Vacation Rentals by Owner

Rome -- May 2012

Guest: Karen (Albuquerque, NM, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

We very much enjoyed our stay in Rome and the apartment. The apartment was conveniently located near the Colosseum, a neighborhood grocery store and public transportation. In fact, a bus stop is right outside the door. We appreciated Walter taking time to sit with us when we arrived to help plan our stay to get the most out of our limited time in Rome.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful, safe accomodation in a great location

Guest: Nancy and Tom (Cleveland, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 03/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

My family of 4 (with 2 teenage boys) enjoyed our first visit to Rome which included very comfortable accomodations at this property for one week. Walter and Natalia were excellant hosts who sincerely do all they can to help their guests enjoy Rome. All of our questions were prompted answered before and during our stay. The advertised features were accurate including the detailed orientation to Rome upon our arrival. We received a lot of helpful tips. The prearranged transportation from and to the airport was efficient and without problem. The apartment is well equiped and offered a charming place to rest after a busy day of sightseeing. It was close to restaurants, grocery stores and transportation. We utilized the internet access in the apartment to complete tourist bookings and stay connected. The washing machine in the apartment was useful. Our favorite restaurant was Isodora that is a one minute walk from the front door. I will definitely stay in one of the owners' properties when I return to Rome!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Family of Five Adults Found a Delightful Home Away from Home during a Busy, Sightseeing Week in Rome

Guest: Nancy and family (Minneapolis, MN, USA, Washington DC, Osaka Japan)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

We spent a lot of time looking at the apt ads on VRBO and then labored over a decision between a final two...and we are so glad we picked this one! Apt description is accurate. The location is awesome...major sites (the Colosseum, Roman Forum, San Clemente, San Giovanni in Laterano, Scala Santa, + many more) are within blocks, bus is right outside the door, subway a couple blocks away, restaurants, grocery stores, ATM, gelato are all in the neighborhood. The apartment is clean, quiet (the shutters & double windows do wonders to block out street noise!), well stocked with all you need (towels, kitchen supplies, guide books, maps, washer), perhaps slightly smaller than pictures look, up 2 easy flights of stairs. We felt safe, both in apt & in neighborhood. Most of all, the hosts, Natalia and Walter, were gracious and helpful. Immediately upon arrival, they oriented us by map to where everything was, so we felt confident venturing out. The restaurants they recommended (ranging in prices) were always our favorites...be sure to try Li Rioni (best pizza), Trattoria Pizzeria Luzzi (quite inexpensive), Hostario Isidoro, and Naumachia Ristorante. We took their recommendation of Context Travel and booked a walking tour of the Vatican. We suggest doing that early in your stay since it gives a good background in understanding the history, art, and sculpture you will see elsewhere in the city (you can reserve a tour online; recommend you do so 1-2 weeks before your trip). We also arranged, thru W&N, for transport to/from the airport...well worth the money! They were available by phone to answer our questions and respond to our needs. Probably most touching...our stay included New Year's Eve and they contacted us two weeks prior and offered to make reservations for us at a nice restaurant and then surprised us by leaving some goodies in the apartment for the holiday celebration. We recommend the Roma Pass, if for no other reason, it allows you to bypass long lines. We preferred to do a lot of walking as it gave us a chance to really get a feel for the people, shops, and the little surprises (lemon and tangerine trees in winter?!?) that come up. Also found the Eyewitness Travel Guide to be the most helpful. One warning about Rome in general...be sure to check bills before paying...four times we were overcharged by 5-10%. We had a fun and memorable family vacation, due in large part to the hospitality of Walter and Natalia and their cozy apt! Enjoy Roma!

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

A wonderful apartment in Rome

Guest: RDCJR (Los Angelkes)
Date of Stay: 11/16/11 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

I am so sorry I have nor posted this sooner, we had a great visit and this apartment was wonderful. We (4 adults and a five year old) stayed here while visiting Rome. Walter met us and gave us a terrific orientation to the apartment and Rome in general. He arranged transportation for our friends from the airport and for all of us to the train station when we left. He provided maps and went over routes to take and places to visit, suggested restaurants which were great. He is very knowledgeable about the area and gives great advice, we were happy we followed it. The apartment is very convenient to the Coliseum and the Forum and some beautiful churches. When I left my camera in a taxi Walter was very helpful in helping communicate with the authorities and referring me to a great place to purchase a replacement at a reasonable price. The apartment is exactly as shown, clean roomy bedrooms and very neat. The neighborhood is safe and has many wonderful shops and restaurants with friendly people. We would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nana

Guest: Lin (Ona, West Virginia, USA )
Date of Stay: 09/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/12

We had a lovely stay at Colosseum View 2. Natalia & Walter were so easy to work with. They answered all of our questions & even arranged transportation for us to and from the airport. Natalia was there to welcome us when we arrived at the apartment. She gave us maps & tips on sights to see, restaurants & tips on navigating Rome, which were very helpful & appreciated. The apartment was lovely, clean, comfortable & very convenient, within walking distance of the Colosseum. If in Rome again, we will definitely stay at Colosseum View 2.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great Apartment Near the Colosseum

Guest: Brian (Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

My family had a very delightful stay at this apartment last July, 2011. It is within walking distance to the Colosseum and public transportation. It was very comfortable and nicely decorated with wall paintings by the talented owner. I would highly recommend staying here as a base for sight-seeing in Rome.

