Rome Apartment #155
Vaticano / Via Angelo Emo

May 2013

The quality of the apartment is good. We miss rags of kitchen as well as few towels

March 2013

The apartment has lots of space and is very near to the Valle Aurelia train and metro station. We enjoyed our stay very much!

December 2012

appartement spacieux et confortable à proximité des infrastructures de transport permettant de se rendre facilement sur les lieux de visite 

October 2012

The apartment is good and safe, close to metro, which makes you stay authentic (no tourists), but in no time you can reach the attractions of Rome.

We travelled with our 3 kids (0, 5, 7), and the apt. was big enogh to all of us. But the living room really needs some new and more comfortable furnitures. After walking around in the streets of Rome, the furnitures are poor and almost impossible to relax in.
The kitchen is not prepared for cooking - almost no space at the areas around the stove, and there was a lack of pots and cutlery. We missed a dishwasher.
The balcony was so small (1x2) and dark, and we wondered, who could have use of that. 
Good and stable WIFI.
Close to supermarket, which was good and assorted.

October 2012

Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt. Die Wohnung war gut eingerichtet und sehr sauber.
Die U-Bahn-Station lag nur 5 Min. entfernt und innerhalb von 15 Min. war man im Zentrum.
Wir können den Service von Citiesreference und auch die Wohnung unbedingt weiterempfehlen.
Es war wunderbar.
Rita

October 2012

Die Wohnung ist gut und zweckmäßig eingerichtet. Es ist alles vorhanden. Die Übergabe war unkompliziert und der Kontakt sehr nett. Die Wohnung war sauber. Sie ist super gelegen und gut mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln zu erreichen. Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, Restaurant etc. in der Nähe. Der Petersplatz ist gut fußläufig zu erreichen. Wir hatten dort einen tollen Aufenthalt und haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt. Jederzeit gern wieder.

June 2012

If keys weren't so confusing we would rate it a 5.

June 2012

Unfortunately, our experience was not so good. The location was not bad, and was close to two metros. The space was fine but noisy and the apartment should have been cleaner.
On the service side we had most issues. First the person that was supposed to meet us to give us the key was 45 min late so we had to sit outside the building and wait.Then when she showed us the apartment, she was rude and abrupt. When i asked questions about the washing machine she was not very helpful and when I asked about the air conditioning she first told me that she did not think there was any air conditioning. I told her I confirmed that I specifically booked to ensure I had air. She was very annoyed and said nobody had ever asked this before. She called the owner and they explained to her how it worked. 
She then showed us but again was very annoyed by the request. After she left we found some very clear typed instructions on how to use the air conditioner, so she obviously did not know the apartment very well!

There were three of us staying in apt and there were two single beds and one King size. We were three women. A few hours after she left we decided to take a nap and when we turned down the cover of one bed, there were no sheets. I called her and she was very nasty and it took about 10 minutes for me to explain that we were each sleeping in seperate beds and the 3rd bed needed sheets. She told me there were sheets in one of the drawers in the dresser. She was very mean when i told her that the sheets did not include a pillow case. I finally just hung up. I wound up having to wrap a sheet around the pillow in order to use it.
Overall the apt was OK but the person performing the check-in was so nasty it made the experience bad. i would recomend she take lessons in customer service. On a positive note, when i needed to call  the office to let them know that the shower was not draining properly the person at the rental agency's office was extremely helpful, and got a service person there within the hour and he fixed the problem promptly.

Hi Judy, we really appreciate your feedback! The agent performing has posted an answer:
Agent
I am very dismayed and disappointed by what happened, a series of events have made it with incomprehension that our meeting has taken a bad turn since the beginning
I'm in the field several years and has never been my habit to be rude to customers and it pains me that you have thought the opposite
It did not seem inappropriate my behavior towards you, but perhaps because of stress I had a reaction to you was rude
I offer my deepest apologies, I thank you for your words that made me grow up professionally and further hope that this experience would be forgotten

April 2012

appart tres bien, mais manque d'ustensiles de cuisine

April 2012

good apartment

March 2012

Propre, bien situé près du Métro, dans un quartier tranquille. Nous avons bien aimé. Le seul problème rencontré: la cafetière ne fonctionnait pas. Facile à corriger. Le recommanderait.

