Apartment in Rome
Jan 12th, 2007, 06:27 PM
#1
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Apartment in Rome
Since it's my first visit to Rome, is it a good idea to rent an apartment for just 4 days? What are the pros and cons of staying at an apartment vs bed/breakfast place?
I'm looking at Trastevere area ... any recommendations? In my research, I've read so much and it's a bit overwhelming. Thanks for any advice.
I'm looking at Trastevere area ... any recommendations? In my research, I've read so much and it's a bit overwhelming. Thanks for any advice.
Jan 12th, 2007, 06:55 PM
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The pros are that you will generally have more space than a hotel room and can often pay less than a hotel. The main con is not having a concierge or hotel clerk to answer questions or give directions or make reservations. This might be an issue for a first trip if you haven't done much research and don't feel comfortable without that help.
I've always stayed near Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori, so can't help with Trastavere, but do a search here for Trastavere apartments and you should get lots of information.
I've always stayed near Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori, so can't help with Trastavere, but do a search here for Trastavere apartments and you should get lots of information.
Jan 12th, 2007, 07:01 PM
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phatfree,
What do you like and dislike when you travel? Are you confident? Do you like to have your coffee in your pjs before even venturing out for a cornetto? Will you hate not having your linens changed every day? Do you want the services of a concierge?
I love apartments in Rome; the hotels in that city are quite expensive and I've had good luck with apartments. Also, in case you can't tell, I like to hang out in my pjs and drink cup after cup of coffee before I even think about looking at another human being. But this is me. Who are you and what do you want?
What do you like and dislike when you travel? Are you confident? Do you like to have your coffee in your pjs before even venturing out for a cornetto? Will you hate not having your linens changed every day? Do you want the services of a concierge?
I love apartments in Rome; the hotels in that city are quite expensive and I've had good luck with apartments. Also, in case you can't tell, I like to hang out in my pjs and drink cup after cup of coffee before I even think about looking at another human being. But this is me. Who are you and what do you want?
Jan 12th, 2007, 10:07 PM
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People often talk about the benefit of daily housekeeping in a hotel but I find that when I stay in an apartment, I don't need or want housekeeping. My apartments never become the disaster areas that my small hotel rooms become with my stuff strewn everywhere.
Like leely, I like good strong coffee as soon as I stumble out of bed, preferably made with a French press.
If you're on a budget, you can still get a charming or cute apartment with hardwood floors and wood beam ceilings. I've stayed in 100 E/night hotels and found them really unpleasant.
But you need to do more research beforehand when you stay in an apt -- plan an itinerary, have a good map and a reliable guidebook, have all the info you need on possible tours you might take, plus the hours, addresses, phone numbers of places not in your guidebook etc. A little language practice also helps.
Leely - which apartments did you choose in Rome?
Like leely, I like good strong coffee as soon as I stumble out of bed, preferably made with a French press.
If you're on a budget, you can still get a charming or cute apartment with hardwood floors and wood beam ceilings. I've stayed in 100 E/night hotels and found them really unpleasant.
But you need to do more research beforehand when you stay in an apt -- plan an itinerary, have a good map and a reliable guidebook, have all the info you need on possible tours you might take, plus the hours, addresses, phone numbers of places not in your guidebook etc. A little language practice also helps.
Leely - which apartments did you choose in Rome?
Jan 12th, 2007, 11:25 PM
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Phat,
I'm with Susan. I prefer the Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona areas because I love being able to walk out the door and be instantly be right in the middle of everything everyone wants to see and experience. Why stay where you have to trek to it all each day when you have such a short amount of time?
As the others point out, you'll have more space at less cost. Roman hotels are notoriously cramped AND expensive.
We like having a kitchen not just for morning coffee but for whipping up a hearty breakfast or snack from the tasty delights you'll find in the markets.
Many apartments offer daily linen change or cleaning, which we always decline. Many have washers, making packing light much easier--no slaving over a sink! And yes, you do need to be more independenent (we like that, too) and do some planning ahead of time.
We found Janet Howell of Italy Specialists to be extremely helpful and responsive. She can answer just about any question you might have. Through her we found a lovely 2 bed, 2 bath apartment with two huge terraces near the Campo that is just unbelieveably wonderful--for less than two rooms at a decent 3-star hotel.
Lastly, staying in private property allows you to experience the locale at a deeper, more intimate level than a hotel or even a B&B does. And that's priceless.
I'm with Susan. I prefer the Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona areas because I love being able to walk out the door and be instantly be right in the middle of everything everyone wants to see and experience. Why stay where you have to trek to it all each day when you have such a short amount of time?
As the others point out, you'll have more space at less cost. Roman hotels are notoriously cramped AND expensive.
We like having a kitchen not just for morning coffee but for whipping up a hearty breakfast or snack from the tasty delights you'll find in the markets.
Many apartments offer daily linen change or cleaning, which we always decline. Many have washers, making packing light much easier--no slaving over a sink! And yes, you do need to be more independenent (we like that, too) and do some planning ahead of time.
