| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 48 positive, 0 negative]
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| 06/01/09 |
Positive
|
It is my pleasure to be adding a comment regarding this beautiful and artistic VRBO property in Rome. Our family of 5 stayed in Pietro and Marina's penthouse in April 2009. This was our 3rd VRBO property experience in Europe and by far the best experience in location, but more importantly, in the attentive care we received from our rental hosts before and throughout our 10 days in Rome. The penthouse has a spectacular view of the Coliseum from the upper terrace, especially at sunset. Our family enjoyed many evening appetizers on this lovely plant-filled terrace. The location is perfect for touring all the ancient sites. The metro is 2 blocks away and was very easy to navigate. The neighborhood was very safe and we felt welcomed in the penthouse complex by the permanent residents we met along the way. With ease we walked to the Vatican, Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps from this property. All would agree in my family--the absolute best part of our vacation was the 2 days we took Pietro's tours, it was a priceless experience. Don't hesitate to book a day or two with him...you will not be disappointed in his educational tours. We enjoyed a day in Pompeii and another day in Pisa/Sienna. Pietro is quite the historian and had the unique ability to hold the attention of 3 teenagers...he is an interesting teacher and creative storyteller. Pietro has a world of knowledge in Roman and Etruscan history. Marina was the ultimate hostess! We were warmly greeted by Marina upon arrival and given a thorough tour of the well-stocked and clean penthouse. Also, Marina takes great care in giving tips in and about Rome including maps and a list of recommended restaurants in the neighborhood, as well as, other areas of the city. I know the feeling of trying to decide which VRBO would be the best for your stay in Rome...without any doubt, I highly recommend this property. Enjoy your trip to Bella Roma!
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Marlisa , Kennett Square, PA
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|
| 06/01/09 |
Positive
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We had a wonderful stay at Pietro and Marina's apartment in May. It's everything the listing says and more. Clean and well appointed, comfortable and a great location with great transportation connections, lots of shops, cafe's. restaurants, and some of the best Sicilain gelato in Italy. The kitchen was well supplied and the air conditioning was a blessing. The washer is a huge plus and the stunning terrace begs one to linger over an ice cold bottle of Frascati.
Marina is a delight and got us well settled in and pointed out the best places for buying meats, great cheeses wine and gelato. We were two couples and everyone had plenty of privacy. I'm only sorry that the apartment is already booked for all of next May when we'll be back in Rome. |
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Maggie Flynn, St Louis Mo
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| 11/12/08 |
Positive
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| We will be forever grateful to Pietro and Marina for the hospitality they showed us during our stay. We stayed for five nights and it was beautiful. The ladies in our group started to cry when they saw the view from the terrace. We took two of Pietro's tours and they were unforgettable. His stories of Roman history were priceless. We took other tours while in Italy and his were the ones that we remember most. Apartment was clean and ideally located. Thank you Pietro and Marina! Spero di vedervi ancora. |
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Ryan Nebeker, Ogden Utah
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|
| 08/13/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed here for our honeymoon and absolutely loved it. You can't be the location or the view from the rooftop terrace. It's absolutely amazing! |
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Alexandra Breen & Stephen Otvos, Toronto, Ontario
416.716.5786 |
|
| 08/07/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed in this lovely apartment for four nights at the end of our two week trip to Italy. Our three teenagers thought that it was the best place that we had been to and especially liked the computer with internet access. We enjoyed the evenings on the terrace with the best view in all of Rome. The apartment is very well stocked and clean and we had lots of room to spare. The air conditioning kept us very comfortable. We would not hesitate to recommend this beautiful apartment. |
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Steve and DIane, Farmington Hills, MI |
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| 07/29/08 |
Positive
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We stayed here in April and had the best time. The apartment is clean and easily accommodated all four adults. It is in a great location, with a spectacular view of not only the Coliseum, but you can see all the way to St. Peters. We will definitely be back!
Marina is such a wonderful host, when we arrived she had snacks and wine waiting for us and provided us with maps and a list of great neighborhood restaurants. When she found out that the airline had lost our luggage she gave us directions to some local department stores where we could buy cloths that would not cost a fortune. She even offered to come to the apartment to receive our luggage so we could continue sightseeing! (Marina-we finally got our luggage on our way to Tuscany). When she found out that the guys wanted to catch a soccer (football) game, she had her son call us on our cell to tell us where we could get tickets from.
Marina, thank you so much for your hospitality, you really made our trip to Rome fantastic!
