choosing a rome apartment - assistance requested
 

Fodorites -
We're going to be making our selection today of where to stay for a week during an upcoming trip to Rome. Alot of the apt recommendations I've read about in this forum are not available while we're there, but these three all seem like they would work well. Any input / comments on the apartments, locations (Spanish Steps v. Piazza Navona), would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Croce (Spanish Steps): http://www.sleepinitaly.com/appartam.php?id_appartam=36

Governo Palace (Piazza Navona): http://www.sleepinitaly.com/appartam...d_appartam=302

Casa Maria (Piazza Navona): http://www.lodjee.com/casa-maria-1-b...rome-apartment

When do you travel to Rome? The Governo one has AC, but is on the third floor (fourth floor American) with no elevator. The first 2 have washing machines, but probably don't have dryers. The third one seems less equipped.

The Spanish Steps one is more central than I thought from the name. So the locations of all three are very good.

Thanks Mimar. October, so AC probably won't be a must (and we don't mind heat). Before we committed on the Croce apt I thought I would put the three choices out there in case there were any strong opinions.

We stayed in an apartment on Via Governo Vecchio. It was a superb location, convenient to great restaurants (from pizza to fine dining), a grocery at the corner, steps to Piazza Navona, and within walking distance of many of the sites. We love to walk and found this location to be perfect for daytime touring and leisurely apres-dinner walks in the evening. The Piazza is active well into the night, which is wonderful if you enjoy being out and about 'til the late hours or it could possibly be disruptive to sleep depending on how close you apartment is to the nightlife.

How far is the apartment from the Piazza? Have you a street address?

I frankly prefer staying in the Piazza Navona area. You are in the heart of the historical center. The area around the Piazza Navona is very charming with loads of interesting shops and restaurants. It's also just a short walk to Campo di Fiori, Pantheon, Piazza Farnese, Castel Sant Angelo, etc. The Casa Maria apt appears to be on via della Pace, which is a small, quieter street. The Governo is also on a charming street, via Governo Vecchio, but not as quiet.

I would want to see a photo of the kitchen area on the lodjee apt. I have a feeling it is also not as comfortable, and I don't know that agency.

I think the Croce is much nicer looking. It's not all that far from things, IMHO. And for me, elevators are important. And washing machines.

Croce is a terrific location. I've made a number of trips to Rome and I always stay in that neighborhood. And there are two grocery stores within walking distance, as well as a bakery for bread/breakfast pastries.

Buon viaggio,
BC

The Governo Palace appears to be on Via del Governo Vecchio two blocks west of the Piazza Navona.

I'm now beginning to think the charm of the Piazza Navona neighborhood might be a more fun area to come back to each evening than the slightly glitzier area around the Spanish Steps. As for the access to public transit near the Spanish Steps, I thought that was a necessity in Rome but from what I've read some people are able to see most everying thing in Rome by walking (which is the way we typically travel).

I responded before seeing your comments, bookchick and charnees. I agree re the lodjee apartment...looks intriguing but not in comparison with the other two. Sounds like it's a bit of a tossup between the Croce and the Governo Palace. Thanks again for your feedback.

Aboynamedsue, that's what I liked about the Croce area. You can walk for miles in Rome, IMO, it's one of the most walkable cities I've ever visited. But if you get tired, etc., the Metro and a couple of cab stands and a couple of bus lines are very close by in the Croce neighborhood. Just my 2 Euros.

BC

We are going through this same process for a place in May. Thanks to all that have given input.

Aaaaaarrrrgghh, I posted a comment, at least I thought I posted a comment several hours ago about staying at Piazza Navona. I imagine I am late - posting after your decision has been made - but after extolling the virtues of staying on Via Governo Vecchio I opined in my earlier (disappearing comment) that either this location or the Spanish Steps would be very suitable.

We are frugal travelers and would not stay in an upscale neighborhood. We don't frequent upscale shops. But I do understand the appeal of upscale shops and restaurants. We found our apartment off of the Piazza Navona to be comfortable, quirky, and of reasonable price for a family of five. The central location was terrific. The only reservation I had was the ancient gas stove that needed some study before I was able to cook a meal.

I don't think you can go wrong with either location.

(Where did my earlier comment go . . . . ) I clearly need to pay closer attention when posting.