Vacation Rentals by Owner

The perfect way to see Rome

Guest: Molly B. (Boston)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/24/12

My husband and I spent 9 nights in this apartment and it was everything the listing promised: comfortable, quiet, stylish, ideally located . . . and the views were even better than depicted in the photos. The property was clean and well appointed, and the owner was organized and helpful about every aspect of our stay. The location is ideal - sitting up above the Spanish Steps overlooking all of Rome and right next to the Borghese gardens, where we went for our morning jogs. We will highly recommend this to friends and family and hope to return ourselves!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

what a wonderful apartment

Guest: Mary-Anne and Roger (Windsor, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 04/06/12

We had a wonderful 8 days in Rome and having this apartment made the stay even more enjoyable. The apartment is well equipped and the location is perfect. We walked everywhere. Alessandra provides very helpful information and makes sure everything is in order. I cant imagine staying anywhere else.

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

A Perfect Apartment for a Get Away

Guest: Mickey T. (St. Paul, Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

As has been said by everyone who has written a review of this apartment, this place is magnificent, and the views are incomparable. The view you see in the pictures is truly your view while staying here. My wife and I spent two weeks in late February at the apartment for a romantic getaway and couldn't have asked for better accommodations. We would recommend this apartment to any couple. The main benefit - beyond the balcony and comforts of the apartment itself - is the location. The apartment is situated in an upscale neighborhood behind the Spanish Steps, just a two minute walk from the crowds and shoppers but a world apart. This provides a nice break from the noise and activity in the center of town. We enjoyed having coffee in the morning outside while taking in the view, and slowly easing into our day. Also near the apartment are two liquor stores with great wine selections, a dozen fine dining options (in case you're looking to eat more than just pizza), as well as a fully stocked grocery store. Alessandra’s helpful renter’s booklet provides you all you need to navigate the neighborhood. We found it hard to get motivate for sightseeing each morning because we enjoyed this apartment so much. Given the wealth of sights in Rome this might be the highest complement of all.

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

Great location and stay in Rome!!

Guest: Jorgen (Washington, DC. USA)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

My wife and I spent five nights in Rome after a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. We were both looking forward to a relaxing time in a spacious appartment. When we arrived we were greeted by the owners husband who showed us the in's and out's of the penthouse. the communication with the owner, Alessandra was great from start to finish. She also in advance of our trip, sent us a very detailed booklet about the inner workings of the appartment and some great neighborhood information, with everything from restaurants to local markets! The View from the roof terrace is absolutely perfect, and the apartment was wonderful in every way. We had a perfect stay, and look forwar to return in the future! Many thanks for sharing.

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

Roman Holiday

Guest: jason c. (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

My wife and I stayed at Alessandra's Honeymoon Penthouse in Rome near the end of June. We simply could not have asked for a better location or accommodations: We drove into the city from Tuscany and dropped off our Europecar rental three blocks away. The housekeeper greeted us at the street and showed us in. The apartment is on the top floor of a beautiful building with an old fashioned gated elevator. The kitchen, bedroom and both bathrooms were clean and modern. The living room and the nearly same sized terrace outside were nothing short of spectacular. During our stay in Rome, we spent several long afternoons and evenings lounging on the terrace. There is a panoramic view across the entire ancient city, from the Vittorio Emanuele to the adjacent gardens of Villa Borghese, with the Vatican in between. Our local friends were all amazed when we e-mailed them photos. The apartment is located just above the hills behind the Spanish steps. So sightseeing locales and shops were an easy walk down the hill. The neighborhood behind the apartment were offices, embassies and generally a quieter part of town. Across the street, the treetops of the palace gardens made the place feel like an oasis in the middle of this amazing city. Alessandra forwarded us a very comprehensive PDF booklet to describe the features of the apartment, emergency contact information, nearby grocery and hardware stores, as well as some recommendations on local eateries. We were only able to go to one of the recommended places, La Bruschetta. The pizza there has impossibly thin crust - more like a French tarte. Great with some light Italian reds. Highly recommended. Next time, we will try some other restaurants on the list. I finally remembered that 8+ years ago, I had a very nice stay at the Hotel Eden which is located in the adjacent building. However, that stay did not afford me the ability to make my own espresso and walk out to a terrace to enjoy breakfast overlooking Rome. For four days, we felt like pampered locals. If we were more frequent visitors to Rome - we'd keep this find to ourselves!

