How to find and rent your perfect Vacation Apartment in Rome, Italy | About Rome Apartment Vacation Rentals
You need an average 7.30min of your time to book. First search HERE for apartments in Rome by entering your selected dates and number of guests. You will get a list of Available/Instant Booking apartments or On Request/Tentatively available apartments in Rome. Once you've identified the right apartment for you, please read the description carefully. The first part under the calendar called 'Apartment Description' must be used only for the search because it's not detailed. The detailed description below will tell you exactly where the amenities are (ie: the air conditioned is only in the bedroom or the washer is in the courtyard in common with another apartment, etc). Then watch the video if there is one and read the tourists' reviews. Once you've done this and you're ready to proceed please click on 'Book' and follow the 3-step procedure, which will take only a 2-3 minutes. If the property you have chosen is an Instant Booking you can book it online. If it's an On Request, the owner will automatically be notified and required to confirm availability within one business day. If you don't want to wait please contact our customer service at info@romanreference.com to have the booking canceled and book an 'instant apartment' instead.
Instant booking apartments can be booked and paid for online, an easy process that only takes a few minutes. On request apartments can be booked and paid only after the apartment's owner confirmed availability.
A booking is considered secured upon receipt of the down payment.
Getting to the apartment: If you arrive by train, you will find buses and taxis (only use licensed, metered taxis) outside the train station.
If you arrive by plane, you can reach the city center by train and/or bus (see transportation in Rome). You can also ask our office to arrange transportation in a private car for you, which will make your arrival procedure easier in many ways, but will cost you just short of double the taxi flat fare (taxi flat fare is 40 euro from Fiumicino and 30 euro from Ciampino airport for rides to the city center, i.e., to a location within the ancient Aurelian walls of Rome). If we arrange a private car for you, a driver will collect you right when you leave the baggage claim area and take you to the apartment.
Arranging the check-in appointment: To make sure someone will be waiting for you at your apartment, please call the owner/key-holder of the apartment at the numbers previously provided to you via e-mail. If you arrive by plane, please call after you claimed your baggage. If you arrive by train or by car, please call 1 hour before you arrive at the apartment or as soon as you are able to thereafter. If you travel late Please Note: There is a late arrival fee of 20 euro after 8,30pm and of 30 euro after 10,30pm.
Check-in procedure: The owner/keyholder will meet you at the apartment. If you don’t see him/her outside, please ring the door bell indicated on your confirmation voucher. The owner/keyholder will lead you to the apartment and show you how everything works. You will be given information sheets, and he/she (NOT the chauffeur!) will collect the balance of the rental fee, if not already paid in full, as well as any security deposits. You will get a receipt and receive the keys. Please also see Damage Deposits
If you arrive by plane, you can reach the city center by train and/or bus (see transportation in Rome). You can also ask our office to arrange transportation in a private car for you, which will make your arrival procedure easier in many ways, but will cost you just short of double the taxi flat fare (taxi flat fare is 40 euro from Fiumicino and 30 euro from Ciampino airport for rides to the city center, i.e., to a location within the ancient Aurelian walls of Rome). If we arrange a private car for you, a driver will collect you right when you leave the baggage claim area and take you to the apartment.
Arranging the check-in appointment: To make sure someone will be waiting for you at your apartment, please call the owner/key-holder of the apartment at the numbers previously provided to you via e-mail. If you arrive by plane, please call after you claimed your baggage. If you arrive by train or by car, please call 1 hour before you arrive at the apartment or as soon as you are able to thereafter. If you travel late Please Note: There is a late arrival fee of 20 euro after 8,30pm and of 30 euro after 10,30pm.
Check-in procedure: The owner/keyholder will meet you at the apartment. If you don’t see him/her outside, please ring the door bell indicated on your confirmation voucher. The owner/keyholder will lead you to the apartment and show you how everything works. You will be given information sheets, and he/she (NOT the chauffeur!) will collect the balance of the rental fee, if not already paid in full, as well as any security deposits. You will get a receipt and receive the keys. Please also see Damage Deposits
Check-in time is noon, check-out time is no later then 10 am. If you're planning on arriving or leaving at different times, please make sure to add this information when placing the booking.The check-in appointment is very important. We need to know your arrival details at least one week prior to your arrival in Rome. We ask that you contact the keyholder immediately should there be any itinerary change or delays to your trip to Rome. At the moment of booking you receive an email with all details and phone numbers to call. Please ensure you receive it (sometimes it ends up in the spam box) and otherwise ask us to resend it.