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Sabrina Abney, Dallas, TX
214-557-7480 |
|
| 07/02/08 |
Positive
|
We stayed in this apartment for nine nights in June 2008. It was a memorable experience ... in the very best way!
Before we even arrived, we were very comfortable with Marina's straightforward and clear communication. She answered our many questions patiently and accurately. When we were unable to purchase our train ticket from Milan to Rome due to computer complications, she and Pietro devised a way to do so on our behalf!
The apartment itself was spotlessly clean and well-appointed with many thoughtful details. Pietro studied and lived in the USA for many years, and he has outfitted the apartment with comfort in mind. Marina and Pietro were accommodating, charming and very helpful. They did everything they promised to do, and more.
The view of the Colosseum and St. Peter's is amazing, but I also loved waking up to see the ancient church through the other window. There are shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. We took a tour of ancient Rome with Pietro, and it was one of the most interesting and educational afternoons I have ever spent.
This is truly a very special setting ... not only is the apartment just wonderful, but we also felt supported and at ease in a large, unfamiliar city ... because of the kindness of Marina and Pietro.
I am very happy to be able to share my wonderful experience with you! |
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Anonymous |
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| 05/11/08 |
Positive
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Do not have a moments hesitation in booking this apartment! It is comfortable, bright, clean, and in a great location. The terrace is lovely and the views are stunning.
We did a cooking class with Pietro which was one of our favorite days in Rome.Pietro and Marina are gracious, quite knowledgable and willing to regale you with information about the city. We were there for a week in Jan. 2008 and would most definately stay there again on a return trip to Rome.
Robyn Vorp and Chuck Citrin
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Robyn, Denver Colorado
303 877 6885 |
|
| 04/16/08 |
Positive
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| not a bad place |
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Pietro Ferri, Cambridge. Ma
617.3546989 |
|
| 02/28/08 |
Positive
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We stayed in this apartment for 4 nights in February 2008 and could not have been happier with our choice. Everything that you read in the reviews below is true. You can not find better people than Pietro & Marina to welcome you to Rome and get your vacation off to a great start!! I can not wait for my next visit to Rome so that I can stay here again. Next time I will be sure to make my stay a little longer so that we can go at a slower pace and spend some quality time on the terrace enjoying the magnificent view!
Best Regards,
Jamie, Jake, Rosa, David & Maria Briana |
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Jamie Egan, Framingham, MA
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Homeowner Response:
Jamie, thank you, we will be happy to see you again.
Pietro & Marina
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| 01/10/08 |
Positive
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OH MY Gosh! This is PERFETTO! I was blessed along with my Husband and 4 of our teenage children,to stay in this Apartment from the 24th of Dec.2007 until Jan.4th 2008 From the moment we arrived to the moment the arranged taxi came to pick us up for the airport on the day we were to fly home everything was Perfect!FABULOUS! Pietro and Marina are true gifts! Pietro's Tour was Fantastic he goes above and beyond the call of duty to make your time spent in Rome a treasured memory.I can't wait to return.The view is breath taking, the morning bells of San Clemente will welcome you to a new day, and the pastry shop across the street adds to La Dolce Vita! Pietro I will forever hold close to my heart our time shared on Christmas Eve. Thank you!Thank-you Both We will meet again
XXSheryleXX |
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Sheryle Aaron, Grantham New Hampshire USA
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| 01/06/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed in this apartment for 6 nights in October, 2007. All I have to say is "JUST DO IT"!! The apartment is not just a beautiful place to stay, it is a home away from home, a tranquil place to be within the craziness of Rome, and above all....Marina and Pietro are THE most wonderful people. Not only did they help us during our week in Rome (Pietro's tours are marvelous!), but assisted us with finding our family in Sicily. They are true friends. Like I said, "JUST DO IT"!! |
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Carla Linsmeier, Brentwood, California
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| 12/05/07 |
Positive
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We stayed in this terrific apartment from 11/5 to 11/11. It was 2 blocks from the Colosseum,and located in a really nice neighborhood. The owners, Pietro and Marina, greeted us on arrival, with Prosecco and wonderful baked goods. They gave us the location of everything we needed to make our stay very pleasant, and should you stay there, be sure to dine at I Buono Amici, this restaurant was great, make reservations as it fills up very quickly. Next time, I visit Rome, I wouldn't hesitate staying here again!
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Barbara Pulsfort and friends, Philadelphia, Pa.
