Vacation Rentals by Owner

John & Sharon

Guest: John & Sharon (Davis, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 04/10/12 Review Submitted: 05/04/12

Three separate two-week stays in this apartment should be evidence that we are very pleased with it in every way. We would and have recommended it to friends. This web site both verbally and pictorially accurately describes it. We love living as the locals including using local transportation into the center of Rome. Both John and Marilee have been very helpful in facilitating our stays.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Fantastic Christmas and New Year's Eve in Rome!

Guest: Ruth (Yachats, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/12

Our group of 4 adults spent 9 days in Rome and the apartment could not have been more perfect. We did not want to be in a "touristy" or noisy place and wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the holiday in a home-like atmosphere, rather than hotel. The apartment is beautiful- in fact much nicer than pictured or expected. It is spacious and clean,lovely bathroom and unlimited hot water. The location is in a residential neighborhood with some wonderful restaurants, bakeries, weekend open air market, wine bar, etc. The bus stop for the #84 is literally across the street and the #90 express is 2 blocks away. Both take about 20 minutes to the Piazza Venezia, (Victor Emanuel Monument) where from there you can walk to the Ruins, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, etc. If you arrive or leave from Rome Airport, the train for 8 euros is also literally around the corner so no need for expensive cab or shuttle. Marilee met us on arrival and oriented us beautifully. She even had the apartment decorated for Christmas with a little table top tree. We had lunch on Christmas Day at Nero di Seppia, a few block away, and loved it so much we went back for New Year's Eve. There is a great Wood fired pizza place also we went to twice, and a delicious bakery on the same street as the open air market. We had no trouble taking the city bus everywhere- Vatican, Borghese Gallery, etc. We even took 2 day trips on the train (from Rome Termini Station) to Florence and Pompeii (through Naples), and it was great to return after a long day trip to the comfort of the apartment. The city is decorated everywhere for the holidays, and though cold, we had crisp, clear weather and no crowds! Some Americans might be put off at first by the graffiti on the outside of the buildings in the neighborhood, but, rest assured, that is normal all over Rome, and the apartment's building is gorgeous, with marble tile throughout, and elevator, and the apartment has 2 balconies with a view of the river and park. We watched the fireworks all over Rome for hours on New Years Eve from the balcony. If you like a hotel and want to walk out your door to the city center- don't choose this lovely apartment. But, if you want to live like a local in a beautiful apartment, ride to town each day with the locals and eat in a Roman neighborhood with the locals, this place it for you! We will most definitely return, and hope to stay even longer! Thank you John and Marilee for a wonderful stay.

Owner response:Ruth certainly expressed the many advantages of the apartment and it's local even better than I could. The important item is that all these very positive amenities of the apartment and the neighborhood are just a few minutes and easy access to the center of Rome with all it's treasures and attractions. Yet, one can enjoy the center and its bustle and excitement and then relax and experience the Roman life in a quiet, safe environment.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

"Beyond Expectations"

Guest: Jerry
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/25/12

All details were beyond expectations and Marilee's primer on bus/train service served us well. The 84 bus was perfect. Neighborhood was friendly and prices were reasonable. Have already recommended your apartment to a business associate. Best regards and thank you for making our visit to Italy better

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"We Loved Our Stay In Your Apartment"

Guest: Judy
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/25/12

The apartment was well equipped, roomy and in a convenient location. I enjoyed seeing the neighbors walking their dogs and being away from the touristy areas. We had dinner in the neighborhood several nights and frequented the bakery down the street. After a long day of sightseeing, it was nice to have a quiet place to call "home"!! We also really appreciated your daughter's on-site support and information. I have already shared our experience staying in your apartment with several friends.

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Guest: Rosemary
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/25/11

The apartment in Monte Sacro allowed us to bo back in time 40 years to our early married life. Shopping in the open market, daily interactions with the merchants, just living as we did when we first arrived in Rome would not have been possible were it not for the apartment. We didn't see ourselves as tourists, but rather as coming home after being away a long time. Plus it had a lot more amenities than we had 40 years ago-hot, ample running water-wifi that was reliable-a wonderful daughter-agent who was so helpful and thoughtful-American TV and coffeepot. The kitchen was outfitted perfectly-we cooked in every night-after shopping in the market. The apartment is a jewel. It was the part of our dream trip that made it all real. We had a very hard time packing to leave. Thank you for sharing your home with us and we hope it is available when we return for my cousin's wedding.