If you travel late Please Note: There is a late arrival fee of 20 euro after 8,30pm and of 30 euro after 10,30pm.
If you travel late Please Note: There is a late arrival fee of 20 euro after 8,30pm and of 30 euro after 10,30pm.
No, you're free to check into your Rome apartment rental any day of the week.
The down payment is, depending on your payment method and on our agreement with the owner of the apartment you are booking, between 15 and 30% of the grand total you find posted on the web site when booking. It is used for us to reserve the apartment for you and refunded or withhold as per our cancellation fee.
Your down payment applies solely to your rent, and there are no hidden fees.
You can pay it by credit card, bank wire or PayPal. Costs of bank wires, if applicable, will have to be covered by the sender. Otherwise, unlike many of our competitors, we don't charge any extra fees for down payments via credit card or PayPal.
Please Note: If you pay the down payment by credit card, you will always pay less than 30%. If you cancel two weeks or longer before your arrival, this payment will cover your liability or be refunded. If you cancel last minute, you will be liable for 30% of the rental fee and may be charged the difference. As you can see in the review published on our blog, our Cancellation Policy is one of the best in the market and in most cases (72.3%) down payments get refunded in full.
The balance can be paid either in cash (Euro) upon arrival at the apartment after check-in is completed or by bank wire at least one month prior to arrival. No other payment methods are accepted for the balance.
Your down payment applies solely to your rent, and there are no hidden fees.
You can pay it by credit card, bank wire or PayPal. Costs of bank wires, if applicable, will have to be covered by the sender. Otherwise, unlike many of our competitors, we don't charge any extra fees for down payments via credit card or PayPal.
Please Note: If you pay the down payment by credit card, you will always pay less than 30%. If you cancel two weeks or longer before your arrival, this payment will cover your liability or be refunded. If you cancel last minute, you will be liable for 30% of the rental fee and may be charged the difference. As you can see in the review published on our blog, our Cancellation Policy is one of the best in the market and in most cases (72.3%) down payments get refunded in full.
The balance can be paid either in cash (Euro) upon arrival at the apartment after check-in is completed or by bank wire at least one month prior to arrival. No other payment methods are accepted for the balance.
Upon check-in, you will be required to pay a damage deposit equal to half of the rent. This deposit is meant to guarantee that you will take responsibility for any damages you cause to your apartment in Rome.
If you are renting for less than 4 weeks and don't want to pay this amount in cash, most apartment owners will accept a signed credit card slip that will not be charged unless the apartment or its furniture are damaged. A tiny minority of owners may require part of the deposit in cash (150 to max 300 euro). Please enquire with us before arrival.
If you are renting for 4 weeks or longer, most owners will require the damage deposit be paid in cash or by bank wire. The deposit is paid back to you, minus your use of utilities, within two weeks after check-out via bank wire.
The damage deposit is not included in your rent.
Please Note: We understand some guests' concerns about the return of the damage deposit. Therefore, we like to assure you that it has never happened to us since 1997 that an owner held on the damage deposit or part of it without the tenant's agreement. Should a case like this arise in the future, we will take active part in defending the party offended and make sure the owner is fully respectful of the guest's rights.
If you are renting for less than 4 weeks and don't want to pay this amount in cash, most apartment owners will accept a signed credit card slip that will not be charged unless the apartment or its furniture are damaged. A tiny minority of owners may require part of the deposit in cash (150 to max 300 euro). Please enquire with us before arrival.
If you are renting for 4 weeks or longer, most owners will require the damage deposit be paid in cash or by bank wire. The deposit is paid back to you, minus your use of utilities, within two weeks after check-out via bank wire.
The damage deposit is not included in your rent.
