Hotel vs. Apartment for Single Woman
 

I'm leaving my family (Dh and three little kids) for a one week adventure in Rome in May.

The decision was made suddenly and now I'm scrambling to find a place to stay. I thought I found a hotel (Hotel Parlamento 940E for the week, 119E per day), but after a bit of looking around, I discovered I could rent a studio apartment for a few 100E less, in the areas I prefer (Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Narvona...)

I am already nervous about doing this trip on my own, and for some reason, the idea of staying in an apartment, instead of hotel, ratchets up my anxiety.

I have stayed in an apartment in Rome before, so I'm not sure what my problem is :)

Do you think a hotel is safer or makes more sense than an apartment -- since I'm traveling alone?

Thanks!

Look at the realrome.com site and make arrangements with Tim, the owner of the rental service. I know many women who travel to Rome solo and have used his apartments, including myself.

Read one of Barb's trip reports from Rome, she has rented from him a few times.

I like apartments the best when I am alone, it seems homier but others probably like front desk service, etc. If I have a book and a cell phone (which I do) I dont need a hotel.

Try to relax and lose a of that nervous feeling. I'm a solo traveler (female) and agree that an apartment is a good way to go.
But I also live alone here at home, so I'm pretty independant, and considering you're used to having people around all the time, that might affect your decision, and you might also want to consider a B and B or small hotel to give you a balance of alone time and access to others.

Hi M,

>Do you think a hotel is safer or makes more sense than an apartment -- since I'm traveling alone?<

Sounds as if you are bothered about being alone in a strange city, in which you don't speak the language, and having something untoward happen.

A not unreasonable concern.

It might not be worth saving a few hundred Euro to feel anxious staying alone at night.

((I))

Ira makes a good point. Since you are accustomed to being around people 24/7 (your family), you may enjoy knowing your hotel reception "friends" are there 24/7. Plus you have the added benefit of hotel staff for advice about activities and events in the city. Have a great time!

Thanks again SeaUrchin -- I looked at realrome.com, and they don't have what I want available.

Ira -- You are right about my worries. I asked DH's opinion, since he seems to know me best, and he thinks I'll calm down once I'm there :)

I've been over at slowtrav.com looking into apartment reviews, agency reviews...I do like the idea of staying in an apartment, especially if it is cheaper and more space.

I don't think I need a front desk. Perhaps to call a taxi on my early departure.

About the alone thing -- I want to mix in a few day tours for my stay and I think that'll help during the day. Night time, I'm not sure what I'll do.

I think I'm starting to babble. :)

I think you're safe either place - but if it were me I'd prefer to stay in a hotel. Less lonely!

If you are even thinking about it, I'd stay in a hotel. I think I'm a fairly adventurous person but if I were traveling alone I'd want the convenience and security of a hotel. Like the others said, less lonely, also a concierge to help with arrangements, reservations, etc and housekeeping to make your bed and clean your room every day (a major perk for me)! Also, the apartments aren't always exactly as advertised. That can be an adventure but if I were alone, I'd rather not deal with no hot water (like the apartment rented in rome) or other mishaps.

I'm actually REALLY jealous of this trip...

mebe,

I vote for the hotel. I travel alone a lot although I too have a husband and children. I'm really independent and value my alone time, but in a big city it's nice to have the front desk staff to "come home to" at night and to help with reservations and such. Also, if the hotel has a small lobby or bar area you can sit there with tea or wine and your book and not feel stuck in your room when your feet are tired and you aren't up for sitting alone in a restaurant. Or if you just want to find someone safe to share you great day with.

Yes, I think a hotel is safer...but that depends on where the apt or hotel is located of course.

Have a wonderful trip and I think your husband is right. You'll be really fine whatever you decide once you get there.

Based on the review someone recently gave of the Hotel Parlamento single room, I would not want to stay there for that price. It sounds too, too small (and I'm very tolerant of small rooms). It's not actually the lack of space that bothered me in that review so much as the uncomfortable-sounding feeling.

