Mini Rough Guide to Rome (Rough Guide (Mini))

Rating:
Summary: perfect if you're visiting for a weekend or a year
Review: I bought this book while I was living in Rome, and in my six months there saw nearly all the sights listed and more. I especially loved the book's size--I could hide it in my pocket and not look so much like a tourist, and I didn't have to walk around with a big huge map unfolded in front of me. If only the maps in the book could be a little more detailed (like, including the names of the piazzas and churches mentioned in the text!). The bars and restaurants recommended are places I actually went and would recommend to other travelers.
I did find some errors in the text, but unless you're searching for specific works of art, etc. like I do, this shouldn't be a problem. Definitely my favorite of my 5+ Rome travel guides.. I like it even more than the one in Italian!

Rating:
Summary: Only one thing lacking: a highlights section
Review: Rome is a confusing maze of twisting streets and alleyways. This book has great maps in the back that are invaluable for finding your way around, as well as a good list of places to see, hotels, restaurants and shops. The ones I selected based on the guide were all as promised. And because it's so small it's easy to carry. Perfect for a short trip to Rome.

Rating:
Summary: Great guide for wandering the city
Review: Rome is a confusing maze of twisting streets and alleyways. This book has great maps in the back that are invaluable for finding your way around, as well as a good list of places to see, hotels, restaurants and shops. The ones I selected based on the guide were all as promised. And because it's so small it's easy to carry. Perfect for a short trip to Rome.

Rating:
Summary: Only one thing lacking: a highlights section
Review: This book delivers the right contents. There is no question about that. It has the quality of the other Rough Guides. It is practical, it is funny, it has a different view on things and it makes you want to go and see them.

The only thing I thought was lacking is some kind of overview or highlights section. Traditional full-blown Rough Guides usually have a 'Where to Go' section in the introduction. I could have appreciated a similar section in the beginning of this book as well, preferably taking into account that there are people who will stay for a week and others who will only stay for a few days. I don't suggest that people are being taken by the hand with complete itineraries as other guides do but some more suggestions would be useful.

Personally I believe that the maps could be better. I used them to see in which area I had to look (which for each site is nicely indicated in the book) but then switched to the map I got in the tourist office. I assume that this is one of the drawbacks of the otherwise excellent and handy format.