Please Note: We understand some guests' concerns about the return of the damage deposit. Therefore, we like to assure you that it has never happened to us since 1997 that an owner held on the damage deposit or part of it without the tenant's agreement. Should a case like this arise in the future, we will take active part in defending the party offended and make sure the owner is fully respectful of the guest's rights.
RomanReference can accept credit card payments while the apartment owners cannot. Therefore credit card payments are accepted only for the down payment.
In case you made a down payment of less than 30% with a credit card and cancel the booking at the last minute (two weeks or less prior to arrival), you may be asked to make an additional payment to the owner for the difference to cover the cancellation fee (30% of the total rental price). The booking confirmation you receive after you made the down payment specifies the amounts due in case of last minute cancellation.
Please note that 72.3% of cancellations made one month prior to arrival get refunded in full. See our Cancellation Policy.
Some owners may accept PayPal or Google Checkout payments, which would make credit card payments possible. If it is necessary for you to pay by credit card you may want to inquire before placing your booking.
In case you made a down payment of less than 30% with a credit card and cancel the booking at the last minute (two weeks or less prior to arrival), you may be asked to make an additional payment to the owner for the difference to cover the cancellation fee (30% of the total rental price). The booking confirmation you receive after you made the down payment specifies the amounts due in case of last minute cancellation.
Please note that 72.3% of cancellations made one month prior to arrival get refunded in full. See our Cancellation Policy.
Some owners may accept PayPal or Google Checkout payments, which would make credit card payments possible. If it is necessary for you to pay by credit card you may want to inquire before placing your booking.
VAT stands for Value Added Tax, which is a tax system used all over Europe. The tax is included in the total rental cost indicated on your search results. You will not be charged any additional VAT or other taxes.
Most owners will accept a bank wire for the balance if executed at least one month prior to arrival. A minority of owners may accept PayPal or Google check-out payments, making therefore credit card payments possible. If this is of importance to you, please enquire before placing the booking.
In terms of amenities all you see posted in the detailed description. Heating and basic amenities (from WC to mattresses) are always included even if not specified in the descritption.
In terms of rental fee 97% of our clients don't pay one extra dime on top of the posted price, which includes:
- Gas, heating, water, and electricity expenses up to 50 Euro at Italian energy market price for rentals shorter than 4 weeks.
(Any use exceeding the above allowance will be paid per unit used. You'll be instructed on how to check the meters upon check-in. Please Note: Only 1 client in 10 staying up to 9 nights pays any difference upon check-out. Even if you stay for 3 or 4 weeks, it is very easy to stay within the allowance just by being a little wary with your use of energy. And it helps the environment too!)
- All taxes and expenses.
- Check-in and check-out.
- Linens, towels, and kitchen appliances.
- Cleaning after you leave including laundry but excluding kitchen utensils and materials. (You will, however, be expected to leave the apartment in reasonably clean condition.)
In terms of rental fee 97% of our clients don't pay one extra dime on top of the posted price, which includes:
- Gas, heating, water, and electricity expenses up to 50 Euro at Italian energy market price for rentals shorter than 4 weeks.
(Any use exceeding the above allowance will be paid per unit used. You'll be instructed on how to check the meters upon check-in. Please Note: Only 1 client in 10 staying up to 9 nights pays any difference upon check-out. Even if you stay for 3 or 4 weeks, it is very easy to stay within the allowance just by being a little wary with your use of energy. And it helps the environment too!)
- All taxes and expenses.
- Check-in and check-out.
- Linens, towels, and kitchen appliances.
- Cleaning after you leave including laundry but excluding kitchen utensils and materials. (You will, however, be expected to leave the apartment in reasonably clean condition.)
In terms of amenities please don't assume that amenities such as elevator, air conditioned, internet, washer and/or dryer, tv or phone line will be in the apartment if they're not included in the detailed description. Please use the search engine to visualize only apartments featuring those amenities.
In terms of rental fee the price posted does not include any extra services:
Non local or mobile outgoing phone calls, unless otherwise noted on the apartment description.
Utility expenses exceeding 50 Euro, cost and measurement procedures are explained upon check in (over 95% of clients staying less than 9 days don't go over this allowance, it just requires a little awareness to keep the use below the limit).
Cleaning during the stay and extra linen change.
