Customer Reviews

Access Rome 7e

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've used various Access travel guides and find them to be consistently witty and on-track. I like being able to focus on a neighborhood, and see what restaurants are near the attraction I'm visiting. The color-coding (red print for restaurants, blue for hotels, black for sights) makes it particularly easy to scan for an entry. Although there aren't extensive hotel listings, the information provided is useful to determine what area I'd like to stay in. You may need more detailed maps than those in the book, however.

I've used these books in the past for most of my travels and have been very pleased. During a previous trip to Rome, I used an earlier edition Access Rome book as my Bible. It was extremly informative and useful. Unfortunately, since then they have changed the design of the maps and have not updated the book accurately. Many of the places I tried to visit had been long gone, inaccurately positioned on the map, or the descriptions were not appropriate. Unless they changed these items for the 8th edition, I would warn against using this book as a primary source of information. Also, the maps did not incorporate the locations of the Metro stops and Taxi stands into the neighborhood maps, like other travel guides have, which I found to be a neccessity for travel around Roma.

Generally useful but many errors -- owing either to carelessness or outdating. An example of the former is that the guide lists Volpetti's as a place to buy cheese, etc; but neglects to mention that there is another one that's been around longer and which we very much favor. The index is poor. For example, it does not list Bramante's Tempietto, a truly remarkable and beautiful structure; rather, one has to know the name of the church alongside which it sits to find this wonderful work. At times incomplete; for example, the index does not include the Villa Tornolia, a wonderful if only slightly off central Rome to visit. Overall, needs work.

These books are always really well-organized by neighborhood, but this new edition is riddled with errors. They still describe things in Lira even though they tell you Italy has converted to the Euro and information on many stores, sites and hotels is incorrect, especially hours. We went to many churches that were closed. Some stores no longer even exist. Also, lots of missing information, particularly on new hotels. Use this book for it's useful maps and reviews, but check addresses and hours carefully before you go anywhere.

Neighbourhood-focused approach is a pleasure, and color-coding works fine too, but they need to update the book more thoroughly (I know it costs money, but it should not be an excuse, they charge good money for the book).

Text is very readable and visually relaxing; while sparing use of colour illustration and old-fashioned drawings are pleasing in a strange way. Descriptions and background are a bit lightweight, but overall this is a pleasant book - perhaps as the second guide, to compliment Fodor's or Frommers.

Years ago, the access guides were revolutionary: everything was listed block by block - they way you experienced a place. The reviews were pithy and comprehensive.
Somethings changed. The Rome guide omits many hotels and has poor descriptions of the major attractions. You can do much better on the web.

I love the Access guidebooks. The only time they were better was when each category ( restaurants, hotels, museums etc) was printed in different colors. I wish they published a new one each year. The writing is precise, plentiful, accurate and informative. One is given a great deal of information, while at the same time not overloaded. A great guidebook. Use them for everyplace you go.

When people talk Access these days, especially in travel, it is expected that special needs are covered, especially wheelchair accessibility. There is barely a mention. I gave the book to the local garage sale. I should have saved my money and googled.