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

Terrific!

Guest: Martin, Beth, Ellen, Keith (North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

Our family had a wonderful time during our vacation in Italy in June 2011. The apartment in Rome was our home base for 9 days, and we got the full Roman experience. Walter & Natalia were gracious hosts and quick to answer any questions. We highly recommend their properties.

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

Martin, Beth, Ellen, & Keith (North Carolina, USA)

Guest: Martin, Beth, Ellen, Keith (North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

This was the trip of a lifetime for our whole family. Walter & Natalia arranged our driver from/to the airport. They were waiting for us at the apartment with maps, advice, and answers to our questions. The apartment was comfortable and in a great location, especially because we were most interested in ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, churches). There were grocery stores and other shopping right along Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. One evening we were walking home from the Metro, and discovered that the Pope was conducting Mass in the Cathedral di San Giovanni in Laterano, almost at our doorstep! Walter and Natalia were available via cell phone and email throughout our stay. We highly recommend choosing one of their properties for your visit to Rome.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Lovely Apartment in Rome

Guest: Sandy and Rob (Los Altos, California)
Date of Stay: 06/08/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

We had a fantastic time in Rome. The apartment we rented from Natalia and Valter was wonderful. It was in a great location, very convenient and comfortable for my family. They provided us with advice and maps on things to do and see in Rome and even provided us with an Italian breakfast for our first morning in Rome. It really made us feel at home! We would definitely recommend their apartments and stay here again.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Rome in February 2010

Guest: Katherine Michniewicz (Encinitas, California)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

Sorry we couldn't meet you Natalie and Walter. Your friend was very nice!! My husband, 7 year old son, mother-in-law and I had a wonderful time and the apartment worked very well for us. It was clean, safe and is centrally located to EVERYTHING! We walked to all the major sites that we wanted to see and only took the metro to get to the Vatican. With a wireless internet and cell phone, we were able to keep in contact with people abroad and make local calls if needed. We hope to return again and we highly recommend this place!! Ciao!! Katherine, Joe, Jeffrey & Alice

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Cathy, Jhon, Evelyn, Roger
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful apartment. We felt "at home" immediately. If we are lucky enough to return to Rome, we will definitely try to stay in one of Walter and Natalia lovely apartments.

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Guest: Bruce, Christy, Jackie
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Natalia, the apartment was great for my husband and daughter. This is a great location and safe area. I felt like I was at home. We loved being right between the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Basilica of San Giovanni. Your recommendations were helpful ..We hope to return next year and stay with you.

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Guest: Grethe, Robert, Steven, Brigit
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Dear Natalia, Thank you for a wonderful week in your apartment. We have enjoyed it very much: the heart of Rome: Colosseo, San Giovanni in Laterano, San Clemente, Scala Santa, Santa Maria Maggiore were a great experience: There are so many interesting places to see in Rome and we should come again an another time. We also found it nice in those warm days to come back to a nice apartment with air conditioning.

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Guest: Frederickburg family
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

July 2007 Natalia and Walter, Thank you for a great week in your apartment and all the sight-seeing suggestions. We definitely found the Roma Pass worthwhile. We were able to see most of the places you suggested, stopping only when our feet gave out. Thank you again for allowing us to stay in your beautiful apartment. The family from Frederickburg Virgina USA

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Guest: Liza, Robert, Mat
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Walter and Natalia, Your apartment was a wonderful welcome refuge after a spectacular day of touring Rome. We can't thank you enough for your information for restaurants, transport and touring - it was a tremendous help. We hope that we can return soon and stay at your apartment again. Thank you again for your hospitality and warm welcome

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Guest: Mickail, Inna, Maria Alexander
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Natalia and Walter As expressed by all our children, we enjoyed staying in Rome. We managed to visit almost all the sites marked by you for us on the map. It was very convenient to stay at walking distance to the most of the sites. We wish you all the best

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Guest: Brian, Shelly, Julie $Steve
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Dear Walter and Natalia, thank you very much for your generous hospitality. The helpful tourist information you gave us was wonderful. Really made our week so smoothly. The apartment was everything we need, close to transportation and many sites so close! The olive oil, Farfa Abbey and lunch in the country was great. Our stay in Rome has been wonderful Thank you again

