Jane29531

My husband & I want to go to Rome and then to Florence. We have never been to Italy. I would like to do an apartment rental rather than a hotel . Is this a good idea for 1st time - also what are the reputable companies to use?

Belinda

It depends a lot on what you're looking for, as well as the apartment managers. If you want your room made up every day, room service, and/or concierge help, you'll want a hotel. With an apartment, you will have more space, possibly a fully equipped kitchen, should you want to prepare a meal or two, a refrigerator to keep snacks and food in, maybe even a washer and dryer.

Things I like about apartments - somewhere to sit and hang out other than the bed; not having to worry about housekeeping intruding when I am jet lagged and sleeping odd hours, living in a neighborhood and feeling a little bit like a local, shopping at the local grocer, cheese shop, break shop, butcher...

But it it's your first trip and you might want the help of your hotel staff, you might prefer a hotel.

There is no right or wrong choice. It's a matter of what works for you and what you're looking for from your experience.

In Italy, I have used sleepinitaly.com

Jane29531

I would like to live like the locals - I don't mind cooking a few meals. I have read about people not getting what they thought they were getting in an apartment. I just don't want to get there and be stuck with a terrible place. What area would be a good location to stay. Would like an area good to walk - shops, markets, of course the major tourist attractions

Belinda

One thing that's helpful for me when I'm choosing where to stay is google maps street view. Take a look at what's available in the areas you are interested in (what do you want to be close to?) and then "travel" around the neighborhood. You'll get a feel for what works for you and what doesn't.

Also, be aware that many apartments in Rome and Florence can be several stories up with no elevator. The "first" floor is really what Americans call the second floor. I had one apartment in Rome on the 5th floor with no elevator. Going up and down those stairs several times a day got old fast! (although the little old Italian nonnas in the building who flew right past me didn't seem to mind!)

Some posters may be able to recommend specific apartments.

Jane29531

Thanks for the help. This really requires planning. My husband would rather take a cruise and/or tour and I know that since is the 1st time we should see all the "tourist" places I don't want to be on a bus or in museums for the entire trip. I like the idea of being able to go and do what we want to .

adrienne

Florence is compact and if you stay in the center (near the Duomo) you will be able to walk to most sights. Rome is more spread out and there isn't one place that you can easily walk to all sights without spending a lot of time and energy. Piazza Navona or Campo dei Fiori are two good locations. Campo dei Fiori has a morning market where you can buy provisions.

If you get an upscale apartment you will probably have a kitchen you can cook in. Most of the budget apartments I've rented have had very basic cooking areas - two burner stove top, no oven, things like that. You'll need to buy all the essential cooking ingredients (oil, vinegar, spices, condiments) before you start cooking as most apartments have only bare ingredients left by previous tenants. Is this really how you want to spend your vacation? It sounds like a good idea and is a good idea if you're in one location for a while but for a few days it's usually not worth the bother.

I cook at home and would rather have restaurant meals while on vacation, especially in Italy.

I've also used sleepinitaly.com

Jane29531

You have a point - I cook at home too and spending time shopping and cooking doesn't leave much time for sightseeing. Any suggestions for nice hotels.

adrienne

You can still stay in an apartment as they do have advantages such as keeping drinks or snacks, eating breakfast in your pajamas, having a late night cup of tea (which I miss when staying in hotels). You can get prepared/take out meals if you don't feel like eating out or need to eat early to get to an evening concert.

If you're in each city for 5 days then an apartment is worth the effort. If less than 4 or 5 days than I feel a hotel is best.

If you do a search on this forum you'll find lots of recommendations for hotels in Rome and Florence. For recommendations you'd need to state your daily budget.