bijusamuel1970

I'm in the process of finalizing a 5-night stay in Rome from 15-May. We are a family of 5 from Mumbai, India. Our family consists of myself, wife and three children aged 12,11 and 1.

Due to the family size, I'm concentrating on vacation rentals. First preference was if the location is easy for walking tour of the main attractions. My preferred budget is around euro 500 for 5 nights while stretched budget is euro 650. But if i'm stretching to 650, i need additional value for that stretch in terms of convenience and easy accessibility by foot if possible.

I'm not much sensitive about spaciousness,etc of the apartment. In fact, more sensitive about the price point and the accessibility to city center.

I can see some locations which is 15-20 minute walking distance to main attractions while others which are 15-20 minute metro distance or 30 minute bus distance. For example, in the latter case, there is a nice apartment which is right next door to Colli Albani metro (A-line) stop but priced at euro 650 plus electricity. Wondering whether i should look for a city central location at that price even if the apartment is not that great as this one...

Sorry for this extended text...if i am at a location which is completely metro-dependent, is it easy for my family (given the fact that we have an infant)? Is it that buses are not an easy option at all being more crowded?

Last but not the least; yet another reason for looking at vacation rentals is with the plan of cooking all our meals with the aim of cutting down on extra food bill from outside eating.

I also got an option to stay at a convent near Vatican which works out to around euro 350 for 5 nights for all of us. But its without food and we need to stay in two separate rooms. Probably, the increased food cost due to complete outside eating and the nervousness of the two children staying in a separate room, takes away the attraction of euro 350!

PeaceOut

Try the Domus Julia. It is the apartment annex to the Hotel Julia. You could have two adjoining rooms which open to a kitchen/dining area. A nice breakfast spread is provided at the Hotel Julia, right next door. We liked it a lot. Very reasonably priced and located on a small street just below the Spanish Steps.

bardo1

Here's a nice 2BR for €102 EUR a night ($130USD) - smack in the middle of the historic center. Great reviews.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationR...ome_Lazio.html

socaltraveler

It would be a shame to spend 5 days in Rome and do ALL your own cooking; hope your budget can stretch to a few meals (lunch being most affordable), or a pizza supper, out at one of Rome's marvelous restaurants.

jent103

Have you looked at sleepinitaly.com? I used them a couple of years ago to get a two-bedroom apartment very close to Piazza Navona (ours was the Piazza del Fico apartment). We walked everywhere, including the Vatican and the Colosseum. They're great to work with. Our cost was €120/night at that time.

kismetchimera

I have rented from sleepintaly few times and are very reliable.Take a look at this apartment ..the location is great..

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/rome/nav...t-corso-yellow

bijusamuel1970

Thanks for the help. May seems to be the peak rate. rates like euro 120 is hard to find at these suggested places also.

socaltraveler could be right about his reading of spending time on cooking. Our plan is to do some quicker ones. We are carrying "ready to cook" Indian accompaniments (masala, etc). Buy non-veg and put this ready mix and in 20 minutes, it will be ready. 20 minutes for rice-cooking and our meal is done! can be managed that way.

In terms of location, is it that Vatican is not a suitable location in terms of accessibility to other Rome attractions?

Also, how is the crowd in the metro or bus. With a 1-year old baby, a 100% metro or bus dependent accommodation is advisable or better avoid?

JeyMorgan

Hey biju. I am from Chennai and i know all about the travel considerations that we have . I will consult with some of my friends there and let you know about the places to stay.

bijusamuel1970

thanks Jey for volunteering to help me out. kindred spirits!

Axlrm

Near Vatican city there is "Mallia" residence at a reasonable price.

It is located in a quiet area near bus stops and a train station.

The apartments have a kitchen so you will be able to cook all your meals.

Give it a try!

bijusamuel1970

Its quite overwhelming to see how people are so desirous of assisting an unknown person through these forums. giving bandwidth without looking for anything in return...

finally, i have booked one apartment which is very close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Got it for 5 nights for Euro 515 (all inclusive!); not even the paypal charge for the initial payment.

its convenient for walking tours to many attractions. Will share my experience after the stay.

bardo1

Thanks for checking back in. Have a great time!