Ricgstevens

Hi everyone!

The four of us are making a trip to Rome this September and staying for four nights. We have decided (as least thus far) to rent an apartment to stay in. We think this will a great way to really soak in the local culture and feel like we're living in Rome.

We'd like to stay somewhere quite central where we can walk to most places - the Vatican etc. Not sure if is cheaper to stay out of the city or not. My thinking has been to be in a central location to save travel time each day.

Or for that matter somewhere reasonably close to public transport (buses/trains).

While not critical, we prefer to stay well clear of the night club district or anywhere with even a hint of sleeze (we will have 11 & 14 yo's with us)

I have been doing some research on www.sleepinitaly.com and there are so many places to choose from. Our budget is somewhere between E$120 to E$180 per night for the four of us. Frankly I am feeling rather overwealmed by the choice but fear making a mistake based on a poor choice of location. Been burned before by selecting a hotel based on what the room look like inside rather than the locality of our accomodation. I don't want to be making such a mistake on this trip!

What do you guys think?

Perhaps I'll start with some really basic questions... like:

1) which part of the city offers convenience to walk to major historic sites - Vatican, Colleseum etc

2) where to sample good local food - you know, where the locals might eat. This means markets, bakeries, cafes, gelato bars etc etc etc. We are budding foodies and the opportunity to savour local fare won't be missed (I just don't want to get caught up in the tourist hype and paying too much for fast food equivalents)

3) is Rome a place to shop or would we be better off saving our Euro's for Milan (our destination after Rome)

4) any recommendations on which apartments you might have stayed in.

Thanks in advance. (Five months to go I haven't booked our flights from LHR to Rome or accomodation and I am feeling a tad nervous...)

Cheers!

Richard
Melbourne, Australia

evecolorado

If you decide to stay in Trastevere, here is a link to apartments: http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...zio/rome#10935

When I get a minute, I'll add the link to where we stayed.

bardo1

SleeipInItaly is an excellent agency. An ideal location is somewhere BETWEEN the Vatican and Collosium (NOT those actual locations.

Here are just three (so as not to overwhelm you) good choices for the four of you that meet all your criteria (book ASAP, of course):

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_montevecchio.html (no lift - but if you are all fit, then it's an excellent choise)

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_manara-attic.html (Trastevere - with lift)

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_coppelle.html

Also, you need to book your London to Rome flight. Why wait? Here's a good booking engine for budget European flights:

http://wegolo.com

sunnyflorida

Staying 4 days in Italy in June and have an apt with windows overlooking piazza Campo di Fiori. We are two adults and one teen.

cmstraf

WE have used Vacanza Bella several times for apartments in Italy as have several of our friends. The owner-organizer is honest, knowledgable and straightforward. The address is www.vbella.com.

SusanP

The Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo de' Fiori is very central, lots of good bus connections, the Campo de' Fiori market, dozens of good restaurants. Can't be beat!

You don't want to stay near the Vatican, as that's the only thing you would be close to.

swisshiker

Hello Richard

Aren't the folks here just the greatest!! Such nice suggestions they've given.

The Montevecchio apartment looks dreamy! Remember that the fourth floor is five floors up but with your kids, they can do all the luggage schlepping!

Do you want the kids to have twin beds to sleep in or a shared sofabed? Many people say they fit four, but two of them have to be in the sofa. Not always convenient or comfortable.

I love the suggestion of sleepinitaly, having had very good experiences with them. But there are lots of other agencies. You might check out slowtrav.com, go to their reviews section. Lots and lots of reviews, good and bad, which help in the decision-making process.

Happy travels!

Ricgstevens

Bardo1 - thanks for your suggestions. I have made preliminary enquiries on each apartment.

Sunnyflorida - best of luck with your holiday in June. Do send some updates when you're there!

SusanP - the Limoncello lady!! I will be thinking of you when I'm in Rome sipping on a limoncello. Thanks for your suggestions on where to stay. I am pretty much settled on Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori, I think. Google Maps is such a godsend!

I'll need to get some advice on how to get to these two areas from Termini station. I assume walking from the station will be out of the question? Too far?? We'll be limiting ourselves to individual backpacks rather than full sized suitcases. I know my DW will strangle me if the walk's too long, carrying bags!

Swisshiker - yes, the folks here are such a great help. As we will be first time Rome visitors, I have many more questions yet to ask!

I will let you know how I go with my accomodation requests.

Thanks

Richard

mariebut

Good luck with your planning , you'll find excellent info from the Fodorites. We are travelling to Rome in Oct with our 2 teenage daughters and have booked http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/ap...ulia-gold.html which is close to Campo di Fiori and a great price and apartment I thought.

mariebut

Sorry try www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_giulia-gold.html

Ricgstevens

Mariebut,

@bigpond? You must be an Aussie too?

Thanks for your suggestion at Campo Dei Fiori - I have sent them an email. You're quite right - the prices seem fair and the apartment looks spacious and well appointed.

cheers!

Richard
Melb, Australia

mariebut

Thats right, a south aussie to be precise but dont hold that against me!! This will be our first European trip so was very nervous about the prospect of booking accomodation myself (although have usually booked all our Aust trips myself)but this site has proven invaluable and given me confidence in attempting the things we hope to do. Hope you find the same help too.I have used www.tripadvisor.com and www.slowtrav.com also to recheck some accomodation suggestions etc from here.Have fun

bardo1

Richard,

A taxi from Termini to the Campo dei Fiori area will be about 6 Euros. A wise choice - you're on vacation after all. I would NOT, NOT, NOT attempt that walk with luggage.

swisshiker

Our cab from Termini to the Pantheon area was 9 Euros, including tip.

Our return to the Termini at the end of our trip was on a Saturday morning. During our last stroll around the area that morning before we left, we noticed the buses were running practically empty.

So when we left, we bought some bus tickets (cheap but I can't recall the amount) at a local newspaper stand, and with our luggage we boarded the bus (I think it was #64??) straight to the Termini. Took about 10 minutes. Only us and one other couple the whole time on the bus!

There are cab stands all over the city. So if you decide to return to the Termini by cab, just make a mental note during your stay where the nearest cab stand is. That way you won't be frantically searching on the day of your departure.

Happy travels!

SusanP

I think you should definitely take a taxi from Termini, but it may be more than suggested if you get stuck in traffic, just so you know. Definitely too far to walk, though, with luggage. I wouldn't walk it without luggage!

Enjoy that Limoncello!