Rome: Hotel or Apartment?
 

We'll be in Rome for 4 or 5 nights in May as part of our honeymoon.

I've heard that for stays of more than a night or two, it makes more economic sense to rent an apartment than a hotel. (Our aim is to keep our hotel stays under $200/night.)

I know this is a VERY general question, and depends on specifics, but overall, is there any truth to this statement?

Thanks for any info!

Well, I can't speak for "economic sense" because you can get apartments or hotels in all price ranges. Ironically I've seen people get apartments that they stayed in that were dumps compared to hotels they would refuse to stay in -- because they figured they were saving money.
I guess the best thing for you to do is to find an apartment you like and a hotel you like and compare.

One problem will be that most apartments require a one week minimum -- otherwise since they rent by the night they are likely to be just as expensive as hotels, and often more so that "comparable" quality hotels.

The main advantage to me of an apartment is more room. It's nice to be able to spread out between a couple of rooms -- although on your honeymoon, that SHOUDN'T be a problem!
Others like the idea of having a kitchen and "saving money" on doing some of your own cooking -- something I don't do on my vacation! Although it is nice to have a refrigerator for your own drinks, cheese, or snacks and nice to have your own ice or be able to make iced tea, etc. And of course if the apartment has a washer and/or dryer that's another nice bonus.

If you were staying a week in Rome, I'd definitely look for an apartment.
You might check out Palazzo Olivia -- a really nice place that does allow less than a week. Great location, and I think about your budget (not sure when less than a week).
www.palazzo-olivia.it

I've done both,and it isn't a simple question. Have you been to Rome before? If you haven't, you may appreciate having someone to answer questions for you. I know the first time I came to Rome I appreciated the services of a hotel.I've rented apartments,and it's true,they really run the gamut.It's a great feeling to have your own place,but it's not for everyone and may or may not be a better value than a hotel.

hunnym --

We have the same budget you do and are also staying for 4 nights. We chose an apt. Started off wanting a hotel but everything we liked was E 230 and up. There are scores of apts available for 4 nights for much less, much more room, many look really nice. We don't mind doing without hotel services & like the privacy. But I know apt rentals aren't for everyone and you do need to put down a deposit. Have a wonderful honeymoon, whatever you decide.

Apt's make economic sense when you are 4 people or more (i.e. - 1 apt. as opposed to 2 or 3 hotel rooms). In your case go with a hotel room. Especially as you not staying a full week.

For me, part of the pleasure of staying in a hotel is clean sheets and towels each day and turn down service at night. I, too, have done both, and would rather stay at a less expensive full service hotel than have to give up those little luxuries.

You will always remember your honeymoon. A well-chosen hotel with good guest reviews on-line should be a winner. An apartment would be hit or miss... Also your first time in Rome it's really nice to get advice and help from the front desk at your hotel.

I'd tell the hotel you are on your hoenymoon so you'll get a special room.

don't know your budget but the Hotel Nazionale a Montecitorio on Piazza Montecitorio is very well-located in a great walkable neighborhood. We had a a nice view of the pleasant, relatively quiet Piazza Montecitorio and the interesting Italian parliament building. You can walk to the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, spanish steps, restaurants, etc. We even walked to the colosseum and roman forum, though we took the bus back to rest our feet.

Other hotels near the Pantheon are also well-located.

We took the public bus to the Vatican Museums/ and St. peter's. It was cheap and convenient though we got going the wrong way at first and had to get off and get on the right way! (and ask directions in Italian!!!)