We will be in Rome in March, for about 4 nights, and thought of staying in a self-catering apartment (Since we are a family of 4 with 2 teenagers who need some space). We were considering one in the San Giovani/Appia antiqua area. Then I had a look on Google streetview and the neighborhood looked kind of rough. So, what I want to know is, for our first visit to Rome (we have travelled in Asia, etc), would we be better off staying in a hotel with some concierge help?
And is this area a safe choice? Thank you for your help!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
The San Giovanni area is perfectly safe. You can easily connect to the center via bus or metro. Don't be afraid of graffiti - it's all of the city and it doesn't mean you're in a bad area.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
IMHO, the main problem with that area is that it's a little far from the historic center where the major sights are. Especially since this will be your first time to Rome, I would suggest staying somewhere in the Campo de' Fiori/Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Vittoriano area. That way you have plenty to do/see wandering around in the evening without having to worry about how to get back to your apartment. As for "rough" neighborhoods, there really aren't any that I can think of in Rome if by "rough" you mean unsafe. Some neighborhoods look a little gritty (e.g. Termini), but they're perfectly safe. BTW, if it was graffiti that was scaring you away, be prepared - Rome is COVERED with graffiti virtually everywhere except the Vatican. I choose to think of it as part of its charm. Even Pompeii has 2000 year old graffiti everywhere. :-) Happy travels.
Posted by
Kailua, Hi, USA
54 posts
Hi Shawn, Here's a possibility; http://www.vrbo.com/343766 We're staying there again in May and can recommend it highly. I don't know if it's available for your dates, though.
I think it may fit your needs.
Posted by
Alachua, FL, USA
238 posts
We always rent VRBO 336305 which overlooks Campo dei Fiori and I'm sure your teenagers would love it. It's only a one bedroom but there is a living room with a comfortable sofa and a side room with two chairs which make into two beds. The landlord had the two beds made up and waiting for us when we arrived with daughter and son-in-law with us. I can't imagine a better location or a nicer setup. Tell her Celeste sent you - we'll be going back there for our third stay in March. She also has a two bedroom two bath on the top two floors.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
I'm a committed apartment renter in Rome, although I have stayed a couple of times in Hotels, I just very much prefer having some space to myself. I think with two teenagers it would be ideal. If you are looking for some antiquity to immerse yourselves in on a first trip, check out this place: http://www.vrbo.com/34749. It is surrounded on three sides by the forum/market. My husband and I stayed here this past spring and it has been by far one of the best places I have rented. It's huge and very historical. Just keep the sheer drapes closed as it's also one of the most photographed buildings in the area. The area is very safe as there is a lot of national politicians living in the area (including one in this building) so the police presence is high 24 hours a day and we walked everywhere from here with no issues. Have a good time! This is hands down my favorite place on earth.