Husband and wife

Guest: Pamela (Adelaide, South Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/23/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

The property was very accommodating and clean, there were adequate provisions in the apartment for our use upon arrival. The only down side was the flow of water from the shower was quite limiting until it was fixed the day before we left. The distance from Rome is navigable by train, the station being a short walk from the apartment. There is a small store opposite the unit where you can purchase every day needs also they have fresh meals cooked each day to take away which is very useful. The owner of the unit was extremely helpful, she met us at the train as the floods had washed out part of the train track and the local station was out of action. She drove some distance to pick us up and for the next 2 days drove us to and from the station until the local station was back in action. She also drove us to the airport on our departure. A mobile phone was provided to us for any time we needed to contact her for any assistance. Her hospitality and attention was over and above anything we had experienced during our six weeks in Italy. For anybody searching for a quiet self contained unit out of the hustle and bustle of Rome and within a short distance to the beach and the ancient ruins of the ancient port of Ostia Antica we thoroughly recommend this property.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car.

Excellent Place to Stay

Guest: Andrea (Fremont, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

We had a wonderful time staying at this apartment. Mary Anne was unbelievable very kind and a good host. Close to metro very easy to get around from this area. I would highly recommend staying here. It was our first time to Rome and we were on a budget so we were glad we stayed here easy access to everything. Markets, post office and beach within walking distance. Thank you so much Mary Anne for all your help we cherished our time in Rome and will never forget the kindness you showed us. Smiles

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, girls getaway.

Guest: Sabine from Berlin Germany (-)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

April 17th to 24th 100% well appointed apartement von sabine, Berlin Bewertung vom 26.04.11 - Reisezeitraum April 2011 perfectly equipped apartement with beautiful terrace; direct connection to public transportation to Rome; very very friendly landlady, great hospitaliy, good recommendations for restaurants in Ostia Äusserer Gesamteindruck: 100% Ausstattung: 100% Lage100% Sauberkeit: 100% Service: 100% Preis/Leistung: 100%

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I agree!!

Guest: Todd (Utah)
Date of Stay: 04/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

Heather and Todd Christiansen UTAH U.S.A. April 5th April 11th 2011 We can’t say enough good about Mary Anne and our experience in Ostia. It was our 20th anniversary and Mary Anne helped to make it special for us. The apartment was clean and convenient with the kitchenette, and it had a beautiful veranda, where we sat and enjoyed most of our mornings and evenings, relaxing and looking out over the city with a favorite beverage, or some great local food we purchased from the local grocer’s a half block away. When we arrived (she picked us up at the airport), she had little snacks in a basket, (a bottle of wine in the fridge—though we don’t drink, it just goes to show Mary Anne wants people to enjoy their experience) lot’s of information (maps, Italian dictionary, walking tours, subway maps and direction) for getting to the metro, nice restaurants, and favorite gelato places. She even provided us a cell phone to use in case we got lost. We have a tendency to be home bodies and it was great to have Mary Anne there to encourage us and show us what we should do in Rome (only 30 minutes away on the Metro). We were able to navigate ourselves easily enough after the first day and we realized though Rome was huge, we were able to see and do so much in such a short time. Ostia was also nice because it had beautiful running parks (my husband and I love to run) and we walked down to the beach front almost every night we were there. The local people are friendly and are patient and helpful if you don’t speak Italian. She made it possible for us to take a two day trip into Florence and stay in the little town of Sarteano. There we visited the natural hot spring baths—just like a massage in the waterfalls. We did shopping there and got some great prices on beautiful leather items! Mary Anne has become a very good friend and our experience there was something we will cherish forever.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+.

Perfect!

Guest: Rose & Ron (Salida, CO USA)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

We agree with what the other reviewers had to say and will add a few comments of our own. We spend six nights at Ostia Bella Vista. Having Mary Anne pick us up at the airport at a cost less than a taxi was a wonderful feature. Not having to deal with taxi drivers after 15 hours of travel was wonderful. Mary Anne was very helpful. We brought our own laptop but had "issues" with converters and adaptors. Mary Anne sorted it all out in no time at all. The accommodation was clean, well kept and comfortable. Being 30 minutes outside of Rome worked for us as an escape from the pandemonium of Rome. Be sure to consider a visit to Ostia Antica which is two train stops away from Ostia Centro. It is awesome!! We will be back!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Loved it!

Guest: Cindy & Ken (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/17/10

My wife & I spent a week at this apartment and we really enjoyed ourselves. It was an easy train ride in to Rome for sightseeing and it was a "great escape" at the end of the day to get away from the hustle & bustle of the big city. Mary Anne's hospitality was tremendous. She helped us with planning our daily itinerary; she pointed out the good places to shop & dine; she helped us drop off our car rental and she even drove us to the airport when we left. We really appreciated all of her help & hospitality. We couldn't have asked for anything more.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Loved our visit

Guest: Claudia (Kenmore, WA USA)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/30/10

We spent a week in this wonderful Ostia apartment. It was comfortable, had wonderful rooftop views, a very handy washer, and a kitchen stocked with coffee, staples, and everything we needed for perfect stay. There were all kinds of shops and cafes nearby, and the 2-block walk to the metro station made it easy to get into Rome every day. The apartment is only a few blocks away from the seashore as well, and beautiful walks on the "lungomare" (boardwalk). Mary Anne made everything easy, even dropping us off at the airport at 6 am! We felt like real guests, almost Romans, not tourists. One tip -- if you'll be staying for more than a few days, invest in a weekly "CIS" pass for the bus/metro. It's only 16 Euro, and it enables you to ride everything (except regional trains) for a full week, as much as you want. Also, there's a outdoor market in the mornings just a few blocks from the apartment. The food is AMAZING!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.

Trip of a life time (October 2009)

Guest: kytel (Coquitlam)
Date of Stay: 10/04/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/10

This location could have not been better. It had everything we needed, from the cafe's to the shopping for groceries to just relaxing. Mary Anne made our stay amazing. For a small fee she even picked us up at the airport. Great service. The apartment was in great condition and the perfect location. Far enough away from the main city and quiet enough to relax after a long day of site seeing. This area is what I would say more authentic Italy. People very friendly and it was great to brush up on the little Italian we new. Having the train only a few blocks away, made the 30 minute commutte very relaxing and perfect to see the sites as you go by. We felt very safe and loved our experience. Would recommend this apartment to all of our friends who plan to travel to Rome. Thank you Mary Anne and your beautiful daughters for an amazing trip. Paula & Carlos Vicente Coquitlam, B.C. Canada

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Lonnie Webb (Newark, Delaware)
Date of Stay: 06/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

we had a grand time and the accommodations were wonderful, within walking distance to all the important places like grocery stores, restaurants and train/bus station. A very relaxing vacation. Our host was wonderful, thoughtful, helpful and very kind and friendly. Thank you Mary Anne for a great vacation.

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Guest: John & Terri (Arlington,TX)
Date of Stay: 06/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

Ostia Bella Vista was the perfect place for our family to escape the chaos of Rome. Ostia Lido has all the amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) that one needs without wall-to-wall people. Try the pizzeria below the apartment. It is great! The apartment is well maintained and the terrace is beautiful! Mary Anne is a very gracious hostess and she speaks perfect English. We went to Italy to research my Calabrian heritage. We left Italy with wonderful memories and new friends.

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