Howdy. I am suddenly trying to help an older aunt. She is taking a great nephew on a cruise. They will be in Rome for 2 nts. 4/9-4/11. It has been 9 yrs since I was there. Need recs for the following:

Hotel w/2 beds within 1.5 mi from Trevi. I am using Trevi simply as a point of reference. I have already looked a Marr, Hilton & Best Western. Yes rates are high. Finding some in $600-700 range & BW is $275. Any hidden gems?

Airport hotel recs for their 1 nt cruise return layover.

Good tour group guide for the Vatican? Coliseum tour or go on their own?

What is the current status of the Trevi Fountain? Under construction? Organized line?

Thanks!

They are there just before Palm Sunday. Many people come for Holy Week. I am not sure prices are going to go down. Another factor is the Pope's frail health.

Yes I am aware of all that but Auntie already booked cruise. Thanks

Best Westerns are nicer abroad than here, I'd book that and not worry about it, Holy Week prices are only going to get higher if something happens to the pope.

For tour options take a look at Take Walks. https://www.takewalks.com/rome-tours/ We used them for a couple of tours in Rome and Venice a couple of years ago. We were happy with our guides and the tours. Also there is a company that does e-bike tours starting near the Colosseum and out the Appian Way. That was fantastic.

Hotel Pantheon is $800 with breakfast around that time

https://www.hotelpantheon.com/en/

Includes a decent breakfast

About 1/4 mile to Trevi Fountain, next to Pantheon

We did a private tour thru the Vatican last time i was there

Definitely use a tour for the Colosseum. We used Take Walk/Walks of Italy (they've rebranded since we used them). We got a special tour that took us to various different levels, including near the top. IDK if they still do that specific tour anymore, but at least you will have a guide, be in a small group, and skip the line.

Also used them for the Vatican/Sistine Chapel. No complaints, but we still had to wait in lines and were moving with a large crowd. But, I think that's just how the Vatican manages tour groups.

Trevi Fountain is definitely open again, and it's just as breathtaking as ever! We traveled to Italy two weeks ago with alitalia, and I saw it with my own eyesabsolutely stunning. The atmosphere around it was magical, with tourists tossing coins and making wishes. The whole trip was an unforgettable experience, from exploring the charming streets of Rome to indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. We also visited Florence and Venice, and I must say, Italy never disappoints.

Hotel Lancelot is a nice 2-3 star hotel near the colosseum. It's just in your radius. Great location with some good neighborhood restaurants nearby. And a very friendly staff.

Get an AirBnb. Prices are comparable if not cheaper and you don't have to stay in a hotel.

Dark Rome has a Vatican Tour that gets you in the Sistine Chapel early and allows you to skip the line for the Vatican museum. Once inside you are on your own. Very reasonably priced.

If you can do the key master tour for Vatican, do it. Gotta wake up very early to be there by 5:45, but it is because you are literally opening the Vatican museum and Sistine chapel with the key master and turning the lights on to the rooms. Small group (12-15 or so).

https://www.walksofitaly.com/vatican-tours/key-masters-tour-sistine-chapel-vatican-museums/