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Great Rome Apartment - April 2010

Guest: Maria (San Jose, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/20/10

We had a wonderful time in Rome, and the apartment was great. Very cheery, sunny, clean and comfortable. Located about 20 minutes to Termini station by bus, and from there, anywhere!!!!! Marilee, the owner's daughter, was very helpful, easy to contact, and very accommodating when we had some changes in the schedule. We would recommend the apartment to our friends, and we would also stay there ourselves again when in Rome. It was also assuring to have a contact in California, USA, very close to where we live. And for whoever is anxious about safety, we found Rome very safe at all hours of day and night, and coming back late to the apartment was never a concern. Thank you so much! Joe and Maria San Jose, California - USA

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Marge & Rick Hornbeck
Date of Stay: 05/17/09 Review Submitted: 05/16/09

Our stay was fantastic in your Rome apartment! Your daughter is a delight and was so very helpful in getting us a hotel reservation as we arrived one day early. How fortunate you are to have her be your manager...she is just perfect. The apartment was everything you advertised...and much more. It was a perfect spot to return to each afternoon after a busy day of sightseeing. We visited the local groceries and outdoor markets and the people were kind and friendly...even though our Italian consisted of about 15 words! Thanks again for letting us rent your apartment. Hopefully we'll make it back to Rome another time and see more of the beautiful and interesting city.

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Great apt. very clean, spacious, well supplied

Guest: Marge and Rick (Longwood, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/09 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

Three of us stayed here in May 2009. Marilee (the owner's daughter) met us at the apt. and gave us pertinent info about the area, transportation, and things to do and see. Since we arrived one day earlier, she also made reservations at a nearby hotel. The morning of our check-in to the apt., she let us in early to store all our luggage while she cleaned. She was very gracious! The local bus stops across the street and in about 30 minutes we were in the center of Rome. The apt. itself was great for 3 people, had a large bathroom, well supplied kitchen, and a living/dining area. A local outdoor market was about 1-2 blocks away. I would recommend the apt. for anyone looking for clean and safe accommodations on the outskirts of Rome. Very good value for the money.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: Minelio (Leo) Santos
Date of Stay: 07/10/08 Review Submitted: 07/09/08

Hello John: Sorry for the delay in sending this appreciation letter, and thank you very much for the check refund. We really enjoyed our stay at your apartment...The place is really splendid and well-appointed. I hope we left the apartment as clean and neat, the way it was opened to us by Marilee. She's a very gracious host. We also love the neighborhood...It's very peaceful and quiet especially late at night, and the locals are very friendly. Overall, our Italian vacation was very memorable and we already long to go back. I will definitely call you again next year. Of course, our friends will find out about your apartment-we'll make sure of that.

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Guest: Miriam Osborne
Date of Stay: 06/15/08 Review Submitted: 06/14/08

We enjoyed our stay in your apartment in Monte Sacro very much. I loved the quiet at night, the view over the trees, the very pleasant neighborhood and the convenience of both the street market and the supermarket. Thanks also for the prompt return of our security deposit. The phone use system works well-just being able to dial our daughter in Mt. View was very convenient.

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Super Clean and Quiet Apartment - Lots of room!

Guest: ChrisInRome (Pasadena, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/08 Review Submitted: 05/06/08