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

Penthouse Apartment and Beautiful Garden Terrace

Guest: EJD (CALIFORNIA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

Spacious terrace with large dining table has magnificent view of Vatican and panoramic view of Rome. Owners are extremely helpful. Excellent location near good restaurants, very quiet and private. Safe and quiet neighborhood, secure building. Nicely furnished, nice to have two bathrooms. Overall extremley happy. Beautiful old elevator and there are some steps to get to the apartment. Air conditioning and maid service both appreciated..

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

Nest in the sky

Guest: Ca (Kansas city,missouri)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

I could not overstate our wonderful experience. My college age grandson and I shared this apartment for a glorious jamb packed week. To open ones eyes and gaze upon St. Peters ,to amble out your front door to theBorgehese Gardens,to sit on the terrace and talk about the day,all of this visual feast combined with the bells and birdsong gave both of us a gratifying eperience to savor. the apartment was immaculate and the owner had provided an amazing notebook of nearby cafes as well as emergency medical sources. I would encourage all adults to enjoy!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

An Enchanting Sejourn in the Eternal City

Guest: Madeleine (Washington DC )
Date of Stay: 04/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/10/11

I want to thank you for a very special time in your beautiful Rome apartment. It was just as described and more. We enjoyed the terrace immensely. On Sunday the 8th, we took a break from sightseeing and spent the entire afternoon resting on the quiet terrace admiring the view and enjoying the fragrance from the roses and jasmine in full bloom. The kitchen was a pleasure to cook in and we ate all of our evening meals at home. We appreciated that all the furnishings were of such high quality such as the elegant large bathrooms, a most comfortable bedroom, gorgeous gliding windows in the living room and the furniture on the spacious terrace. And I specially enjoyed some of your beautiful art books and was particularly taken by a book on Russian painters "Le Monde de l'Art" and also your books on the works of Amelia Ambron and Emilio Ambron. Your personal attention to your guests and their comfort was also very gratifying. In short, we had a terrific time and we would not think of staying anywhere else should we return to Rome. Madeleine from Washington DC

Owner response:The apartment was designed and built as part of our own place, so everything about it is done and cared for with personal attention. When the jasmine is blooming, the terrace becomes truly magical...

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

Perfect Terraced Pied A Terre - in Rome

Guest: Nancy (Key Largo, FL)
Date of Stay: 04/23/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

Our dreams of living in Rome as Italians came true! This is the perfect apartment location, overlooking the Villa Borghese, at the top of the Spanish steps. Views from the large terrace by day or night are simply spectacular - if you like seeing St Peter's and all of Rome before you. The Hassler and the Eden Hotels are each 2 minutes walk if taxis are needed. Via Veneto is 3 minutes walk away for lovely shopping, and many interesting, reasonable restaurants in the neighborhood. The website was accurate, property in perfect condition, helpful suggestion for local "musts" and good internet connection. We look forward to returning and would recommend highly to anyone looking for a Roman holiday.

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

This Is the Best Place to Stay In Rome!!!

Guest: jsg712 (United States Of America)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

We just returned from 7 wonderful days in Rome made even more enjoyable by staying in this beautiful penthouse apartment. All of the other excellent reviews for this apartment are completely accurate. You will not find a better place to stay or live in Rome. The apartment is absolutely perfect! My wife and I are still talking about how lucky we were to find this apartment. The apartment is as advertised – beautiful, clean, comfortable and with the most spectacular and stunning views of Rome. All of our friends and relatives, like us, were truly amazed by the views from the terrace. Watching the sunrise and sunset from the terrace is a must! In addition to the unbelievable views from the terrace, the location of the apartment is perfect. It is ideally located for visiting the must see sights of Rome and provides great access to public transportation. You are directly across the street from Villa Borghese, two blocks from Via Veneto, and a few blocks from the Spanish Steps and several subway stations. You will also be amazed at how quiet it is in and around the apartment. We never heard any noise at all not even street noise when enjoying the beautiful terrace. The king sized bed was extremely comfortable and the two full bathrooms made it much easier for the two of us getting ready in the morning for a day of sightseeing. There is a large closet in the bedroom for hanging clothes and for storing luggage. The apartment is modern, large, and allows for plenty of living space. The living room with walls of windows also allows for spectacular views of the city from the living room. You will not feel cramped like you would in a hotel room. The kitchen is modern and well stock if you plan on doing any cooking. Glasses, plates, flatware, bowls, etc. are plentiful and in excellent condition. The washer is a big plus especially for a long stay but you will have to hang the clothes outside for drying. There are clothes lines already installed on the small terrace located off of the bedroom. The wireless internet worked perfectly. The SKY satellite TV system with flat screen TV is limited on English programming but it does provide CNN, Fox News, CNBC and some British news channels. Although not a hotel, and rather unique for a VRBO property, there is a housekeeper who cleans the apartment 3 days a week. Just remember the housekeeper does not change the towels or linen on the bed. You will not find any better accommodations in Rome even at the best five star hotel.