Extra people in the apartment above the number you booked for.
Carriage service, cloak rooms, or exceptional services.
Late arrivals.
In terms of rental fee the price posted does not include any extra services:
Non local or mobile outgoing phone calls, unless otherwise noted on the apartment description.
Utility expenses exceeding 50 Euro, cost and measurement procedures are explained upon check in (over 95% of clients staying less than 9 days don't go over this allowance, it just requires a little awareness to keep the use below the limit).
Cleaning during the stay and extra linen change.
Extra people in the apartment above the number you booked for.
Carriage service, cloak rooms, or exceptional services.
Late arrivals.
Sure! Most owners will accept bookings for a minimum of 3 nights, a few may even accept two nights bookings. Whatever shows up on your search results is available or tentatively available. However bookings are best made for at least 7 nights because the price per night falls sharply. This is because owners have many costs that do not change with the duration of your stay (cleaning, check in and out, coordination and back office costs, contract fees from other agencies, etc.).
Nightly basis is, of course, very welcome also for more than 7 nights at the discounted weekly rate and if you go over 14 nights you'll get a further discount (generally 10% on the weekly fee); over a month most owners grant very large discounts (generally 25% discount on the weekly fee). Discounts are automatically calculated by our software and the results are already discounted when you see them, you'll only be able to notice the nightly price difference if you test the calculation inputing different dates; however rest assured, the longer you rent for, the less you pay per night.
Nightly basis is, of course, very welcome also for more than 7 nights at the discounted weekly rate and if you go over 14 nights you'll get a further discount (generally 10% on the weekly fee); over a month most owners grant very large discounts (generally 25% discount on the weekly fee). Discounts are automatically calculated by our software and the results are already discounted when you see them, you'll only be able to notice the nightly price difference if you test the calculation inputing different dates; however rest assured, the longer you rent for, the less you pay per night.
Please see on Roman Reference blog how does our Cancellation Policy compares to the competition.
The details of our Cancelation Policy are:
1- You cancel your booking and your dates are rented to another party. You will be refunded in full.
2- You cancel your booking two weeks or longer prior to arrival and your dates remain vacant. You lose your down payment only (15 to 29% depending on the apartment).
3- You cancel your booking last minute and your dates remain vacant. You are requested to pay 30% of the total rental fee (ie: down payment + any difference there may be).
4- Cancellations during the stay no entitlement to a refund of any paid amounts unless owner gave cause to the cancellation.
5- Reductions of the number of nights are not allowed. You will be free to add nights only if the apartment is available.
In case of 6- Change in the number of People in your party, the price of your rental must be fixed on the max number of people you reach in any given period of your stay.
The details of our Cancelation Policy are:
1- You cancel your booking and your dates are rented to another party. You will be refunded in full.
2- You cancel your booking two weeks or longer prior to arrival and your dates remain vacant. You lose your down payment only (15 to 29% depending on the apartment).
3- You cancel your booking last minute and your dates remain vacant. You are requested to pay 30% of the total rental fee (ie: down payment + any difference there may be).
4- Cancellations during the stay no entitlement to a refund of any paid amounts unless owner gave cause to the cancellation.
5- Reductions of the number of nights are not allowed. You will be free to add nights only if the apartment is available.
In case of 6- Change in the number of People in your party, the price of your rental must be fixed on the max number of people you reach in any given period of your stay.
Prior to Arrival Roman Reference' software guarantees no over-bookings. Still in the case of unpredictable events that would make the apartment booked unavailable, we will refund entirely the down payment or find an alternative apartment of the same or better quality and value.
During the Rental: The owners of the apartments will do all in their power to fix problems that may arise during your stay. The owner of your Rome apartment is responsible to provide you with an apartment in working order and to provide her best help in case of emergencies. However she/he cannot be held responsible for problems that weren't caused and are unsolvable by her own action, such as adverse weather conditions, interruption in the supply of water, electricity, gas or telecommunication; construction in other properties or on public areas nearby, etc.