We found Janet Howell of Italy Specialists to be extremely helpful and responsive. She can answer just about any question you might have. Through her we found a lovely 2 bed, 2 bath apartment with two huge terraces near the Campo that is just unbelieveably wonderful--for less than two rooms at a decent 3-star hotel.
Lastly, staying in private property allows you to experience the locale at a deeper, more intimate level than a hotel or even a B&B does. And that's priceless.
Jan 13th, 2007, 07:38 AM
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Thanks for all your replies and advice; I truly appreciate your help.
A little background: This is my first trip to Italy. I had looked at bed/bfast places but after reading your comments, it has only reinforced my decision to change to renting to an apartment; seems more suited to my personal needs (don't care for the daily maid service etc). I think getting up and making bfast for daughter and me, and with a good map and guidebook in hand, we're good to go!
"If you're on a budget, you can still get a charming or cute apartment with hardwood floors and wood beam ceilings"
Any recommendations for the above for the Trastevere, Campo di Fiori, Navona areas. I have looked up sleep in Italy, Slow Trav etc etc etc. Any personal favourites for the budget-conscious person? Thanks again.
A little background: This is my first trip to Italy. I had looked at bed/bfast places but after reading your comments, it has only reinforced my decision to change to renting to an apartment; seems more suited to my personal needs (don't care for the daily maid service etc). I think getting up and making bfast for daughter and me, and with a good map and guidebook in hand, we're good to go!
"If you're on a budget, you can still get a charming or cute apartment with hardwood floors and wood beam ceilings"
Any recommendations for the above for the Trastevere, Campo di Fiori, Navona areas. I have looked up sleep in Italy, Slow Trav etc etc etc. Any personal favourites for the budget-conscious person? Thanks again.
Jan 13th, 2007, 10:36 AM
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Oh, if you're traveling with your daughter I totally think an apartment is easier. You can have such great food and drink on hand with the kitchenette -- people don't get all hungry and cranky. It saves a lot of money to not have to eat out 2-3 times a day, everyday, and the outdoor markets and shops have high quality, fresh, and relatively inexpensive food.
I'm also looking for specific rec's for Rome --I'm hoping Leely will return...
I'm also looking for specific rec's for Rome --I'm hoping Leely will return...
Jan 13th, 2007, 03:30 PM
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My sister and I stayed at a cute little studio (we are close so no big deal for us) on via dei Cappellari. Agency was realrome.com. They were very easy to deal with. Sticky front door building key was the only "problem."
A couple of friends and I rented from Mauro at Underground Viaggi on via del Pellegrino. Mauro will pick you up from the airport and give you local recs, etc., if this is a concern. See slowtrav for the website. Via del Pellegrino is a tiny shade more charming than Cappellari, although the apartments are about 3 minutes apart and the area is extremely safe.
When I was younger, some friends rented a place in Trastevere from cross-pollinate.com. I can't locate it on the website any longer, but they are a reputable budget agency affiliated with the beehive.com. I didn't do any of the planning that time, but we loved staying in Trastevere and I would do so again without hesitation.
All of my recs are "budget," and thus fairly basic, but it should be easy for you to find something a little more luxurious if you care to spend more.
Enjoy Rome--it is truly amazingl.
A couple of friends and I rented from Mauro at Underground Viaggi on via del Pellegrino. Mauro will pick you up from the airport and give you local recs, etc., if this is a concern. See slowtrav for the website. Via del Pellegrino is a tiny shade more charming than Cappellari, although the apartments are about 3 minutes apart and the area is extremely safe.
When I was younger, some friends rented a place in Trastevere from cross-pollinate.com. I can't locate it on the website any longer, but they are a reputable budget agency affiliated with the beehive.com. I didn't do any of the planning that time, but we loved staying in Trastevere and I would do so again without hesitation.
All of my recs are "budget," and thus fairly basic, but it should be easy for you to find something a little more luxurious if you care to spend more.
Enjoy Rome--it is truly amazingl.
Jan 13th, 2007, 04:01 PM
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fishee, I was thinking of staying in an apartment in Monti the next time I go to Rome. Walking through that area the last couple of trips, I thought it had a good vibe, fun and a bit younger feeling than Navona/Campo dei Fiori.
phatfree, you would probably want to be more centrally located than Monti for a first trip, especially with a child, but I wouldn't rule out Trastevere as long as you stick close to area right around Santa Maria in Trastevere/vicolo Bologna, via Garibaldi, etc.
phatfree, you would probably want to be more centrally located than Monti for a first trip, especially with a child, but I wouldn't rule out Trastevere as long as you stick close to area right around Santa Maria in Trastevere/vicolo Bologna, via Garibaldi, etc.
Jan 13th, 2007, 04:23 PM
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My first experience renting an apartment instead of a hotel was an eye-opener. Four friends rented a 3 bedroom in Rome. It was so great to be able to gather in the living room instead of splitting up into separate hotel rooms, not seeing each other until the next morning. Plus, sometimes, when you're just hanging out, that hotel room can get awfully small. It's nice to have a choice of bedroom or living room.
