Apartment Rental in Rome (Navona)
 

Hello.
After receiving initial info from this forum, we've settled on a set schedule which will include 5 nights in Rome. I've been researching hotels/apartments and I like the idea of renting an apartment on VBRO (I used this site before with great results). I found several apartments in the $90-140E per night range (all great reviews), which is perfect as we are a young couple looking for a clean, basic place in an ideal location (a kitchen is a plus too). The apartments are located in the Navona area, which seems like an excellent central area for walking to many major sites. Is there anything that I should be aware of regarding Navona? Certain streets/areas to avoid? Recommend a different area of Rome? Any advice for selecting an apartment? The research has been enjoyable but I thought I would ask in case there's anything I've missed or anyone has experience renting in that area.
Thanks much.

The area around Piazza Navona is quite nice, very central, and ultra-safe. There are no nearby areas or streets to avoid. I would also consider apartments near the Campo dei Fiori (Via Giulia is particularly pleasant) and apartments near the Pantheon.

Just be aware that rental agencies sometimes use "real estate" speak when describing where an apartment is located. Specifically, they might misleadingly describe an apartment as being in the "Navona area" or "Pantheon area" - when in fact it is nowhere even close. Not all VRBO apartments show exactly where on a map they are. I don't even consider VRBO apartments that don't include a "map link" on the VRBO listing.

Every apartment is so different. It is hard to give guidance without knowing specifically which apartments are on your short list. Can you share the links for some of the ones you are considering so we can give more meaningful feedback?

Hi Barbo1.
Here's the list I have so far. I agree with you about verifying the location and being very thorough in the research. I only consider apartments with many reviews and proper information. This list is somewhat long so I understand if people only want to glance at a couple.

http://www.vrbo.com/124068 $140/nt + $30 + cleaning
http://www.vrbo.com/149837 $130/nt, washer
http://www.vrbo.com/122538 $125/nt, can pickup from airport
http://www.vrbo.com/22504 $75/nt, no A/C after Aug?
http://www.vrbo.com/201744 $90/nt, exact location (no map)?
http://www.vrbo.com/202772 $140/nt, maybe less
http://www.vrbo.com/257021 $100-150/nt, W/D, $50 cleaning
http://www.vrbo.com/304501 $95-125/nt, $50 Sun arrival fee?
http://lacasadiclelia.webs.com/ $115 total (incl cleaning)

Thank you.

Sorry Bardo1...no edit function and I misspelled your name.

What month? Makes a big difference.

Many rental agencies have low season and high season. Price difference is sometimes 50%.

VRBO owners often/mostly have same price all year.

VRBO may be better deal in high season -- agency listings may be better choice in low season.

This is for Sept. I did consider the month when pricing the apartments.

257021 looked intriguing.
One suggestion for Rome apts: Always look for the windows.
If they do not show you the view from the windows or the scale of the windows, beware.
Many Rome apts have windowless rooms or rooms with tiny, tiny windows oddly placed -- or looking onto an airshaft.
I remember a writeup for a nice sounding apt well located and very well priced. Then I read the fine print:
"Pls note this apt is entirely below ground. However, the reinforced-glass panels set into the sidewalk above make it very bright."

I"ve looked at your whole list, very nice list, good prices and nice apartments in a good area.

My choice would be http://www.vrbo.com/304501 $95-125/nt, It's a nice price, I like the way it's decorated, I like the bedroom upstairs but NOT in a loft area. I have rented a loft bedroom once, never again, didn't like the set up one bit.
It seems well equipped with books , the owner is nearby if you need any help.

My second choice http://www.vrbo.com/124068 $140/nt
I like the layout, the "oldness" of the building and windows, I like that the owner has a shop across the street. My only hesitation about this one is that it has one small chair in the corner to lounge around on, so if you are planning to hang around the apartment, you would either use this chair or the dining room chairs, not the most comfortable...but still a handsome apartment.

I like that they all have air-conditioning.

I like 304501 and 202772.

Ted's right, lots of Rome apartments are dark, particularly if they are on teeny, tiny streets--unless they're top floor, but then you generally have lots of stairs. I like stairs and don't mind dark apartments, so none of this bothers me. Just FYI in case you have strong feelings about that kind of stuff.

I don't like staying on the ground floor, but that's just me.

Have a great trip! Rome is a delight.

304501 seems to be mostly underground; the bedroom of 202722 seems to be a loft.

124068 has one window in front that opens directly onto the street at ground floor level. Are there curtains on that window? I would not like to have an open window where people outside can look in. And it does not have anyplace to sit for more than one person. I don't see anything about internet access.

I liked 257021 although it says nothing about internet access, either. I am not sure if it has more than one window.