Fixable problems relating to the owner's property (e.g.: not a leak from the neighbour or street work, etc.) that fail to be fixed by the owners or their representatives within one business day from the reception of your notice (e-mail or phone call will do) will entitle you to obtain from the owner a refund ranging from 20% to 50% of the rental fee for the number of nights spent with the problem. If a main problem to the rented apartment or its amenities can't be fixed within one business day, you will 1. be offered a discount if you decide to stay, 2. given the option to switch apartments if we have alternatives available that are acceptable and convenient to you, or 3. have the right to a full refund for the nights you cancel and leave the apartment.
During the Rental: The owners of the apartments will do all in their power to fix problems that may arise during your stay. The owner of your Rome apartment is responsible to provide you with an apartment in working order and to provide her best help in case of emergencies. However she/he cannot be held responsible for problems that weren't caused and are unsolvable by her own action, such as adverse weather conditions, interruption in the supply of water, electricity, gas or telecommunication; construction in other properties or on public areas nearby, etc.
Fixable problems relating to the owner's property (e.g.: not a leak from the neighbour or street work, etc.) that fail to be fixed by the owners or their representatives within one business day from the reception of your notice (e-mail or phone call will do) will entitle you to obtain from the owner a refund ranging from 20% to 50% of the rental fee for the number of nights spent with the problem. If a main problem to the rented apartment or its amenities can't be fixed within one business day, you will 1. be offered a discount if you decide to stay, 2. given the option to switch apartments if we have alternatives available that are acceptable and convenient to you, or 3. have the right to a full refund for the nights you cancel and leave the apartment.
Discounts: Most owners also apply discounts, up to 35% for rentals longer than 2 weeks. Last Minute discounts range from 5 to 35% off the base price.
LOWER COST: Staying longer than 3 nights will lower the nightly fee up to a 40%.
The number of People may affect the price up to a 30% difference for the same dates. Seasonal fees can make you spare up to a 40% if you visit Rome in November rather than for New Year's Eve or Easter.
All of the above will be calculated automatically by the search engine, discounts are not shown, but you can test the difference by changing the dates and/or the number of people in your search results.
LOWER COST: Staying longer than 3 nights will lower the nightly fee up to a 40%.
The number of People may affect the price up to a 30% difference for the same dates. Seasonal fees can make you spare up to a 40% if you visit Rome in November rather than for New Year's Eve or Easter.
All of the above will be calculated automatically by the search engine, discounts are not shown, but you can test the difference by changing the dates and/or the number of people in your search results.
First and most importantly, the apartments rented through us are for your exclusive use. You're not going to share the hall, the kitchen or the bathroom with anybody other than your own group or family.
As far as hotels are concerned, there are two issues to be considered: Costs and Services. COSTS: The cost for hotels in Rome for one night in a double room in 2007 averaged 143 euro (Source: Hotel Price Index/Hotels.com). The average cost per person for one night in one of our apartments in Rome center is 42,00 euro. This not only saves you money on the accommodation, but you also save on eating in restaurants and you have more space than in a hotel room. SERVICES: We list apartments all over Rome's ancient center. The apartments are NOT located in one building, making a 'front desk' service impossible. This is one reason why making and keeping your check-in appointment is crucial. Our office is the service center for you, operating from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. In case of an emergency, we can be reached by mobile phones, but cannot ensure service after business hours. While we are here to help you enjoy your holiday, please understand this is NOT a 24-hr hotel service. Renting an apartment in Rome is very much like renting an apartment in your hometown. Apartment-related problems should be reported to us, and we will do our best to assist you. Our assistance cannot be immediate as we are not located in your front hall the way a hotel concierge is. Technically, the owner should be contacted first and only if he/she is delaying or denying service we should be contacted. On the subject of vacation rentals vs. hotel stays, you can also visit: Paris Reference.