We just returned from our first trip to Rome (4 people: myself, my wife, our 3 year old girl and also grandma) and we were so pleased with the whole experience of staying at this apartment. The location to public transportation into the heart of Rome or the Fiumicino airport was also simple and inexpensive. But above all, the owner John and Marilee really made the stay top notch. We were a little concerned about the whole idea of renting an apartment and it was just like being with good friends. If it's your first time to Rome, it's a big change from other super clean cities like Paris as there seems to be easy access to spray paint cans but don't let it concern you. The city, with it's graffiti problem, is great to see and the location of this apartment really turned out to be a nice, safe base away from the charming touristy areas. We wish we had internet access to check email but, there is a place up the street where you can check email. With the great selection of VCR movies, and also paperback novels, there was plenty of entertainment. We did get Cnn International which provided some Usa news but no American "shows". The unit is a corner unit on the 5th floor of a 7 story building that has 2 balconies that look out over a woodsy river to the NorthEast and it was very quiet, open and breezy. Very nice Not to look straight into the side of another apartment building. They have a small elevator and security door at the sidewalk. The 10 foot ceilings throughout the apartment felt luxurious and the large foyer/entry actually worked as an extra room for all of our stuff, jackets, baby stroller and bags. They also included a shopping basket with 2 wheels that really helped with the 2 walking trips we made to the supermarket. They also have a telephone and will bill for usage. This was also a great location if you are traveling with children as there is a small park a basketball court and another area with swings and a slide and a jungle gym but watch where you step because people don't seem too concerned with picking up after their dogs. =) If you are a jogger or have a bike, there is a rubber biking path right across the street that borders the river for a long distance so there are local people out milling about with their dogs and kids walking the path. Small markets, a bank, a bakery, a dry cleaner and restaurants are very close. Again, super clean, comfortable, good access to buses at a great rental price.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Guest: Bill Herrera
Date of Stay: 01/05/08 Review Submitted: 01/04/08

This was our second visit. It was still very helpful to have the phone card, which made it easy to call Marilee before leaving the airport. It was so delightful to find that Marilee had decorated the apartment for Christmas- really enhanced our stay. We also made use of the novels and videos-a real plus. We hope to return and will recommend your apartment to anyone wanting an authentic Roman experience. We really appreciated finding cleaning and basic kitchen supplies and the drying racks. If you have potential renters who want a local reference-we'd be delighted to provide a testimonial. We wish we could afford to be your neighbors in Monte Sacro!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/08

We stayed this apartment in December 2007. Very specious, clean, and welcoming apartment. The owner John is very friendly and easy to work with. His daughter, Marilee, is a wondeful person who was always there for us. I highly recommend working with these great people and this apartment! Thank you very much for your kindness!

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Guest: Gay Haas
Date of Stay: 11/04/07 Review Submitted: 11/03/07

Dear John: I intended to call you upon our return, given the confusion over our arrival and departure dates, just to make sure that we did pay you the rent we owed. At first blush, we thought the apartment might be too far from the center of Rome-not so!! We were amazed and totally pleased with the bus transportation's efficiency-We used it to get all around the city. We can only say very positive things about our stay at your place and your generosity in writing us to use the staples provided in your cupboard. The only thing we never "got" was how to use ;the VCR, no doubt due to our own ineptness. It was also especially helpful and fun to have travel books of all sorts at our fingertips. Thanks again!

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Guest: Bob Bacon
Date of Stay: 09/09/07 Review Submitted: 09/08/07

The apartment was great and it was really nice of Marilee to meet us at the train station and provide us with all the helpful info on the apartment, travel, etc. It was also great to be in a real neighborhood rather than downtown with the hordes of other tourists.

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Guest: Julien Lasecke
Date of Stay: 11/02/06 Review Submitted: 11/01/06

The apartment took our breath away when we first entered! It was more than we'd hoped. We didn't do any cooking there, only because we spent so many hours exploring the city. However, we noticed the potential conveniences of the kitchen. Another week, and we definitely would have taken advantage! I can't think of enough good things to say about the apartment and our stay there. The floors(!), the balconies, the nighborhood, the river!...We've traveled a lot, but this was the most incredible experience! Thank yu so much!!

