Please help in deciding between these three options in Rome. We are 2 Adults and 2 year old. We are looking at using rentalinrome and i see mixed reviews with fodorites. If one used these apartments for their trip, please provide the feedback. Price range is almost same around 215E to 240E for 3 nights (Nov 3rd week)

Things we are looking at:

We will be landing in Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport.

1. Airport to Apartment/Studio by public transportation. (Option 2 is right on station)
2. How safe is the area
3. Any area is particularly better than the other?

Option 1: Laterno Apartment
http://www.rentalinrome.com/colosseu...1120&numPers=2

Option 2: Suburru Apartment
http://www.rentalinrome.com/colosseu...1120&numPers=2

Option 3: Goethe Apartment
http://www.rentalinrome.com/stazione...1120&numPers=2

Thanks.

The Laterno apartment is a bit further out, more isolated than I would want to be although I believe the little electric bus 117 runs the route from Laterno to the Spanish Steps (also passing close to your other apartment choices).

The Suburra is 3rd floor, no lift which would mean 4th floor US. That's a bit much with a child. The Goethe and Suburra are both close to the Cavour subway entrance (not the exit as it's across the street and has a flight of stairs to exit).

Via Urbana is fairly quiet as it's cobblestone and not much traffic. From Via Urbana, you can take Via Leonina (also cobblestone with several restaurants) to Via Serpenti (short couple of minutes walk). Take a left and you are at Piazza Madonna dei Monti which is very lively at night with people hanging at the fountain and several restaurants on the piazza along with a fruit store. There is a grocery on Via del Boschetto and a few on Cavour between Serpenti and the Forum (a 5 minute walk).

Here's the electric bus map (zoom to 66% to see the streets better). The 117 runs very often (even at night) and the entire route takes about 30 minutes (rode it a few weeks ago from start to finish).
http://www.atac.roma.it/files/doc.asp?r=9

Great advice from kybourbon!

kybourbon, would you mind sharing how the tickets/validation works for the buses? I rode them years ago and vaguely remember buying tickets from little newsstand kiosks but don't know if that is still current protocol.

kybourbon, thanks for weighing in pros and cons. Have a question regarding

"not the exit as it's across the street and has a flight of stairs to exit"

There are separate points for entry and exit in to Metro's? We can't get in and get out using the same entrance?

Thanks.

I would agree that Laterano is a bit out and not walkable with child to most of the major sites. But if you're comfortable with the mass transit, it could be doable.

We've stayed very close to #3, and I love that area. Quiet and very easy walk to Trevi, Spanish Steps and Colosseum from there. That one would be my choice.

However, have you tried SleepInItaly? I also found some good options with them.

Have a great trip!

Sarge56, thanks for the feedback. Can you share about the place you stayed.

Thanks

>>>>There are separate points for entry and exit in to Metro's? We can't get in and get out using the same entrance?<<<<

Yes, for some metro stops. There is no underground connection at Cavour to change sides. You have to go above ground, cross the street and back down. If you were taking the metro to the Cavour stop, you would get off on the other side of Via Cavour. There is a flight of stairs to exit, no elevator/escalator. There is a handicap wheelchair lift attached to the railing going up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, you would turn left and cross Via Cavour. On that side, there will be stairs (equal to about two flights) going down to Via Urbana (it's a level below Via Cavour). If you don't want to use the stairs down because of luggage, walk downhill on Cavour until Via Serpenti (it's not far), turn right on Serpenti and then right on Via Leonina.

To enter the Cavour subway, you enter at the intersection of Via Leonina and Via Urbana. Your Suburra apartment link shows the entrance. It's the beige concrete block looking building on the left. These streets are much lower than Via Cavour and the subway entrance is underneath Via Cavour. There are no stairs to enter or inside as it's all the same level on this side.

This link shows some of the streets in the area including Urbana. I am in no way endorsing this website as the owner is very controversial and long banned from many websites (including Fodor's). He does have some good links/pics for this area which is Monti. In the first pic, which is Piazza Madonna dei Monti, on the far side of the fountain is the Ukranian church and convent Santa Sofia.
http://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman...er-streets.htm

The Roman Home website also has good info for other things in the area if you click on the various Monti links.

Santa Sofia has some pics on their website, but they move around so you just have to keep trying to click the ones that look outdoors.
http://www.casasantanna.it/index.php...mid=60&lang=en

Santa Sofia also lists the different transport options to reach the area with maps.
http://www.casasantanna.it/index.php...mid=50&lang=en

I picked up a card for an apartment in the area at one of the restaurants on Via Serpenti. I'll see if I can find it. It was for a B&B and apartment across Via Serpenti towards the forum.

Murky- sorry. I don't have the exact location. It was four years ago.

And, all the places we've stayed have stairs and no lifts. So, not good when traveling with young children.

I have found apartments on VRBO, SleepInItaly and Slowtrav.com.

I think the Laterano apartment looks awesome. Lots of room, recent renovation, full size shower, tub. And, as ky stated, the 117 does run frequently on that route. There is a very large square in front of St. John Lateran cathedral and I'm willing to bet there are other buses that run that way often, too.

It is about 20 minutes walking from St. John to Colosseum, if I remember correctly.

If you have time, you might look for something more central, though. We don't know your budget, and you are probably limited, at this late date. But if it were me, I'd probably keep searching for another couple days. After that, I'd personally probably want to book something.

Buon viaggio!

Just a note on rentalinrome.com. Our experience with them about 18 months ago was just fine. I was quite nervous when I read a very bad experience here, by a Fodorite who had rented with them and then been switched to a very unacceptable apartment. I wrote to the company, and asked if the owner of the apartment I was renting had ever cancelled or rental or if they had any other problems with that owner. They assured me not, and I just had to accpet that.

In the meantime, I made sure I had coverage for any emergencies, and always have access to a computer where I can find a last minute hotel room. This has never happened or been necessary, but since we rent apartments, I want access to a little back up in case of an emergency cancellation. Even at my own home, we've lost power or water service.