ABOUT SAN LORENZO BY NIGHT

In a recent review a guest of San Lorenzo Guest House wrote the following words.

"We weren't completely happy about the localization because we sometimes were afraid to walk as it was getting dark ( many homeless people and drunks).It was safe to walk during day."

I think that it is necessary to provide some clarifications especially for our future guests.


The first thing to say is that, in several years of operation, no guests of San Lorenzo Guest House has ever experienced a problem in the neighborhood.

It might well be that a pickpocket stole the wallet of a guest in the metrro or in some other crowded place, the same that happened to me once in Prague and was almost on the way to happen while getting a train in Warsaw. Maybe a thief crashed the glass of their car to steal the luggage, and that is an experience I had in Amsterdam (in Rome, but in other areas, the spare wheel of my car has been stolen several times). But none of those unpleasent experiences ever occurred close to San Lorenzo Guest House.

*** TIP ***

In any city there are dangerous places, but much less than you could believe when reading the tourist guides. Most of the dangers are related to situations or behaviours. There is a simple way to avoid the risks, and that is "to follow the flow". Ask to a local, especially if he/she is also used to travel, about the best way to behave.

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That said, let's talk about the specific comment. The Italian headquartes of the Salvation Army are located in the San Lorenzo nighborhhod. the Salvation Army is a very well known humanitarian organization that, among other things, provides assistance, and a meal and a bed, to homeless people. 

It's therefore not so strange to see homeless people, although that's is no more a correct definition because at the Salvation Army they have a home. 

But it has to be added that the Salvation Army has a strong moral characerization, and a strong discipline. People who are being assisteng must maintain proper behaviour and should not commit any harmful action for others. 

 
And what about drunk people? 
San Lorenzo neighborhood is a night life area, one of the most lively in Rome, largely frequented by university students. Have you ever seen a night life area without drunk people? I have not.  Some years ago I was attending a business meeting in a city of northern Europe that is well known for night life, in a country that is well known for its beer. On the evening, finding a sober person in the central square was actually a very hard task. And what about Oktoberfest? Will anyone be sober in Munich during it?  
By the way, even if not very evident, police control is ratherr efficient.

*** TIP ***

If you enjoy night life, reserve your room at San Lorenzo Guest House.

If you prefer quiet areas, reserve your room at Villa Borghese Guest House or at the St. John Villa.

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It's a matter of fact that San Lorenzo has the highest concentration in Rome of restaurants, cafes, bars etc., having over 200 places where to eat or to drink in an area of 0.5 square kilometers. In other words you will never risk to stay hungry or thirsty.  What I personally like a lot is the fact that, with a couple of exceptions, you will not find places that are a copy of a British pub or of an American bar or restaurant. They have their own style, no matter if nice or not.
Last, but not least, San Lorenzo is also a place for great music. Twice per year, on March and on Septeber, the great jazzman Barry Harris helds a seminar and concerts at the Felt Music Club.
Enjoy a taste of his genius.

And, to finish, just a couple of additionl pictures of San Lorenzo on the evening and night hours. 

Vincenzo