Guest Comments

What a wonderful apartment we had in Rome at Il Flaminio. The apartment was spacious, light, and bright, and very comfortable even for my husband, who is 6 feet four. Even though it was very early March, we were able to eat breakfast out on the terrace a couple of mornings.

The location is really great. I thought it might be a little far from the city center, when I looked at the map, but I was entirely wrong. It was just steps from the Piazza del Popolo, an historic piazza but without the throngs of tourists and tacky tourist stands you find on some of the other famous piazzas. Important churches are there, streets fanning out to the most important attractions, many excellent restaurants, and a taxi stand.

We found the little supermarket around the corner perfectly adequate and friendly (You'll find the fresh bread at the butcher's counter, by the way).

The Villa Borghese is next door, where you can find our favorite museum -- the lovely Gallerie Borghese, located on the other side of the park. Because we were there on the first Sunday in March, we were able to walk right in; however, by Friday, all the timed entrances were booked. We were also able to walk right in to the Vatican Museum.

We also found a number of good restaurants near the apartment, especially off of the Via Ripetta, on your right as you cross the Piazza del Popolo. One of the very best was just off the Via Ripetta, the very first right after you leave the Piazza  the Osteria St. Ana down about two blocks -- Via del Penna 68. Don't be put off by the entrance; you have to go down some steps and then the restaurant is in the back – wonderful food, wonderful ambiance (warm, family Italian rather than elegant), friendly service.

To sum up, despite several rainy days, we had a great time and the apartment was really wonderful. We rent places quite often and this was, by far, the best.

Also great was Pat's help; she really made us feel comfortable with the transaction and was so completely thorough in preparing us for a great holiday. 

March 08 Alice D. Texas

Let me say this up front....the entire trip was one of the best we've taken. We usually mix our time when we travel staying in the countryside and city center. We rented a villa in Tuscany for the first week of our stay and, frankly, I wasn't looking forward to moving into Rome. However, it was spectacular. The termini is a bit unnerving for the novice upon arrival but we used Stefano and it was very pleasant to have them meet you at the termini and whisk you away to the flat. The owner of Il Flaminio was very cordial and gave us great advice on where to eat, things to see, etc. He made us very comfortable. The apartment was extremely comfortable and spacious. It's very nice to have a lot of the conveniences of home such as well equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. For city living it was very quiet and we enjoyed waking in the morning to a fresh breeze blowing through the floor to ceiling doors and windows. Pretty much every evening we'd sit on one of balconies surrounding the apartment and have a glass of wine. Italy produces some really great red wines for the enthusiast. I would highly recommend this accomodation. 

It is very conveniently located within walking distance to virtually everything in the historic part of Rome. We could walk to the coliseum, Vatican, Piazza Novella, Spanish Steps, Forum, you name it, within 30 minutes. I think we enjoyed strolling the back streets and bumping into the hidden piazzas throughout Rome most. The best way to see Rome is to get a bit lost, but we found that very difficult to do. It's a very easy city to get around in. We felt extremely safe anytime of day or night and since most of the vehicular traffic has been banned from central Rome it is very pedestrian oriented, quiet, and clean. We have travelled to about a dozen European countries and had virtually no problems at all in Italy and I can't think of any drawbacks regarding our Rome or Italian vacation. The local populace is very accepting of Americans, surprisingly. The only thing that surprised me was when we were in our seats waiting for the train departure from Rome back to Florence a lady came walking down the aisle begging for money to help support she and her child. I don't know if that is common practice or the rail employees just didn't know she was doing that. But, like any large city, those kinds of things happen on the streets of Rome and in the termini. One just has to accept it as part of life, I suppose.

Again, the location of the apartment couldn't have been better located in terms of convenience to sites and being in a quiet location. Tips for future guests? Book an escorted tour of the Vatican before arrival in Rome. The wait in the queus are hours and I don't think I'd waste the time if I didn't have a prearranged tour. Secondly, don't eat in tratorias, restaurants, etc that are located directly in the main piazzas. They are there mainly for the tourist industry and therefore a little on the pricey side. It's best to venture off the piazzas down one of the many smaller streets for food and libations. One I would recommend is Rist. Tritone on Via Dei Maroniti. The service and food quality was extraordinary and the cost was very reasonable. Most quality establishments cost for 4 people ran around $160 for a 4 course meal with wine which we found to be about average. Therefore, be prepared for the euro to dollar shock. We controlled them impact by having a nice breakfast in the apartment and snacking during the day before a nice meal in the evening. Plan on doing any shopping before 1 PM or after 3 PM. That's when everything closes down for lunch/siesta. Food establishments don't open for dinner until 7 PM and remain open until after midnight.

Your assistance in arranging our Rome visit and rail transportation is greatly appreciated. It made our trip most enjoyable and we'd certainly recommend your services to anyone. I can't think of a thing that would improve your level of service. We were very satisfied with what you did for us. It was a real pleasure to work with you on this trip and I want to thank you for making it a huge success.