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Guest: Janie, Pauk, Rines and Ankie
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

first of all: it was really a pleasure to meet you!!!! Your enthusiastic explanation about Rome and the nice things to see, made us even more anxious to explore Rome! So we did and enjoyed 4 wonderful days here. And beside, we were very satisfied about the apartment. Very well equipped and even more than that. You know what we mean: the small things that makes life a little bit more comfortable! All together: a reason to come back!" Janie and Pauk Rines and Ankie

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Guest: Nancy and David
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Our first and perhaps most lasting memory of Rome was that of meeting two extraordinary kind and considerate people- the two of you. You made us feel at home immediately in this beautiful 18th century apartment with its flowers in the balcony, cotton lace curtains, high, varnished wooden ceiling, everything refinished with artistry and care by our hostess herself; not to forget the hand painted table…"Nancy and David

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Guest: kathy50 (Victoria BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/10/08 Review Submitted: 10/10/08

Our final 4 days of a 4 weeks trip was spent in Rome. Having your well situated and well appointed apartment made the days in Rome so easy. We could walk everywhere we wanted to go. It was close to everything: sites, restaurants, shopping, groceries, bakery, wine, but off the main road so not as noisy. The area was safe and had a village feel. The apartment - View 1 was perfect for two couples. We enjoyed the extras: breakfast makings, water, maps, directions, taxis. Your attention to the details was far more than we expected. Thank you both. We will be telling our Canadian friends.

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Guest: Lisa82 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/29/08 Review Submitted: 07/29/08

Natalia and Walter, Thank you for a great week in Rome. My 3 girls, husband and I enjoyed the location and amenities (wifi, refrig, a/c) very much. Having the cell phone to be able to reach you was invaluable. We ate at many of the restaurants you suggested when we arrived and took many of your suggestions for sights, transportation, etc. Thank you for arranging the cabs for us as well. I have already recommended you to many of my friends. Best regards, Lisa ps- there is an onda blu laundry just off Via Merulana on via Alfieri. Worked out great!

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Guest: Kathy DiGrazia (Flemington, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 05/15/08 Review Submitted: 05/15/08

Natalie and Walter, We wanted to let you know that we absolutely enjoyed staying in your apartment. It is equipped with everything needed for a vacation. The apartment is perfectly located. All the information you shared on sights and transportation greatly helped make touring manageable. Your assistance in arranging transfers to the airport was a great convenience as well. We will definitely recommend your apartment to friends and family and do plan to visit again.

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Guest: Stephen Koplowitz
Date of Stay: 01/21/08 Review Submitted: 01/20/08

Thank you for making our stay in Rome so wonderful, we will definitely tell our friends about your apartments! And we hope to return to Rome again.... By the way...it was FANTASTIC to have wifi in the apartment for MANY reasons...it allowed me to make phone calls with my computer and it made it so fantastic to research things to do in Rome. I even made our reservation at the Borghese Museum on the internet! Also, having a cell phone as part of the apartment was also VERY comforting (we appreciated your phone calls) and also we were able to give the phone number to some Roman friends of ours (who didn't know we were coming, we found their phone number thanks to your wifi! and we were able to give them a real phone number to call! So we ended up having a wonderful dinner with them before we left...)... Also, I can't thank you enough for the time you spent making sure my luggage was returned when we began our trip....we met some other passangers on the same flight from London on British Air (by chance at the Pantheon) and they STILL did not get their luggage THREE days later! I think you worked some magic for me...so thank you. So...you can be sure we will be spreading the word in California about you! Thank you so much... all the best, Steve

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Guest: William B. (Darien, CT, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/27/07 Review Submitted: 11/27/07

We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Rome and this apartment was one of the important reasons. Its location is excellent, amenities just what we needed, beds were comfortable and neighborhood safe. But the best thing about the apartment was our landlady, Natalia Bianchi - a former Venetian who has become a whole-hearted Roman. She began our visit with a one-hour overview of what a visit to Rome should be and was always available to help with any problems. After our experience with this rental, we would never go back to a hotel.

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Guest: Jill. Valerie and Sam Wolter
Date of Stay: 11/25/07 Review Submitted: 11/24/07

"You've got a friend in Rome" When we arrived, you told us this. You are truly our new friends! Our trip to Italy has been wonderful,and you have helped in so many ways. Grazie, thank you for your kindness and assistance. We enjoied the apartment more than any hotel, it is perfect for us. Ciao and blessings to you, Jill, Valerie and Sam

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Guest: Antonio Lavorato
Date of Stay: 03/12/07 Review Submitted: 03/11/07

Dear Natalia and Walter, thank you so much for your beautiful apartment. It's a beautiful oasis away from the "hubub" of Rome. The special touches, i.e. biscuits, water etc. were just what we needed to find our feet in Rome. Your personal insight and reccomendations were exceptional, especially when it came to finding our way around the city. The placing of this apartment could not have been better. Many thanks from your frinds in Australia.. Sincerly (CIAO) Antonio, Vittoria, Michael and Antonella

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