We will be in Rome for 3 nights with 2 teenagers, (our son and his friend). I am trying to decide if we should stay in an apartment even though it's such a short time, or should we bite the bullet and reserve two separate hotel rooms. How stocked are short term apartment rentals? I do sometimes use concierge services and might need some help with taxis, tours, etc. so choosing a hotel would have benefits!

Thanks for any feedback. I'm interested in staying in the Pantheon section.

Depends on when you are going, but there are plenty of agencies offering one & two bed apartments in that area for 3 nights plus. We stayed in an apartment for a week with our two kids aged 18 & 15, and I would say that it would be worth it, even if it cost the same as two hotel rooms! A good agency can help you with all those things that a concierge can offer. Try the Slowtravel web-site or google " apartments in Rome". Good luck.

In my personal opinion it's worth it, even for a shorter stay. I've done the same number of nights in other Italian cities and really felt the extra space, privacy, ability to eat some meals in, etc. really paid off. Not to mention the fact that it would probably be cheaper than two hotel rooms.

I do not like being in separate rooms. I would go with an apartment.

We stayed in an apartment for three nights on our last visit to Rome and it was more than worth it. The apartment was an excellent price given its location near Piazza Navona. We didn't utilize the kitchen in the apartment, but it was still more than worth it. We were in a fabulous neighborhood away from a lot of tourists.

With two teenagers, I don't think I would want separate rooms either. Go with the apartment.

Tracy

It also depends on whether the teenagers are 13 or 19.

An apartment sleeping 4 will cost you way less than two hotels rooms.

Apartments are generally well stocked; here on fodors we can advise you on tours, sightseeing, etc, but we can't book you taxis - although some knowledgeable posters here will be able to tell you exactly where the taxi ranks are in relation to your apartment.

www.sleepinitaly.com are very well respected here and on other boards so have a look at their website and email Guilia with your dates and requirements and she will tell you what she has available.

Have a great trip.

The apt. generally is a good way to go, however ...

If you're the type who uses hotel tourist services, you're probably going to (a) do more research and planning if you stay in an apt. or (b) find an apt. that has a manager onsite who can help you.

Also, by "well stocked" do you mean food? My experience is that most apts. require you buy almost everything except maybe salt, pepper, etc.

Thank you for all your thoughts and suggestions. I do agree an apartment would be more appropriate for us. I guess I just needed the expertise of fodorites to help me realize it! So, time to research apartments!! Thanks again!

Missypie,
I read in one of your older posts you stayed at Corte Grimani in Venice with a canal view. How was the view? We are planning on staying there since reading all the positive reviews on tripadvisor.

However, I have dreamed of a little balcony overlooking a Venice canal all my life! Do you think I'll be disappointed? Should I try to request a specific room? I booked a superior room and was told I would have a canal view. Thanks!!!

Of course j_999_9 is right.

By 'well stocked' I meant with things like crockery/cutlery/saucepans/an iron, etc. I didn't mean food, although in my experience I have usually found a bottle of wine left for me!

I tend to expect things like salt and pepper to be there, along with some cleaning stuff and washing-up liquid for example. I usually pack one roll or small box of toilet tissue also a bar of soap - just in case, and expecially if arriving at night! I was caught short once with 4 small children and wouldn't like it to happen again even if I am alone!!

I'd still go for the apartment though over a hotel any day.

j_999_9,
Thanks for the response! We must have been posting at the same time.

Usually we stay in condos when on ski trips, and our experience has been condiments, coffee filters, paper towels, wine openers, etc. come with the rental. In Italy, are the kitchens almost bare with just a couple of plates and pots in the cabinets?

Yes, Julia T, you and I expect the same!!!
Although, wouldn't it be great to have a few meals waiting upon arrival!!!! Yahoo!!!

Hi Jayneann - gald you've decided to go the apartment route. I sould n't worry too much about equipment - in our limited experience there was far too much, though I wasn't sure what to do with it all. In 3 days/nights, you aren't going to want to do much cooking; meals out are quite cheap ; most diiners cost us less than E100 for 2-3 courses each plus drinks. You can save money buying your breakfast from a bakery and eating it indoors, using the facilities to make sandwiches, buy large bottles of coke etc [if your family like them] and having a nice cup of tea and cake when you get home in the afternoon. [yes, I'm a Brit]. but you won't be doing a lot of actual cooking, I hope.
IMO, it is worh paying extra to get a terrace, or even a balcony - sitting outside on our terrace looking at the roof-tops of Rome was a highlight of our holiday. Though if you are going in January, this advice may not be worth following!

I would also suggest an apt. and in particular www.realrome.com. I have stayed in these apts. the last 3 trips and one coming up in Oct. I would also suggest the Piazza Navona, Campo d' Fiori areas.

I never cease to be amazed at the different perspectives people have on prices. Anhig remarks about the dinners in Rome being "quite cheap" at 100 euros for 2 people, making that close to $130 in US $. So for a family of four, at those rates, you'd be spending close to $250 per meal (assuming the kids don't drink!) But then I see where she's (he's?) from Britain, so has a much more favorable exchange rate.
However, I still can't imagine anyone spending 100 euros for dinner and thinking it cheap.

We just got back from Rome 3 weeks ago and stayed with our family in this apartment for 5 nights. http://www.rentalinrome.com/sanpantaleo/sanpantaleo.htm
We were a party of 6 (2 parents and our 18 and 15 year old sons with 2 friends). The apartment was FABULOUS...a great location between Piazza Navona and Campo Di Fiori, cafe and gelateria across the street, bakery next door. Its great to have the living room to get together at the end of the day and the kitchen had everything that we had in our kitchen at home, except a microwave. We needed to get hand soap and some toilet paper midway. We all wish we were there now. Our new home in Rome!

And with teen boys, its great to take some extra food from restaurants to have for their late night munchies...with Campo so close, we got all sorts of fruit and cheese too.

Our first time in Rome, we stayed in a hotel and we all agreed that the apartment was the better way to go.

Actually it was E100 for 4 people - perhaps my post didn't make that clear! and the other two are teenagers, so certainly eat if not drink more than us. Though you may find Italy expensive, we could easily pay twice that for an equivalent meal here in the UK.

annhig,
Thanks for the support and the information! E100 for 4 people does appear to be the going rate for a nice meal in Italy! However, I didn't know the UK was much more expensive!!!! Wow! And I love the tip about looking for an apartment with a terrace or balcony!!

Barb,
Thanks for posting the website! It looks great! Have a great time in October and post your experiences when you return!!

Hagan,
It does seem like Europe is MUCH more expensive than the US. Guess that's why we've never been before!

Auntieapple,
What a great place you stayed at!! Was there a terrace or balcony? I'm seriously considering this place! Thanks everyone!!!!!