February 2012

Good  and very clean appartment. Well situated and at a good distance of the centre of the city.
Bus and  Metro  very nearby.

February 2012

We had a  lovely stay at the apartment, which was really close to the metro.  We found it quite quiet, and in a nice area with a supermarket and restaurant just down the road.  The apartment was great, but there were several little things that could be done to improve it.  We were four adults, and would have liked another armchair, some wine glasses, and perhaps a list of where the local buses went to. We would definitely stay there again, and would recommend it to our friends. 

December 2011

I was very pleased with this apartment despite certain things that need to be adjusted. The location is excellent for those who want to be in the city center quickly but prefer a more local residential experience (like us). As others mentioned the neighborhood is complete with easy acces to metro, parking, groceries, centro storico, GRA (for those driving), banks, hair salons...... essentially anything one would need.

The apartment has a kitchenette (the cork screw was broken so I bought and left a new one as well as a larger sautee pan), a well appointed bathroom with a separate tub and shower, bidet, toilet, pedestal sink. The sink needs to be recaulked to adhere to the wall and the shower water handle needs repair (falls off) but the shower works well and the water pressure was great. However, the hot water supply was insufficient as only one shower could be taken for the morning even with keeping it shut off and only on for rinsing. We needed to alternate one person got a morning shower and one at night - we did get our rythym with this but a bit more generous of a setting on the hot water heater would have been nice. The apartment heat worked well.

There is a clothes washer that works well though it did leak on a couple of occasions. There is a room with a rack for drying clothes. Loads of storage and drawers to unpack into and the rooms were good size.

The furniture is definitely "economy" level but in good shape and comfortable.

I read other reviewers having no trouble with the wifi and though the password got my computer connected there was no functionality for any of my computers (Mac laptop pro, iPads, iPhones including the iPhone of my cousin who lives in Rome). I went out and bought an internet key for my laptop and a scheda for my ipad which also would not work in the apartment but worked perfectly outside of the apartment and complex. I really am not sure what the issue was.

Plenty of towels supplied and the apartment felt very clean and well thought out. The agency was very professional and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend this apartment and Roman Reference.

December 2011

me and my family we staied in this apartment and we liked it so much.
It's very comfortable, warm and well equipped.
Therefore it's very centrally located as the position of the building is just in front of the Vatican Museums and it's at only 5 minutes walk to the S.Peter's Square.
From the apartment you can walk and reach all the most touristic sights in Rome.
We will stay there again.
Thanks.

October 2011

The apartment was exactly as described. It had plenty of room for the four of us and was very clean. We were able to easily get to the metro, restaurants and market in the neighborhood. Thank you. I tell everyone who travels to rome about Roman Reference!

April 2011

We (two adults, two kids) stayed at this apartment for a week, and we would definitely stay there again.  It was clean and had plenty of space for suitcases if you like to live out of your suitcases and plenty of space in drawers and cabinets if you like to unpack. There is an extra room/large closet with even more storage. We left the large drying rack open in that room to dry towels on. Towels are large bath sheets. There are also smaller towels provided. As with most places in Europe, if you want wash cloths, pack them yourself. The beds are comfortable. The fixtures are all relatively new and the whole apartment looks like it was furnished at IKEA. There’s a large, full-length mirror in the master bedroom and another full-length mirror in the hallway. The second bedroom also has a large mirror.

The bathroom has a tub and a separate shower with a large sink, toilet, and bidet. There is a convenient shelf mounted on the wall near the sink, and there are sets of hooks near the sink and shower. The hair dryer is mounted to the wall near the bathroom sink. It is not very powerful or hot. You might want to consider packing a hairdryer if that is a concern. The water pressure was great. We didn’t have any problems with the hot water, though we took pretty quick showers.