As far as hotels are concerned, there are two issues to be considered: Costs and Services. COSTS: The cost for hotels in Rome for one night in a double room in 2007 averaged 143 euro (Source: Hotel Price Index/Hotels.com). The average cost per person for one night in one of our apartments in Rome center is 42,00 euro. This not only saves you money on the accommodation, but you also save on eating in restaurants and you have more space than in a hotel room. SERVICES: We list apartments all over Rome's ancient center. The apartments are NOT located in one building, making a 'front desk' service impossible. This is one reason why making and keeping your check-in appointment is crucial. Our office is the service center for you, operating from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. In case of an emergency, we can be reached by mobile phones, but cannot ensure service after business hours. While we are here to help you enjoy your holiday, please understand this is NOT a 24-hr hotel service. Renting an apartment in Rome is very much like renting an apartment in your hometown. Apartment-related problems should be reported to us, and we will do our best to assist you. Our assistance cannot be immediate as we are not located in your front hall the way a hotel concierge is. Technically, the owner should be contacted first and only if he/she is delaying or denying service we should be contacted. On the subject of vacation rentals vs. hotel stays, you can also visit: Paris Reference.
Vacation Rental: A vacation rental is an apartment furnished expressly to be rented by vacationers for their exclusive use. There is no permanent tenant living in this apartment, and it is rented to people for holiday accommodation only.
Sublet: A sublet is someone's personal apartment currently vacant to be rented by vacationers for their exclusive use. A sublet will be more likely to contain a tenant's personal items such as books, movies, etc., and will generally feel more like a lived-in place.
Sublet: A sublet is someone's personal apartment currently vacant to be rented by vacationers for their exclusive use. A sublet will be more likely to contain a tenant's personal items such as books, movies, etc., and will generally feel more like a lived-in place.
The eco-footprint of an apartment is a ranking system by which we inform our clients of the environmental friendliness of the apartment. A is best, B is average, and C is poor. In general, choosing a category A will help you keep your energy costs within the allowance (if renting for shorter than 4 weeks) or spend less in utilities if renting for longer. More importantly, choosing an A apartment will mean a lesser strain on the environment for the same amount of appliance use.
A double bed is 1,60 m (63 inches) in width, a full bed 1,40 m (55 inches), and a single bed 0,85 m (35 inches). All are 1,90 m long (75 inches). Abbreviations for Double and Single are DBL and SGL.
Bathrooms with open showers do not feature a shower stall and generally drain the water from the bathroom floor directly. That implies that every time you take a shower, you will likely wet the bathroom floor.
By practical bathroom we mean generally a second bathroom too small to be considered a 'real' bathroom, often containing just a toilet, sink, and possibly a bidet.
By practical bathroom we mean generally a second bathroom too small to be considered a 'real' bathroom, often containing just a toilet, sink, and possibly a bidet.
If the water heater is gas-propelled you will be able to take showers for as long as you wish. If the water heater is electric the amount of heated water is limited to the amount of hot water contained in the boiler. Once it is depleted, you will have to wait until water is heated up again.
This concept holds true also for the heating system. If heating comes from a gas boiler in the apartment you will have complete control over it. If heating is centralized you will have heating only at pre-set times during the day depending on the building regulations.
Please do keep in mind that there is an allowance of use per day of roughly 8MC of gas or 20.5KWh per day of electricity. If you go over that limit you will be charged 90c per MC or 35c per KWh. Please enquire with the keyholder upon check-in for details on how to keep track of the meters.
This concept holds true also for the heating system. If heating comes from a gas boiler in the apartment you will have complete control over it. If heating is centralized you will have heating only at pre-set times during the day depending on the building regulations.
Please do keep in mind that there is an allowance of use per day of roughly 8MC of gas or 20.5KWh per day of electricity. If you go over that limit you will be charged 90c per MC or 35c per KWh. Please enquire with the keyholder upon check-in for details on how to keep track of the meters.
When searching for an apartment, you can select DSL Internet Connection in the Optional Search Parameters under Amenities. Over 90% apartments with broadband Internet connection will feature WiFi connectivity, although they will all have Ethernet cable connection. If an apartment offers WiFi connectivity, it is mentioned in the detailed apartment description.
In the rare event that something that is included in your package is missing (e.g., linens, etc.) or should something not work in your Rome apartment, please immediately show the keyholder and/or report it to the contact numbers you have been provided with. Roman Reference will do all in its power to solve every problem, but some may require patience, and service during holidays or after office hours is not granted. Do take note that the apartment's owner is the only person responsible for your rental property. For emergencies, you should always rely on the apartment owner and/or his agent/keyholder. See also Refund Policy for details.