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|
| 11/01/07 |
Positive
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Dear Marina and Pietro, Thank you so much for sharing your great apartment in Rome with us! We were so happy when we were welcomed by Marina after a long day on the road. She quickly showed us around the apartment, reviewed the map she had for us and walked us to one of her favorite restaurant! Who does stuff like that these days? Marina does!! The apartment was so awesome! Roomy, clean, spacious and...the view! Wow!! My only regret was that we didn't get to take one of Pietro's tours! I hope we can return one day soon! Thanks again for everything!!
Fondly,
Sandi, Brooke, Donna, Tiffany and Joy |
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Sandi , Murrieta, Calif. USA
951.642.1106 |
|
| 10/18/07 |
Positive
|
Pietro & Marina,
Thank you for the wonderful stage to start our vacation in Italy. The apartment is fabulous and the view is worth the rent in itself.
Marina greeting us after our long journey to Rome set the mood for the rest of the trip. She is a great help and the perfect person to welcome you to Rome.
A tour with Pietro should not be missed. Regardless of the sights you pick it will be conversations that you remember.
To the technicalities, the transaction was flawless and I am happy to answer any concerns perspective renters may have.
We are looking forward to our next stay.
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Shawn Mundis, Pittsburgh, PA
412-535-2455 |
|
| 09/20/07 |
Positive
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Pietro & Marina
Very remiss of us to take so long to do post this. I will keep it brief - the apartment is superb, the view unamtched and Pietro, our day trip to Pompeii with you as our guide was a highlight of our European Oddysey, your knowledge and interaction with the boys will live with them for a long long time.
Thank you so much,
Joe, Anne, Patrick & Nick |
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The Dunn's, Sydney, Australia
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| 08/30/07 |
Positive
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| What an incredible 4 days in Rome with the members of our new extended family – Marina and Pietro. What incredible people they are! So easy to deal with in making the arrangements before our trip, and when we arrived at the apartment Marina was there to greet us with wine, croissants, and juice for the kids. We sat on the outside terrace for more than an hour with Marina who provided us a fantastic overview of the city – its history, the layout, highlighting all the areas and sites to visit, etc. The next day we arranged for Pietro to take us on a half day tour of the city. If you don’t book this time with him, you are certainly missing out on an incredible opportunity. In the 5 hours we spent with him, we learned more about the city and saw sights we wouldn’t have seen even if we took a weeks worth of tours with the major companies. The apartment was great for our family of four, but even when just the two of us return to Rome for another visit, we will definitely stay here. A great location, only a block from the subway and two blocks from the Coliseum and the Forum. Don’t do yourselves an injustice, stay at Via Labicana! |
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Ed and Diana, Ft Lauderdale, FL
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| 08/30/07 |
Positive
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| A fantastic apartment in which to visit Rome. Very close to the Colosseum and within easy walking distance of both metro lines. Marina met us at the apartment and gave us a guided tour of the apartment and provided lists of local restaurants and places to visit. As it was August, we were very grateful for the air conditioning in all the rooms. The shaded rooftop terrace provided a wonderful view of the Colosseum with St. Peter's Basilica in the background as well as providing a fantastic place for breakfast (pastry shop across the road) or watching the sunset over the Colosseum. Highly recommended. |
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Derek, Sue and Claire, Isle of Man. UK
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| 08/28/07 |
Positive
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| It was a pleasure to rent the apartment from Marina and Pietro. Marina's expertise in making travel plans to booking tours and meals, was excellent and helpful.Pietro's knowledge is endless, his tour was one of the highlights of our trip(interesting to all in our group from age 12 to 70). Their hospitality was warm and welcoming. The location of the apt. was within walking distance to many sights, restaurants and stores. The apt was clean and comfortable. My family feels like we have friends in Rome and are looking forward to a return trip. We would not hesitate recommending the renting apartment. |
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Kathleen, Sunrise, FL, USA
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| 08/27/07 |
Positive
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| I havent even had the pleasure of meeting Pietro and Marina as my trip isnt for another 3 weeks. Even so they have helped me immensely in making plans and finding family. I feel like they are family already. |
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Bill Conti, Fenton, Michigan