The washing machine works, but is very small. There is no dryer. The clothes coming out of the machine are quite wet, so plan plenty of drying time.

The heat worked well. We didn’t need air conditioning.

The kitchen has a large refrigerator and freezer. There is a gas stove top, but no oven. The microwave sits on top of the refrigerator. The coffee pot works well and takes cone filters size #4. There were a few filters when we got there, but we ran out on the last day couldn’t find any coffee filters in any of the grocery stores we went to (ended up filtering through a paper towel). I’d recommend packing some coffee filters.

WiFi: There’s a card on the shelf by the couch with the wifi password on it. You don’t need to enter the bottom line on the card for the password. It worked fine for our netbook and the kids’ Ipod Touches.

Phone: The phone in the apartment is a regular phone, not a pay phone. You can make local calls on it. If you want to receive calls from someone, the phone number for that phone is printed on the phone.

Safety and atmosphere: We felt perfectly safe in the neighborhood. Don’t let the graffiti on the metal window blinds across the street throw you off. This apartment complex is very nice and the neighbors going in and out were quiet and well dressed. I saw mostly older people coming and going, but did see some kids playing on the soccer field and tennis courts in the afternoons. The complex is impeccably maintained and spotlessly clean. To get into the apartment you have to first pass through a locked gate at the street, then through a locked door into the building, then a locked door that opens to this apartment and another vacation apartment, then through the locked apartment door.

Location: The apartment is on the west side of the Vatican and between two Metro stations. It’s practically across the street from the Valle Aurelia Metro and train station. To get to the apartment from that station, follow the sign for Via Angelo Emo as you exit the station. Go all the way out to the street and turn left. Walk down the sidewalk to the crosswalk in front of the old train trestle that looks like an old aqueduct. When you cross the street, you’ll be at a little gas station. The apartment building is the first building past this gas station. If you’re going to the metro from the apartment, just reverse the directions. Walk as far as the metro sign before you go into the subway station unless you want to take a train instead of the subway. The Cipro station is about a 5 -7 minute walk in the other direction. You can just walk down Via Angelo Emo until you see the Metro sign and walk toward it. There are several bus stops along Via Angelo Emo, but we mostly used the metro.  Only took the bus in other parts of town.

Groceries, etc: There is a Conad Supermarket about 3- 5 minutes’ walk to the right from the apartment. They have just about everything you’ll need (except coffee filters) and the staff is very friendly. The hours are 8am-8pm Monday –Saturday and 8am-1pm on Sunday. Get there early for the fresh bread. There’s a doughnut/pastry shop, in the same area and also a bakery/deli, fresh fruit and vegetable “store” (fruit piled outside the building and in an open space inside.)

Restaurants: Most of the restaurants in this area don’t open until at least 7 pm. There is a place called La Scallet (or something like it) that serves pasta and pizza at the Piazza Di Santa Maria Delle Grazie by the steps to the Vatican (see below) that is open in the afternoon. We ate there once and the food was just okay. Nothing to talk about when you get home. We ended up cooking something simple most nights because the kids were so tired and we didn’t want to wait.

Map: The map included in the DK Eyewitness Travel Rome book includes the location of this apartment and the metro stations. It’s a great map that got us all over Rome.