Regards, Tom F, Virginia, July 2007

We are back from our Italian trip, and I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at the Flaminio apartment. The apartment was everything you promised: spacious, well located and well equipped. It was such fun to shop in the neighborhood and prepare food. As someone who loves to cook, our past trips to Italy have left me frustrated every time I passed a beautiful fruit and vegetable stand or cheese shop. This was the opportunity not only to prepare dishes with the freshest produce I've ever tasted, but also to practice my beginners level Italian with the patient, good natured vendors. This was our first stay in an apartment in Italy, and it certainly won't be our last. Thanks for all your help. Ciao, Ellen E. June 2007

Hello Pat: We returned home last Tuesday following enchanted and enchanting visits to Paris, Florence and Rome. The latter was the real summit in many ways thanks to the comfort and convenience of the Flaminio apartment. Everything worked out well from start to finish. We bought Rome Passes for 3 days during our stay and were able to take in a host of sights all around the city, including a walk on the Appia Antica. With the exception of one day, the weather was excellent. We'll be back for sure. Thank you again for your help. Richard B, Ottawa, March 2007

We have settled in wonderfully. The apartment is the best we have had. Everything is perfect or better. Derek P, December 2006

Just got back and had to let you know that everything went beautifully. The apartment was lovely and the owner was friendly and helpful. I  will gladly recommend you to one and all. Thanks for helping to make our vacation a super one. Fondly, Vicki S, October 2006

Overall: We had a wonderful time in Rome. The apartment in Rome was fantastic! Very roomy and comfortable.

Location: The location was wonderful. Just a short walk to Piazza del Popolo and even closer to the metro station.

Drawbacks: The laundry [room] being out on the patio was a bit of a hassle because of having to keep the screens lowered on that side of the building during the day 

Nearby sites:  There is a fantastic restaurant up in Villa Borghese called CASINA VALADIER. It was pricey, but had fantastic food. An easy evening walk from the apartment. web site www.casinavaladier.it

Tips: Don't get hung up on the owner's seeming obsession with the electricity usage. He practically petrified us that we would end up owing some exorbitant amount for going over the alloted kilowatt hours. In fact, we did several loads of laundry a day, ran the dishwasher a few times, and kept the a/c at "American Cold" and we only had to leave 20 euros. Trish C, July 2006

I'm sorry to say that we arrived home last night after a wonderful time in Italy .  If you speak to [the owner], please let him know how much we enjoyed his wonderful apartment.  It is a great place, and I would be happy to offer a reference if you are ever in need of one.  Also, please let him know that the driver arrived to take us to the airport right on time, and that we appreciate his assistance in making those arrangements. Kris B from Maryland, July 06

We had a terrific time staying in your apartment... everything was great and Rene could not have been nicer. He gave us a little primer on where we were, and what was close by (banca, tobacco stand, market, etc.) We had plenty of room for five. We drew straws on who got the master ,and I lost! We especially enjoyed opening the windows at night for the cool breezes. The girls in the master complained about a loud bird that woke them up WAY too early. HOWEVER, in a day he migrated to the front of the building. We really enjoyed the terrace after a day out sightseeing...wine and appetizers (love those marinated olives from the market around the corner, and also found that great Moretti beer there, try the soft cheese on the brushetta also). We were able to walk to all the restaurants, and that was a big money-saver! I do recommend going to the Borghese -they were having a special exhibit of Raphael there at the time...you have to make reservations online for a two hour time -slot or you will not get in. They were turning people away left and right. More... Mary M, Georgia, May 2006

We had a great week in Rome and enjoyed our stay at the Flaminio apartment. The accommodations were excellent. With the exception of low water pressure [a common issue throughout Rome, pb], everything was fine. The water pressure is beyond your control, so we don’t allow it to reflect on the apartment. We could have easily stayed there for a month, it was so comfortable. 

The location was very good. We always felt safe and it was quiet since we weren’t on a busy street — this is very important to us since my wife and oldest daughter are light sleepers. It was great to be near Villa Borghese, the Flaminio Gate, and Piazza del Popolo. We walked everywhere to get to know the city with the exception of a couple of evenings when we took taxis home. We used the Metro only once to visit the Via Appia Antica and the catacombs. More...

Mike & Beth, Ontario, May 2006

Overall: The owner was very accommodating and charming. I would highly recommend him. The apartment was very comfortable and in a great location.

Location: The apartment for me was in an ideal location...within two blocks of the Piazza del Popolo. From this beautiful piazza, walk to the left and within less than 10 minutes (but who's in a hurry in Rome), you have the Spanish Steps. The center street, Via del Corso, is for shopping, and to the right, Via Ripetta has plenty of good restaurants and a nice wine shop.

Getting around: We did use the metro although I don't believe it can get you everywhere in Rome. The buses were easy with clearly marked stops. The best way to see Rome is to walk. 

Tips: Have the landlord go over every knob, switch, faucet and appliance; there was no hot water and the landlord came right over and discovered that it had been turned off by the previous guest. Also, don't go to the airport hungry; the food is awful. 

I hope this helps you and fellow travelers to Rome. We did have a wonderful time. Mary Pat S., New Jersey

We all thought the apartment was great Lots of natural light and afternoon breezes. Well equipped. Excellent location. Having a cooperative and helpful owner is obviously a big plus. Scott S., Los Angeles