Owner response:I am very happy that we were able to provide a nice experience for our guests. Other people have asked about the linen change, but we are not a hotel, and cannot provide the same kind of service. In order to avoid confusion, I wrote this out clearly in the apartment description. For many international travelers, especially from the United States, the absence of a dryer is shocking. This is in part due to a simple cultural difference: in Italy there is no social stigma associated with drying clothes in the sun. Amusingly, now that everybody is more concerned about energy conservation, natural drying might yet become chic again, even in the States.

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

Spoil yourself!

Guest: John (Chapel Hill, NC)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

This apartment is fabulous! Alessandra, the owner, was extremely helpful and organized, and made us comfortable even before we left the U.S. After a transatlantic flight and a van from the DaVinci airport, we settled in with a glass of wine on the terrace and looked at the wonderful view of St. Peter’s Dome in the distance and all of Rome beneath us,. We then strolled to the Spanish Steps for a quick dinner, went back to the terrace and watched as the sun slowly set in the west and the night-lights of Rome came on. Over the next few days we walked to the Vatican, strolled to the Borghese Gallery (a must stop for art lovers) and used the metro to go to the Coliseum and the Forum. The apartment has a great location and is in a lovely area. Alessandra’s suggestions for neighborhood restaurants (with the exception of Nino’s, where the service was rude and the menu over-priced) gave us the opportunity to sample excellent and reasonably priced Italian dinners. We were able to have breakfasts and lunches on the terrace and used the kitchen to make a special pasta dinner one night. If you want to spoil yourself, stay at this apartment. You won’t regret the experience! John and Cathy Canzanella, Chapel hill, N.C. March 21 – 28, 2011.

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

Could not ask for more!!!

Guest: Polly (Knoxville, tn)
Date of Stay: 12/12/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10

My husband and I were there Dec. 12-19 2010. It was his 50th birthday. We could not have found a better place to stay. Last time we were in Rome, we stayed at a hotel and we will never again. We loved the apartment! We had so much room and the view is as great as the pictures!! We can't wait to come back. Great thanks to our host and hostess!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Awesome Apt. Best Views Of the City

Guest: Stimp44 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/18/10

My wife and I spent Thanksgiving week here and we can't say enough good things. The View is perfect, and the apartment simply wonderful in every way. The owners go out of their way to make sure you have all the information and detail you would ever need about the apt and the surrounding area. They even give you restaurant tips! You are close to everything as well. A perfect Roman Holiday

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

best place to stay in Rome

Guest: edward (Boston,Ma. USA)
Date of Stay: 10/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/18/11

This was our 2nd trip to Rome & we did not have a checklist of things to do. We stayed for 10 nights & it was cheaper then when we stayed in a hotel for 5 nights. Last trip we stayed in a 5 star hotel on Via Venato for 5 nights. Everything was as described in the ad. The apt was very centrally located & after a couple of days to strengthen our 60+ legs we were able to walk all over Rome. It was so nice to have all of the room instead of a cramped hotel room plus you are not hit w/ a huge room tax when you leave. The view is spectacular. If you are alergic to bees, bring some repelent as the flowers on the huge 180 degree view deck attract them. Having 2 bathrooms w/ showers make getting ready to go out much easier. The apartment was spotless & the cleaning person came 3 times during our stay. The owner, Enrico, lives in building & was helpful. They have a book w/ good restaurants & telephone #s & nearby attractions. They also explain how to work the dishwasher & the washing machine which is a real bonus when on vacation. We made breakfast every morning w/ a nearby little store where we purchased eggs, juice, etc. They also had some great cheeses that w/ some wine made a great snack before going out to dinner while we watched the sun sink behind the Vatican. The bed and pillows were comfortable. It is 2 blocks from the top of the Spanish steps where you can then catch the Metro to many attractions. There is also The #16 (small) bus which is a local to many of the attractions. There is also a great couture shop that my wife just happened to fall into where she found a beautiful one of a kind coat. The building has offices on first floors (dr., lawyer) which makes it very quiet at night. We will come back here when we return to Rome. We froze a bottle of water to take w/ us for the day.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful penthouse in Rome

Guest: Michelle H. (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

Wow! What a wonderful place to spend our vacation! Alessandra is a wonderful hostess. She left no stone unturned when it came to setting the apartment up with all of the luxuries of home, plus some. The apartment itself is absolutely lovely but it is the terrace that beckoned me. The views of Rome in every direction were stunning and the fragrance of flowers, herbs and fruits filled the air. It was everything and more than we expected. We can't wait return.

