For me, it depends on what time the flight leaves. I try for afternoon flights so there's no rush and I stay in town. In Rome is my preference, walking distance from Termini Station and the Leonardo Express train direct to FCO Airport. I'd drop the car off the day before.

On a friend's recommendation, my husband, my daughter, and I are going to be staying at Vegan Inn Airport B&B right near FCO the night before we leave Rome. They have reasonable prices, as well as a shuttle service to the airport.

Last time we were in Rome (2012) we stayed near the Colosseum. There is a fixed taxi rate of 40 euros from any place in central Rome. Unless it has changed. That's what we did and it was perfect - no hassling with the metro and train. The guy running the B&B made the reservation.

If you're looking for a hotel near the Termini train station, I would recommend the Hotel Abderdeen. We've stayed there and would definitely recommend it.

If you are driving in from Tuscany on the day before a morning flight and need to drop off the car at Fiumicino, stay close to the airport. I can't think of a good reason to take a car into Rome--cost and hassle of having a car in Rome overnight are considerable. On the other hand, if you want to drop the car at Termini and spend the evening in Rome, you could then taxi to the airport in the morning.

There is a Hilton at the airport, but I would definitely NOT recommend.

Outrageous prices. Their dinner service was buffet style.

The night I was there, they had Italian and French food, and called it Italy vs. France.

In my opinion, both countries lost, the food was that bad.

>>>There is a fixed taxi rate of 40 euros from any place in central Rome<<

48€ now for four people including luggage.

Where will you be coming from (Tuscany is a big place)? It's easier to drop a car outside of Rome (Chiusi? Orvieto?, FCO?) than to drop one in Rome, but it would depend on where you are coming from?

I was not impressed with the FCO Airport Marriott. It's not really near the airport, you have to schedule the shuttle, it does not run if there are no reservations (thank goodness I was warned to book it), and there was nothing around to see or do.
Next time I'll stay in Rome, arrange for a pick up the next morning and enjoy my last night in Italy!

There are many hotels - other than the "chain" options in Fiumicino. Unfortunately, they get mixed reviews. For some options, you might look at: http://tinyurl.com/hotels-fco

Me, I'd rather stay in town my last night in Rome, because once you're out at FCO, your vacation is over! It's a small town and there are limited options. Going back and forth from there to Rome can get expensive.

Other than the Airport Hilton, every other hotel/B&B near FCO will require a shuttle service to the airport (and if you're leaving from T5, even the Hilton needs a shuttle to get to this terminal - http://tinyurl.com/terminal5-fco)

You do need to verify "the shuttle" will be running when you have to be at the airport. Many accommodations advertise they have a 24-hour shuttle, but at 6 AM - when you might need it - the driver won't be here till 07:00! So there IS a 24-hour shuttle, but only a 12-hour driver! Do verify the shuttle options as a taxi from an FCO hotel will end up costing you 15-25 euro to go just three miles!

I'd drop the car off before Rome - as suggested Chiusi or Orvieto - and then train in. Here is a posting with maps of the drop-off points for car rentals in those towns - page down to the bottom of the article: http://tinyurl.com/car-rome . This way you don't have to worry about having a car in Rome, driving in a ZTL area (and geting fined), or dropping the car BEFORE you flight and rushing to make the gate.

Stay in-town, enjoy your last night walking around Rome (http://tinyurl.com/rome-night) and then get a taxi or driver to take you to the airport... and all the way to T5 if necessary. Good Luck!

I won't argue about whether to stay in the city or the airport, but IF you are going to stay at the airport, I can recommend the Best Western President.

Clean, decent-size rooms, nice bathroom, good breakfast. There's a shuttle to the airport that cost several euros (can't remember exact price) and you can book it the night before. If you're looking for a convenient, decent hotel to stay the night before, this one will work.