We are traveling to Rome in early July with a family of 7. Three grandparents (60's-70's),two parents (40's), two grandchildren (10 & 17). Would an apartment be a better/cheaper choice than a hotel? Seven nights. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
It will almost certainly be cheaper than the same "quality" hotel rooms. In fact, it could easily be just 1/2 the price. The trade off is that many (but not all) require you to stay a week. Many people like to be "serviced" by the staff at hotels and find the idea that no one will make their bed for them or pick their towels off the floor for them upsetting.
In addition to the significant savings of the lodging itself, you can save a similar amount by using the kitchen provided and making some of your own meals. The six of you could easily spend $200 for a restaurant meal, or make your own for $30 or so. You do the math. But again, many people find the idea of grocery shopping and cooking on vacation repulsive. I find it charming.....
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
With so many people, I would opt for an apartment. When my son was studying in London, our family visited him for a week. We were a total of six people and rented a beautiful flat in London. While there are pros and cons to hotel/apt rental, I found the apartment rental to be great for us. It was nice waking up in the morning and having breakfast together in the kitchen before a day of sightseeing. Not to mention the evenings spent over a bottle of wine, playing cards.
On our next trip to Europe (Italy this time,) we also rented an apartment (only four this time.) For me, it's apartments hands down over hotels. Not to mention the cost saving factor!
Posted by
Everett, WA
1299 posts
An apartment will save you money. When we traveled with another couple, we found it cheaper to rent 2 bedroom apartments that to each get a hotel room in several cities (including Rome). We just rented for 3 nights. As was pointed out above, you do not get any type of cleaning service and there is no one to get information or ask questions. (Our landlady dropped off our key and we never saw her again). We used Cross-pollinate.com, but there are many sites that rent apartments. Having an extra living space (living room, dining room, etc) is very nice when you travel in a group.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
I'd definitely opt for an apartment. In Rome, you may be able to find a place that will rent by the day if you don't want to spend a whole week there. We were able to find one in Dublin this summer that rented by the day. It'll be cheaper and give you more room to stretch out.
You can try doing a Google search on "Rome vacation apartments", or someone else on here may have another site that worked for them. I've found vrbo and Homelidays to be expensive.
Posted by
Malaga, Malaga, Spain
410 posts
Definately an apartment but it might be a bit difficult to find one which sleeps that many people. Check out the size of the apartment and the number of real beds/bedrooms vs sofa beds, beds on mezzanine floors etc.
Not only will it be cheaper but it will give everyone a chance for some together time as well as privacy. It is likely the older ones may wish to spend a little more time in the apartment during the day.
Check out the many reviews on www.slowtrav.com