Getting to the Vatican: You can walk to the Vatican Museums in about 10-15 minutes. It’s about another 5 -7 minutes to St. Peter’s Square from there. (You can check the bus schedules and get a bus on Via Angelo Emo, but we always felt like walking.) The easiest way to walk is to turn to the right out of the apartment and go down Via Angelo Emo to the Piazza Di Santa Maria Delle Grazie by the Cipro station and take the stairs on the right past the Millenium Gelato shop. At the top of the stairs, turn left and walk until you see the museum entrance across the street. You can see from the map, that you can also continue walking down Via Candia (there are a variety of stores along this stretch of street) and make a few turns to get to the “break” in the Vatican wall on the map. Be aware that you can’t walk through the Vatican. You have to walk around it. The DK map shows what looks like a road labeled Clivo D. Mura Vaticane that cuts from Via Angelo Emo up to the Vatican. It’s really more like a driveway that turns into an incredibly long set of steps. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can find this by turning right out of the apartment and keeping your eyes open for what looks like an alley/driveway on your right. I think there was a street sign carved up high into a building there. If you look down the alley, you’ll see a sign for an “Autoscuola” driving school. Turn down this road and follow it as it turns right to the end. Then you’ll turn left and go up the stairs. At the top of the stairs you can turn left to go to the Vatican Museums or you can turn right to go around the wall to St. Peter’s Square, but to get to St. Peter’s it may be easier to just continue walking past the museum entrance and continue clockwise around the wall to the square. The Viale Vaticano looks easy to follow on the map, but there are actually turns and steps to go up and down that don’t show on the map. We found the steps for the first time coming down from St. Peter’s clockwise around the wall trying to follow the Viale Vaticano. By the way, to follow the Viale Vaticano on foot from St. Peter’s, hug the Vatican wall around until you see a large set of steps on your left. Go down the steps. Turn right. You’ll shortly see another set of steps on your right. Take those steps up and continue following the wall. If you don’t take those steps back up, you’ll end up on Via Aurelia.

March 2011

Just wanted to let you know that we had a great holiday! The apartment was very nice, explanations at check-in were clear. Weather was perfect, Rome was fantastic! What might be of some more help is some suggestions which busses to take to get to some major places; we weren't quite able to find our way through the bus system but that might be our incompetence. And duvets also for the sofabed would be nice. Now we had blankets which were a little less comfortable/easy. And maybe some kind of guestbook in which people can write their experiences and exchange suggestions about sightseeing and restaurants? If we might go back to Rome we will surely check if this apartment is available (very good value for money).

November 2010

Sehr großzügige Räume,sehr gute Betten,, Sehr gute Verkehrsanbindung! Preisleistung klasse!!!

November 2010

We had a wonderful time and found the apartment comfortable and well located. It was very clean, checking in and out was easy. The staff of Roman Reference are all very nice, courteous, and helpful. I would recommend them and this apartment.

October 2010

Very close to Metro, apartment clean. Unfortunately, the air conditioner didn't work until 3rd day. No written instructions for washer but otherwise, enjoyable. I would rent the same apartment again.

September 2010

good location, for cars arriving give indication : "right at bridge". Mattress in double room a bit worn out.

August 2010

Great Service. Great Location.

August 2010

Great Apartment in a fantastic location, we loved the local area.

August 2010

Great Apartment

August 2010

MUCH MORE THAN EXPECTED! PLENTY OF ROOM AND VERY CLEAN. CLOSE TO NEIGHBORHOOD STORES. HOPING TO RETURN NEXT YEAR AND WILL REQUEST SAME APARTMENT.

August 2010

Love it. ( shower leaks)

July 2010

All you read about this apartment is true, and is even understated! Effectively there is a/c in all the rooms. Decent pots, pans, plates etc, and spotless. This is a gated secure block with its own lovely mature garden with permanent shade with kids' area, table tennis, small football ground, and well-tended green areas (apart from the tennis court, which is the only part for which you pay extra to book ) that are a pleasure and a relaxation to come 'home' to, even in a Roman July. We found the third pizzeria on Via Angelo Emo (the main road) walking towards the Vatican Museum gates (restaurant is in front of a newish brick church on a square) to be the best value for money, with a very decent Margerita for 4 Euro and other plates to match. Next to the Conad supermarket there is a fruit wholesaler with slashed prices in the evening. We loved every minute of it. Sandro Spiteri, Malta.