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Guest: Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Geistlinger
Date of Stay: 10/31/06 Review Submitted: 10/30/06

Dear Mr. Mortarotti: Ciao! We had a wonderful week in Rome/Pompeii, made all the easier/nicer by having your lovely apartment to call "home". Looking out over the trees was so peaceful. Saw a beautiful, colorful sunrise one A.M. It was perfect! Marilee, your daughter, was so patient and helpful. If we ever return to Rome we definitely would consider booking the apartment again. Thank you so much. Grazie!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: John Chevin_HAC64699 (England)
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/22/06

The appartment is fantastic, a quite location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and everything is on your doorstep, an outdoor market where you can meet the locals,bank, baker, super market ect. 3 restaurants close by, links to the city via the excellent bus service, one stops right out side, but I would recommend walking to the end of the street to catch the #90 express which will have you in the centre of Rome in 15 mins. Johns duaghter Marillee is absolutly brilliant and makes sure you have everything you need. I mustnt forget to mention the marble floors that are so cooling after a long day in the heat of Rome.I would definatly return and I highly recommend.

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Guest: Arlene Battis
Date of Stay: 07/19/06 Review Submitted: 07/18/06

Dear Mr. Mortarotti Our Rome experience was tremendous in part, to your comfortable apartment. Everything was terrific down to the view from the kitchen window. What made it so nice was that my daughters were able to sleep in the living room and watch TV as late as they wished, while I could go to bed early and not be disturbed. Everyone in the nighborhopod from the baker to the Laudromat were friendly and helpful. While I cooked dinner once or twice, the neighborhood restaurannts were excellent. The bus transportation from the apartment was plentiful. there is so much to see in Italy that I would like to return, at some point. Hopefully, we can return to the apartment for a few days just to see what we might have missed on this trip. The apartment has many advantages over hotel accomodations, especially the quiet neighborhood.

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Guest: Thelma Ackley
Date of Stay: 05/11/06 Review Submitted: 05/10/06

We had a super time. We liked being out of the city hustle and bustle. Marilee was so very sweet and helpful.

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Guest: Connie Freeland
Date of Stay: 05/11/06 Review Submitted: 05/10/06

John, your apartment exceeded our expectations! We had a wonderful time. Please forward a special very big thank you to Marilee..she called us to say the time had changed on the morning of our departure! We probably would have missed our flight! It was a pleasure doing business with both of you.

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Guest: Deb Arnhold
Date of Stay: 03/10/05 Review Submitted: 03/09/05

The experience-our first time in Italy- was fantastic! Your daughter Marilee was great, very helpful, friendly, and her map of the neighborhood was just right. By the time we left, we felt almost like natives. No doubt-we'll be back. Thanks for providing such a terrific base of operations in Rome.

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Guest: Roger & Jana Messih
Date of Stay: 11/15/04 Review Submitted: 11/14/04

The apartment was great. It was spacious, modern, nicely decorated and clean. It exceeded our expectation.

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Guest: Oy-Lene Chong
Date of Stay: 08/25/04 Review Submitted: 08/24/04

Your location is excellent for quick and easy access to and from the Rome airport.

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Guest: Pat & Bill Miles
Date of Stay: 06/05/04 Review Submitted: 06/04/04

Dear John-Thank you for making the start of our five weeks in bella Italia so wonderful. We enjoyed our stay in Rome so much. We hope to return often. Best wishes to Marilee. she was wonderful also. Until next time..

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Guest: James Queen
Date of Stay: 05/23/04 Review Submitted: 05/22/04

My sister and I enjoyed our stay in your apartment. We took our evening meals in the neighborhood and cooked when restaurants nearby were closed. We can't thank you enough for the pains you've taken to insure your tenants a good time.

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Guest: Tina Donohoe
Date of Stay: 04/16/04 Review Submitted: 04/15/04

Thank you...we were very happy with the apartment, and would use it again. The apartment and location exceeded our expectations!

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Guest: Vitali Khailov
Date of Stay: 02/26/04 Review Submitted: 02/25/04

We loved the apartment! We felt very much at home. Your daughter Marilee was so wonderful, we felt we had an instant friend. all the accomodations were terrific. all of the information Marilee provided for us made our trip to Rome stress free! We can't wait to go again and I am urging all of my friends to travel to Rome.

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Guest: Warren & Kathie Schlatter
Date of Stay: 12/11/03 Review Submitted: 12/10/03

Thank you for sharing your comfortable apartment with us. We were stunned at the size of it. Everything was there for our comfort, and the view from the balconies was beautiful and restful

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