember the train prices but would be a lot cheaper than a private car.

I expect many people on Trip Advisor Rome forum would be able to help with prices.

[slgantman]

thank you - one last question ? are you familiar with this hotel in Venice :PALACE BONVECCHIATI HOTEL- thank you again

[Traval]

No, sorry, can't help you there.