810 629 2995 |
|
| 02/25/07 |
Positive
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| This apartment was large and comfortable for our party of 6. The kitchen had 4 burners and an oven and was equipped well. The apartment was quiet and the upstairs view was great. We suggest that you wait it out if the elevator breaks down. It is a long 7 flights on foot. This happened only once in the week we were there. Marina and Pietro are friendly and helpful. We didn't understand how to telephone them so be sure you get that correct when you arrive. Thank you very much for everything, Marina and Pietro. |
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Anonymous |
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| 12/29/06 |
Positive
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| We spent Christmas 2006 in this apartment, with our five children (ranging in age from 19 to 7). It was a wonderful holiday. The location of the apartment is great, and there are many shops and places to eat in the vicinity. The pictures of the view from the terrace don't do the actual view justice. It is amazing. We were very pleased with our experience, including Pietro's wonderful tours of Ancient Rome and Pompeii. The latter, in particular, is unforgetable. I would highly recommend this apartment for a family looking to explore Rome. |
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Christopher Staring, Tucson, Arizon
520-879-6803 |
|
| 10/13/06 |
Positive
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Dealing with Pietro and Marina has to be the best experience I've ever had. They made everything so easy, they made shuttle pick-up from the airport and to the train station arrangements for us. They also recommended and booked our dinner reservations at I BUONI AMICI,which is less than 5 minutes from the apartment. The owners, Paolo and Nino were great - they just kept on
feeding us with yummy food. Althought Pietro & Marina weren't there to greet us they had Marina's son Lapo there - he was very informative he also helped us get in contact with my sister's friend's aunt, who happens to be a nun in Rome. I was amazed on how close the Colosseum was - it took us less then 5 minutes to walk there. The apartment itself had everything we needed to cook with. The view from the second level was stunning - imagin waking-up or relaxing out on the patio in the evening and seeing the colosseum, St. Peters, the city of Rome - what a view. I have already told my friends and co-workers not to get a hotel but to stay at Pietro & Marina's penthouse. |
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Arnold & Julie, Pasadena, California |
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| 09/03/06 |
Positive
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| First let me say that if you want a 5 star hotel don't stay here.That said ,if you want a true "Roma" experience,and this apartment is not available when you are planning to visit change your dates so you can enjoy Rome to the fullest.Going to bed with the lights of the colosseum in full view from your bedroom,and waking up to the bells of a 13th century abby that is beside you,and looking out past the colosseum to see St.Peters in the background is something we will never forget.Across the street is the butcher,a coffee bar,the pastry shop,and with in five blocks six , or more of the best restaurants that we have ever eaten in.Make sure you avail yourself ,and take Pietro's tour of Rome,and of Pompei.After the tour of Rome you will be able to walk to most of the sights.Again don't miss staying in this apartment |
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Bob Lyons, Brentwood Tn. USA
6153731140 |
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| 07/10/06 |
Positive
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Our family of 4 and my in-laws stayed in this apartment the first week of July 2006. Having never been to Italy I wondered if we should stick to a hotel. I'm so glad we chose the apartment route, and I'm so glad we chose this specific apartment! Pietro and Marina go far above and beyond what one would expect when renting an apt through vrbo. They are very sincere in wanting their guests to have a fulfulling vacation experience in Rome. Both of them greeted us upon our arrival and explained the workings of the apartment and how to navigate around the city. The apartment is filled with many convenience items not normally provided in a short term rental apartment.
Pietro's tour service is wonderful. We did a tour of ancient Rome and a day trip to Pompeii. We enjoyed being able to come back to the apt after a day of touring and enjoy the incredible, magical views from the patio. We highly recommend this property! |
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Anonymous, Atlanta, GA
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| 04/25/06 |
Positive
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We were lucky enough to experience this incredible apartment for more than just a couple of weeks. The views, the terrace, the location away from the tourist congestion, the access to public transportation, and the local neighborhood amenities were all great, but Pietro and Marina are so much more than anyone could possibly decribe. We have rented many apartments in our travels but from our first day in Rome we realized we weren't just dealing with your typical landlords.