May 2010

Convenient fantastic staff. Safe area. Very good experience with Roman Reference. Thank you.

April 2010

optimale Ausgangslage für alle Sehenswürdigeiten, gute Verkehrs- und Versorgungsanbindung, etwas laut, da direkt an der Valle Aurelia gelegen

April 2010

Sehr Gut. Danke

March 2010

The apartment is very nice and just as described on this site. We chose it over other apartments because it offered Internet access which turned out to be fast, reliable, and easy to use. With the metro stop just about a block and a half away, it was easy to get to any part of the city quickly, and then return to this non-touristy neighborhood at the end of the day. I will recommend this apartment and Roman Reference to my friends.

February 2010

Appartement trés bien situé dans quartier calme avec sortie de métro et commerces à proximité. Possibilité de se stationner dans un parking gratuit de l'autre côté de la rue.

January 2010

Excellent place, clean, efficent. Everything was perfect.. Enzo has been excellent for us. Thank you

October 2009

Very close to a metro station and near several nice restaurants. It would have been nice if a clock radio with an alarm was in one of the bedrooms.

September 2009

We stayed here for over a week in 2009 and loved the place. Quiet and very clean and complete. Close to the Vatican. The bus and metro stations too. Lots of family style restaurants, bakeries and a supermarket within 5 minutes. Loved the Roman Reference.com staff too, very professional and helpful! Would definitely stay here again.

September 2009

We stayed at Apartment number 155 for 6 nights and were very happy with everything. If you look at the site, the photos don't do justice to the apartment ... the place is very spacious, two bedrooms, a large and very clean bathroom,fully equipped kitchen with new appliances and a living room with sofa bed.
The apartment has free wi-fi which was excellent and convenient. There are two beds in each bedroom, and both very comfortable. There were only 3 of us so we were very happy with the arrangements. The apartment is also very convenient, it's in the quiet and safe Vatican area -- just ten minutes walk to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, maybe 15 minutes to St. Peter's Square. Cipro Metro station which connects you to the center is just a five minute walk away. We bought all our groceries at the Conad Supermercato which is two blocks away. There are small family run restaurants in the area serving very good and reasonable food and a lovely little bakery selling the nicest cream and chocolate filled pastries. They open after lunch till late at night and a chocolate croissant, fresh from the oven, was a great midnight snack. Gelateria Millennium is down the road, and right across is the Maria delle Grazie. Apart from enjoying Apartment 155, we were also very impressed with the people of Roman Reference. Ms. Paola Sperati was very helpful from the time I contacted them to the time I booked the apartment. She very patiently took me through the many choices they offered and recommended this apartment which she said best suited our needs. The keyholder who let us into the place (at midnight!) -- Enzo, was very professional, very thorough in his "orientation" and helpful and friendly.
I found Roman Reference through the Internet and I am very glad I booked my vacation apartment with them. I would recommend them to everyone and will certainly use them again the next time I visit Rome!

September 2009

Very clean, complete utensils, appliances in working order. Clean bathroom, bedroom, comfortable bed. Nice clean towels. Very good neighborhood, close to bus, metro, supermarket. Paola very helpful from the very start. Made very good recommendations which fit our needs. Enzo very helpful and through in his turn-over. Just one thing: perhaps the tv could have English channels, even if only CNN for English speaking guests. Grazie!

September 2009

Apt was great. We were extremaly delighted. It was more than we expected

August 2009

We didn't know that the italian standard for electricity was only 3MW and that consequently we couldn't make work the A/C and the electric water heater together.

July 2009

We really enjoyed everything about the apartment. It was very clean and had a well stocked kitchen for cooking. The apartment was also very conveniently located across the street from the train station. Enzo, the key holder from Roman Reference was very friendly and professional.

May 2009

It is well located, close to a subway station and a bus stop. However, one night we tried for two hours to open the door, the lock just wouldn't open. We kept trying and eventually it opened. Other than this situation, the apartment was great.