Maybe expand your hotel search a bit? I know the Hotel San Carlo has been very highly recommended. Maybe you could get a double.

Personally I would pay less than half as much as the Parlamento, and either stay in a convent or at the Hotel Julia where I stayed before, but I know everyone's preferences vary.

I think the poster SusanP, who has been to Rome several times, has some trip reports with various conveniently located Rome apartments. Maybe take a look at her reports.

For me, it's a combination of budget and convenience, but I've never been sold on the apartment idea for myself. Just as one example, one thing I like about hotels is that I don't have to worry about my arrival time or arranging a rendezvous with the apartment owner or carrying large amounts of cash. I also like staying at hotels with a 24-hour desk.

mebe

It sounds like you are leaning toward an apartment, but for me, I would prefer a hotel if I were alone. Just me.

I just wanted to mention that I visited my friend's single room at the Hotel San Carlo, and it was very adequate, and quite clean.

Something you could do at night is set up a gtg or two here on the forum.

Is a B & B an option? If you choose an apartment over a hotel, make sure you know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency. If it were me, I would vote for a hotel.

I frequently travel alone and I enjoy the companionship of meeting my fellow travellers during breakfast, dinner, in the lobby bar, etc. It can be very lonely if you do not have anyone to talk to that speaks your language and is interested in befriending you.

If you are used to having your family around you at home, it may sound like a nice idea to travel on your own, but once you are there, you may change your mind and wish you had some company.

I never stay in apartments when I travel solo (though that's fine when I'm with a friend or partner). It's way too isolating imo (not necessarily unsafe just lonely).

I MUCH prefer a hotel, with a front desk where I can ask questions, a lobby I can sit in...

For myself, 119euro would be too much, but I'd keep on it and try to find a centrally located hotel for a somewhat lesser price.

I can't put it into words but an apartment, solo, for a one week trip, sounds like WAY more trouble than it's worth. I worry about the keys, meeting the owner, having to do your own laundry, no one to ask for help, etc. (and I am not a particularly nervous traveler, I've been around a bit).

For one person I would definitely go with a hotel. there's no real benefit in an apartment - and you may want to use the hotel services for recos for tours, restaurants etc.

I would go with the hotel. It will be easier and give you a chance to interact with others.

Thanks everyone for sharing your opinions.

I've been thinking a lot and I think that a hotel is the better choice.

I had a very romantic vision of living my "other" life as a single woman living in a foreign city in my own apartment (I think of this a lot when they my sweet twerps start crying, hitting, biting, whining-LOL!)

BUT -- I didn't consider emergency situations or the extra hassle if something goes wrong (like no hot water) or having someone make me coffee in the morning. And I never thought of taking advantage of a hotels public spaces.

I also read the review of the Hotel Parlamento and how TINY the rooms were. But it was the cheapest quote I'd been given, so far.

Residenza Canali said 165E (150E if cash). And the other hotels I liked were booked.

But I did check out San Carlo (Thanks tuscanlifeedit!) And for 125E, that might be a good option.

So I'm off on to hunt down a hotel... (after I give my daughter a bath)

I, of course, would gladly hear any other hotel recommendations. This task is daunting. :)

Hotel Due Torri offered me a room for 130E a night. Seems like a lot, but the reviews here, tripadvisor all seem positive -- and I do like the location...

The search continues...:)

The advantage of an apartment is that it is roomier. I have seen single rooms and some of them, even in nice hotels, are like closets.

At the Due Torri, we booked two rooms, one a double and one a single with a shared bathroom between the rooms. The single (and I don't know for sure if they offer it as a single or part of a double) was like a closet. I could not have slept in it even for one night.

The single at the Res. Canali was a bit roomier.

The apartments I have seen, even studios, are big enough to walk around in and have little kitchenettes.