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

A magical place in Rome...

Guest: marsch (Vienna/Austria)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

If one can fall in love with something like an apartment or a terrace - we (a middle-aged couple from Austria) did! Fantastic, gorgeous, outstanding, high quality, simply perfect - all these superlatives have already been used in the former reviews and you can really trust every word. The view from the terrace is simply breathtaking and every morning it was hard to finish breakfast and decide for some sightseeing. As I am a passionate cook ( and because the kitchen is so well equipped) we spent four of our five evenings "at home" . Unforgettable moments! To deal with a person like Alessandra and to be welcomed by her charming husband was also a very positive experience. We can highly recommend this accomodation but have to add a serious warning: If you ever decide to book this place you will never want to stay in a hotel in Rome again ( even if it is a 5*..) So don't hesitate, if you are looking for a magical place in Rome - you've found it!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: lcollins (Nashville, TN USA)
Date of Stay: 03/31/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

We loved this apartment! Great part of the city. We felt very safe and it is close to everything we wanted to do. I loved the deck and the kitchen. We cooked several nights, instead of going out. Our 8 yr old son stayed on the fold out sofa and had a bathroom all to himself. They even have a helpful guide for you giving restaurants and helpful hints for the area..we will definately stay here again when in Rome!

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Guest: Happy in Rome (Zeeland, Michigan 49464)
Date of Stay: 02/16/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/10

"A breathtaking, 5 star, elegant place to stay" If you are like us we were debating if we should stay in a luxury hotel or rent an apartment in Rome. Go no further! Staying at the penthouse was the best decision we ever made. Imagine yourself walking into an historical building that is set in history and being greeted by a warm and inviting owner. Our luggage was placed in a dumbwaiter as we walked up to the penthouse on the top level of the building. As we gravitated toward the open concept living room, our breath was taken away immediately. The view is unlike anything you could ever get in a hotel downtown Rome. There is a vast view of the city. St. Peter's bascilica faces the terrace along with numerous historical buildings. It was fun trying to guess with our traveler's books all the building and sites in front of us. And yes, the sunset is spectacular and in full view at night as you sit on the spacious terrace, drinking and eating. The interior has everything you would want or more. It helps you save money on dining because the kitchen is so well designed and equipped that you will want to cook and eat on the terrace. It is a true money saver and contributes to the ability to eat at one of the finest outside restaurants along via veneto. The king size bed, 2 bathrooms and closets made the visit comfortable and beyond what a hotel could offer. The service provided by the owners was exceptional, comparable to a concierge but with that special, personal touch only the owners can provide. And, do not bring your watches. The church bells of the surrounding churches provide a "spiritual" approach to telling time. Every hour a musical symphony of the most delightful rendition of bells strikes the ear. Go no further, rent the penthouse!

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Guest: FPR IA (Iowa USA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/09 Review Submitted: 11/04/09

We had a wonderful time at this wonderful apartment. In fact, we got engaged in the front room one evening during our stay as we looked over the lights of Rome--the eternal city. The location was very, very nice and the view was remarkable. We (a couple with no kids) spent 4 nights at this flat in Rome and found it to be ideal. I have used VRBO many times and this is one of the better spots. The check-in was smooth, the apartment was clean, the noise level was very low and the little extras (like a washing machine) were appreciated. We happened to leave a belt at the flat and Alessandra was even nice enough to send it back to us in the States. The owner leaves a self-made guide book at the apartment so you can find area restaurants, grocery stores, etc. while in residents. Thanks to Rome we will be married soon. Ciao and thank you Alessandra.

