2010

The website for La Rosa di Venezia shows a lovely, well-located apartment but I do have a few questions about the living space, kitchen facilities & comfort/size for two adults. Has anyone stayed here?

www.rosadivenezia.com

annhig

well, i haven't stayed there but I have stayed in a few apartments in Italy, and so far as one can tell from the photos it's pretty spacious. one thing to look out for is whether you can use more than one appliance at a time - some places the electrics are decidedly dodgy. but none of the references mention that as a problem so it's probably ok.

what I can't tell you is how noisy it really is especially in the mornings, which is mentioned in one of the peons of praise - our own Franco may be able to help you with that if you go onto his Venice accommodations thread.

the last point is the price - it's not cheap for a one-bedroomed apartment, [we're paying less than that for a 2 bedrooms in Rome for a week] so it ought to be good.

ellenem

Slow Travel has some reviews of this property.

gracie04

There used to be a guy that posted on here, for the life of me I can't remember his name, but he was an Italy expert. Especially an expert on Venice, and this was always his go to apartment.

If anyone can help me think of his name, I'd love to go back and read some of his posts, which were very in depth and had lots of information. Franco maybe???

Johanna

gracie04

Found it!! Yes, his name is Franco. This should help give you an idea of the apartment.

Johanna

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...comodation.cfm

2010

Hi, annhig:

Thanks for looking at the website! An experienced eye can view photos and read descriptions & reviews in a more discerning way! This may be our first apartment stay in Italy, so I appreciate your feedback.

We'll be looking for an apartment in Rome as well, primarily to find a more reasonably priced, well-situated place to stay. But, it will be our first time in Rome. We are wondering if we would be better off staying at a B&B or a hotel where there is someone who can answer questions, make dinner reservations or just be there for us? Your thoughts?

2010

ellenem: Thanks! I found one review (October 2006) on Slow Travel. It gave a good description of the apartment, its amenities & the surrounding area! Very useful, indeed!

2010

Johanna & annhig: You both mentioned Franco! It is interesting that Franco started the thread in April 2006 with favourable comments about La Rosa di Venezia! I have some interesting reading to do! Thanks for the reference!

travelfan1

We stayed at La Rosa and loved it. The bedroom (and living room) has lovely views from all windows but no door from the living room if that's important. The living room has a sofa, a chair and a dining table...it's not very large but certainly more room then a hotel. At the time we were there the small TV was on the floor - we weren't there to watch TV so not important. The bathroom and kitchen are narrow but we didn't have any problems. Bathroom had a tub which I loved. From what I remember the kitchen was well stocked, but we only cooked one meal. Location was superb and we loved the balcony with the gondolas going by.

We are not 'hard to please', are returning to Venice in the spring and if we weren't going with another couple I would certainly stay there again. Here's a link where you can see the outside and views.
http://www.pbase.com/caes/venice_2&page=2

If I can be of any further help, let me know.

bobthenavigator

We stayed there this past Sep for a week. We had mixed reviews. The location and view are wonderful, but we did find it to be small--especially the bathroom. Also, the agent that was to meet us sent a sub who did not speak a word of English. I would want more space next time.

bobthenavigator

Heer are some images of views from the balcony---the best feature of this apartment.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4440

knwolf

My husband and I stayed there in Sept of 2008. It was fantastic! The location could not be beat. The price was half of that of the Columbia Hotel across the street. My favorite thing about the place was that there was a balcony. It is very small, but large enough for 2 people to sit on the balcony with a bottle of wine and watch the gondaliers go by. The bathroom seemed comparable to the other bathrooms I encountered in Italy. The kitchen was nice. My husband and I decided to buy an Italian cook book while there and cook a meal with fresh ingredients we purchased from the Rialto Market. It was a memorable experience, even though the meal tasted like dog food. I found the lady that brought us to our hotel, quiet but nice. She is only the "key-giver" not a B&B host, so I wasn't expecting much. My only complaint was that the room was VERY noisy starting around 4am. I am a light sleeper and had ear plugs in and still was awakened every morning. If you go, definitely bring some earplugs. Overall, I loved the place and thought it was quite a find. If I ever am lucky enough to go back, I would definitely stay here. You can't beat it for the price!

As far as a place in Rome, I stayed at a B&B near the colloseum called Nicolas Inn. I thought the owners were very friendly, yet not overbearing. The rooms were a good size and clean. They give you "breakfast passes" for a quaint cafe about 5 shops down the way.

Have a great time in Italy!!

knwolf

PS- Hi Bob The Navigator! You planned my trip and we had a great time! Thanks for suggesting La Rosa di Venezia. I am sorry you did not enjoy it as much as I did. Best wishes!

Kristen Wolf

gracie04

Well, duh. I guess this will teach me to read through responses more thoroughly! I see now where Ann had mentioned Franco in her response. I need new glasses. ;-)

mvor

We stayed here in June of '08 and really enjoyed it and often had to force ourselves off the balcony (great people watching/listening). Knwolf gives good advice about earplugs: when we visited there there was construction across the canal and lots of morning deliveries. Kitchen is fine for preparing pasta, simple breakfasts, etc.

For Rome check out Palazzo Olivia a small palazzo with seven apartments. There's maid service and a terrific manager, Carla, on site during the day if you need help with restos, tours, etc.

http://www.palazzo-olivia.it/

2010

Thanks for all your replies & photos! I can visualize us sitting on the small balcony watching the world go by!

Just a few more questions: Is there a telephone in the apartment? Is there a shop/market nearby to pick up basic provisions (coffee, milk, juice ...)?

2010

mvor: I will check out Palazzo Olivia in Rome. It's good to know that there is someone on site during the day! Thanks for the link!

annhig

2010,

can't help about the phone [most europeans would expect you to have at least one cell-phone or in italy "telefonino"] but as for businesses, if you put the address into google maps, and then enter the type of business you are interested in, like "supermarket" you will get them marked on the map.

simples.

we are about to stay here in Rome :

www.lacasadiclelia.webs.com.

it's got 2 beds, but they have a smaller studio apartment as well. the owner has been very helpful so far, and I'm sure would help with any queries you have; she is french but writes excelent english so i assume she speaks it well too.

look out for my trip report in afew weeks time.

mvor

@Rosa: there's a small supermarket, wine shop (bring your own bottle w/refill directly adjacent to market), internet spot, and tiny produce market nearby. If I recall correctly there's a map in the room (or on the site) listing some of these spots. We carry our own phones so can't vouch for telephone in apt. There is dedicated laundry in the basement which was helpful for us on our 2 1/2 week trip.

If needed, I can dig out my notes. However, I found the owner to be very responsive to questions so I think you could ask him directly for specific addresses etc. in advance so you feel more comfortable about your selection. Best of luck.

2010

annhig:

Do most N American travelers carry cell phones in Europe? Gosh, we used to buy telephone cards from the local tabac during our travels in France & using pay phones to call home! Guess we had better catch up with the technology!

Thanks for the reminder about using Google maps to locate nearby supermarkets!

Have a wonderful stay in La Casa di Cledia & enjoy your up-coming trip! Looking forward to your trip report!