I second the recommendation for Hotel Julia. Don't get the smaller of the single rooms though. I did because it was for just one night and it was way too small. It was long and narrow - the width was as wide as the door plus the width of the bed. The front desk staff were very helpful, they can arrange airport shuttles for you for a lot less than you can get on your own. The breakfast was good. I am still trying to get my solo European vacation planned, I envy that you are able to do it.

mebe:
I stayed at Alergo Santa Chiara a few years ago and the location was perfect -- right around the corner from the Pantheon, with lots of restaurants, shops and a short walk to Piazza Navona. The current rate is euro 130 for a single. The breakfast buffet was very generous and the public area very nice to sit and relax in. My single room had a king size bed and the bathroom worked out fine. It was a little drab, decor-wise, but the other factors made up for that. Check out their web site for photos and more information.
travelchat

I stayed at B&B a roma in Nov for a week. 45 year old female, on a solo journey. The room was immaculate and the host, Mossimo, was gracious and helpful. The room was 50 euro/night. Close to the Vatican.

mebe:
Oops, that's Albergo Santa Chiara. It's a former monastery and I believe the top two floors remain so. The lobby is very pretty and the staff were most accommodating.
travelchat

Hi mebe

I (a single woman) stayed at the Hotel Teatro Pace 33 for a week in April of 2007. The hotel is only one block from Piazza Narvona and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The room rate seems to be in your budget. My single room was small but not closet-like. The bathroom was quite large. My room had two large windows that overlooked a garden. I felt very safe at this hotel and in the area.

I think a hotel would be better. You will probably meet people in a hotel to say hello to, possibly have a chat with, or a drink in the hotel bar. Even having a reception area with people around will be a plus.

As WillTravel mentioned, I have stayed in an apartment in Rome by myself three times and loved it, and will do so again next month. I find that people out and about and at dinner are much more likely to talk to you (really get into converstaions with you) if you're alone, so I haven't been lonely. I've even done it without having a cell phone! I did finally get one, so I'll have it this time.

However, I think for you a hotel is the smart choice for one main reason, and that is that you are worried about staying in an apartment. No sense having anxiety when you should be relaxing and enjoying your trip. That is reason enough to stay in a hotel. Have a great trip!

I just traveled by myself last year to Paris, and I rented an apartment. I wholeheartedly recommend it. As long as you choose a central region in Rome, you should be fine. You'll meet lots of people in restaurants and cafes.

In fact, it was really a bit overwhelming how friendly people are.

Okay, I think I've found it -- thanks to roadlesstraveled!

I like Teatropace 33 -- great location, great price (115E a night). And they offer a virtual tour of a single room, which is very handy.

So we'll see...I still like the apartment idea, but the idea of someone bringing me breakfast to my room (which they do at Teatropace) sounds SO MUCH NICER than making my own, which I do everyday. This is a vacation, right? :)

They don't have public spaces but I'm not sure if I would use those anyway. Especially with Piazza Navona at my doorstep.

travelchat -- where did you find the 130E quote for Albergo Santa Chiara?

Their website says 145E...if it was 130E I would put it at the top of the list :)

I'm a single woman and stayed in an apartment in York, England and London. Loved every minute of it. However, I like my space and solitude, and am used to an empty home. I loved how I could get up in the middle of the night and get something to eat and drink from the fridge. And I love the feeling of being able to going to my "home" after a day of sightseeing.

However if you would have asked me when a)the tiny combo washer/dryer door wouldn't unlock to get my close out. b)I was trying to figure out how to work the convection oven that only had Celcius readings, c)the guy upstairs would flush their toilet at 3 am and I could hear it in my bedroom, I'd have a different answer.

Bottom line:anytime you rent an apartment there's an element of risk. If you look at it as part of the overseas experience, I'd look into renting.

If you wake up with panic attacks and hate surprises, especially when renting in a non-English speaking country, I'd go with the hotel.