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Guest: SallyW (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/16/09

This place is GORGEOUS. The pictures do not even remotely do it justice. The apartment is filled with everything you need: pretty plateware for your finds at the local market, and extremely helpful guidebook prepared by Alessandra with maps to everything nearby, and of course plenty of wineglasses for the local vino. Once you step out onto the terrace, you will realize that this is THE best spot to be. The view is stunning, the noise is non-existent, and the pretty humming birds that stop by the sweet smelling flowers are all the entertainment needed. Highly recommended. You will not be sorry you choose this property.

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Guest: Steffi & Thomas (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/15/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

My husband and I (and our 9 month old baby girl) had a wonderful time at this luxurious penthouse apartment. Besides the lovely bedroom with en-suite bath, ample storage space, and its own terrace; the gorgeous kitchen with mahogany cabinets and stainless steel appliances and everything and more you might need to prepare a gourmet meal; the stunning living room and the terrace are by far the best features of this apartment. All the windows in the living room give you the impression of being outside and the terrace seems to be an extension of the living area. There is ample comfy seating where one could just sit and relax, read a book or enjoy the view.The view from the terrace is breathtaking. We enjoyed vistas of all of Rome while having breakfast outside and we absolutely loved to watch the sun set behind the dome of St Peter’s Basilica after a full day of sightseeing. This is clearly the best view of Rome you will ever see. The neighborhood is very nice with great restaurants in walking distance (we tried some of the ones recommended by the owner and enjoyed traditional Italian cuisine in an authentic setting). The proximity to the grounds of Villa Borghese is a real plus and we enjoyed lovely walks in the beautiful landscaped park.Overall the apartment offers everything guests might need to enjoy their stay and more. The interior with comfortable and beautiful furniture and the choice of materials and colors used make you feel right at home. We had an unforgettable time and are hoping to return before too long.

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Guest: lizanne (philadelphia, pa, usa)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

My husband and I (& our 11 month old baby girl) recently spent 10 days at this magnificent penthouse apartment. The location is excellent, four blocks away from and about 100 feet above the Spanish Steps (which is a relatively high point for the heart of rome). The apartment is stylish, immaculate, and stocked with everything you might need during your stay. The owners are very detail oriented and have clearly put a lot of though into taking care of their guests' needs. The apartment's interior was recently renovated (in fact, we were the first guests to stay after the renovation) and includes a modern, top quality kitchen (complete with microwave, dishwasher, clothes washer, french press and small & large stove top espresso makers), two bathrooms with beautiful, tiled stall showers, and even a dumbwaiter that can assist you with your heavy grocery bags. Everthing is high quality - top of the line. The master bedroom is spacious and bright. As lovely & refined as the interior of this place is, it's finest feature is it's exterioir: the expansive terrace (the size of a large living room) overlooks the southern portion of the Borghese gardens, giving way to glorious views of all of Rome. Exotic birds fly by, including green parrots, merli (talented song birds) and small raptors. The flowering plants convey enchanting fragrances. There are numerous places to lounge with a good book, have a glass of wine, or just take it all in. We ate dinner outside every night and watched the sunsets, each more beautiful than the other. Totally magical. The upscale neighborhood is very safe. The streets are filled with Romans going about their daily business and does not feel the least bit touristy. The location offers many conveniences: a grocery store, a pharmacy, two metro stops and a few taxi stands are all within easy walking distance. Each day we came back to this incredible perch, opened a great bottle of wine (when in Rome), and looked back over the city in which we spent the day walking, eating, and exploring. It was truly a fabulous place to stay. And now for a little bit about me, becasue in order to evaluate a recommendation, you need to consider the source. I am in my mid thirties, educated, and grew up in a major East Coast, American city. I co- own a successful green/sustainable design-build company and therefore have advanced knowledge when it comes to resident

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Guest: HowardH (Berkeley, Ca USA)
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/08/09

What an experience! We were literally at the top of Rome with a enormous patio and panoramic view sweeping from the Villa Borghese, below us, to the Vatican and onto the Forum. The neighborhood is high end and very close to the park (Villa Borghese). The apt was carefully and thoughtfully designed. It's light and airy. 800 sq/ft seemed much larger than it actually is. The living room has sliding windows and double glass doors onto the patio so one's sense is of being outside. The galley kitchen had every implement we needed- including heavy gauge stainless steel pots and pans- and was easy to work in. The two bathrooms are modern and convenient, though there's no bath tub. The cleaning service- twice a week- is an unexpected luxury. In short, the owner put a lot of effort into this apt to make it both a comfortable and first class experience for her guests. It's hard to imagine that renting a vacation apt in Rome gets any better.

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