I just think it's great that Hubby is will to let you go off to Rome while he's stuck w/the kids:)

My hubby is amazing. It was his idea that I go somewhere for a week and endulge my passion to travel.((L))

He is my favorite travel partner, so I will miss him. But I will also enjoy a week in Rome :)

I think that where I stay is the one part of my vacation that I don't want to much risk. I need a place to come "home" to where I will feel comfortable. I'll have plenty of adventures in the streets of Rome.

But the last time I stayed in Rome (with family) we rented an apartment and loved it. And that experience is keeping the apartment idea alive.

I am not single but have traveled solo in the past, staying in an apartment, in hotels and B&Bs. I preferred the B&Bs but I doubt if they are the best choice in Rome.

I like the Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori area best.

Have fun wherever you stay. Please give us a report when you return home.

Happy travels!

As much as I loved my stay at the Hotel Teatropace 33, I must say the breakfast was not great. Tea or coffee, a pre-packaged roll, yougurt, crackers. No juice or cereal.

I'll keep that in mind about the breakfast -- others at tripadvisor comments were more postive, but you never know!

mebe, have a wonderful trip!

I have traveled alone a few times over the last few years - leaving behind little ones. I don't know if you've done it or not, but be mentally prepared for a mild panic attack as you get on the airplane. You will have moments of panic, "who is feeding her ? how are they doing ?" just the perils of being a SAHM...

I stayed in a hotel and while I didn't use the public space often, I liked walking in the front door and seeing a familar face (my hotel was about 10 rooms, so very small). I've stayed in apartments all over, but I appreciate the extra space with family. Not so much needed when it is just you.

Best parenting advice I've ever gotten? Trust your instincts. That holds true in this case. Can you visualize yourself in an apartment or will it be more lonely than peaceful ? Trust your gut!

have a marvelous time! we'll look for that trip report :)

Thanks Surfmom -- I am also a SAHM and my biggest adventure alone these days is to Target or the Gym - LOL! So this will be a big change.

This is my first solo trip since having a family. Thankfully, my DH is a very hands-on Dad --he gets up with the twins at night, not me :)

I just booked for Teatro Pace 33. I'm sure it won't be perfect, but the price is good and the location is fabulous.

And I promise to write a trip report.

Thanks again everyone :)

I travel alone a lot, and usually stay in apartments.

I much prefer it, and find it less lonely and strange, particularly at mealtimes.

Having to go sit at a table for one 3 times a day would depress me. Or being quizzed about my single travel status -- people say the weirdest, stupidest things. I'd rather just eat out when I feel like it, choose food and take it home when I don't. I also eat better that way, and you needn't learn a ton of menu Italian.

I find it hard to really relax in hotel rooms -- usually even if there's a separate sitting area it's not very comfortable, and you can't keep food very well, and housekeeping is always coming in. Nope. For me, it's an apartment.

And if you had an emergency, I'm sure a neighbor would help you out, just like anywhere in the world. And safer? There's something to be said for they anonymity of an apartment versus the "I'm a distracted foreigner with electronics!" neon sign of a hotel.

As soon as you have your first gelato, you'll calm right down, no matter what you pick. Follow your gut.

Just to add: Tim Pearson from Realrome was available by his cell phone to help out and so was the apartment owner. You are not isolated in an apartment, there are resident families all around and they want a safe environment too. Every apartment I have stayed in has double dead locks so you are as safe as the other residents. So, really, only the residents are coming and going in the building.

The one a friend rented from Realrome, in Trastevere, had a locked gate to the building and then the locks on the doors and the owner was on the same floor.

mebe~ Have a fabulous trip. I think that hotel looks very nice, like something I'd choose for myself.

mebe - Your hotel looks like a great choice. Have a really fun time. You DESERVE it! All SAHMs should have an alone vacation. I waited too long for mine, and am doing the empty nest thing instead. Enjoy!