Not a week passed that we didn't get together with them for a planned event or an impromptu glass of wine. We learned about Roman history and how to make raviolis, we shared numerous meals, we celebrated holidays, we did movie nights and lectures, we met their family, they met our family, we even went on vacation together. The apartment alone would have been fantastic, but Pietro, Marina, and all of their families made it a truly magical Roman adventure....and one that will surely continue long after we return to Vermont. |
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David, Warren, Vermont
802-496-2440 |
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| 03/12/06 |
Positive
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Greetings from Lisa Brodey (daughter of Jane from Boston). I found an old address book from 1976 and there you both were and here am I (with husband and daughters). We've been in Rome for a few years. I can't find any other address for you, hence this comment. Please call if you would like to get together some time. Best, Lisa
Work is 0646743201 |
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Anonymous |
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| 01/02/06 |
Positive
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| WOW! Great apartment, wonderful hosts, fabulous views, great city, friendly people, superb restaurants (& bakery) in neighborhood, convenient location. Our family of 2 adults and 2 children enjoyed this awesome, spacious apartment for 10 nights and would gladly return. Rome was our best vacation ever, thanks in large part to Pietro and Marina and the apartment. |
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Shannon Adcock, Allen, TX USA
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| 12/06/05 |
Positive
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| We just returned from a wonderful week in Rome, with this fabulous apartment as our home base. Marina and Pietro were gracious hosts, and an amazing resource before we even arrived. We traveled with an 18 month old and they provided a crib, highchair, and even a car seat for us. The previous reviews are correct in all they say- the apartment has a fantastic view and is so very spacious and relaxing. We truly felt at home and this was a comfort to our toddler. If you are fortunate enough to reserve this place, you will not be disappointed. The only down side to renting this "home away from home" is that you will see less of Rome, since you will want to enjoy the luxuries of the apartment! |
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Anya Clowers, Gold River, CA |
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| 11/03/05 |
Positive
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We had the good fortune to have this
wonderful apartment for the final five days of
a month-long Italy vacation. Pietro and Marina
have to be the best and most considerate
hosts anywhere. Although they had a family
commitment outside of Rome the Saturday we
arrived, before leaving town, they made sure
to be at the apartment -- to welcome us with
prosecco, light-as-a-feather fresh croissants,
to explain everything about the apartment, to
make sure we were comfortable. We all felt not
like renters but rather as if we were family
members who had arrived for a Rome visit.
The apartment itself is very conveniently set
up (the building has an elevator -- no small
asset when the youngest person in our group
is 69 and the apartment is on the 6th floor).
We were two couples, so the duplex setup was
perfect for us: one couple stayed on the lower
floor (their perk was the simply magnificient
copper bathub and proximity to the kitchen;
the other pair used the upper level (their perk
was being steps away from the terrace with its
spectacular view of the Collisseum -- which
was used a lot by all four of us: in early
morning it was the place for coffee and
croissants (remember to tilt the chairs at night
so they won't be wet in the morning); in the
evening, it was the ideal spot to sit and watch
the sunset while sipping a glass of white wine.
Comfort is the byword here: Marina and Pietro
have made sure that the apartment has
everything necessary to make guests
comfortable: and, indeed, we were, from the
living area chairs which one could collapse
into after a day of sightseeing to the silky
scented bars of soap set out in each
bathroom, to the lovely deep red roses in the
kitchen area. Plenty of hot water too (which
wasn't always the case in our travels across
the country).
Pietro and Marina are both artists and, as
such, have an "eye" for what works. Much of
their talent is visible throughout the
apartment: paintings (some by Pietro's father,
Lorenzo, a well-known artist), woodwork (on
the upper-level is a daybed with a beautiful
carved wooden frame made by one of Pietro's
daughters).
We also made use of Pietro's considerable
talents as a tour guide. Without him, I think we
would have stood around staring at everything
with not a clue to what we were seeing. Pietro
has an MIT degree and he is a son of Rome;
his knowledge of both architecture and of
Rome's ancient history combine to make him
the perfect guide. Next time, to Pompeii!
We, all four of us, regretted having so few
days here.
Meredith Young
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Meredith Young, New York, New York
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| 10/25/05 |
Positive
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| I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Rome. Pietro and Marina were warm and friendly. I left feeling like part of the family. If you can please go on Pietro's tours. His passion for Italy was contagious and his knowledge was boundless. Marina was a joy to be around. The apartment was in the perfect location. It was incredible to come back in the evening and sit on the terrace, what a view. I can't wait to return. |
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Ruth, Princeton, NJ |
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| 10/17/05 |
Positive
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| Marina and Pietro's apartment was absolutely everything we wanted for our stay in Rome - comfortable, spacious, clean, airy, quiet, close to all the sights, in a real Roman neighbourhood and full of positive energy. Marina greeted us with such warmth and as we walked in the door we realised we had chosen an absolute winner. Marina and Pietro are lovely and creative people and this shows in the delightful way this apartment is decorated and laid out. There are bus, metro and tram stops just minutes away from the apartment which makes it possible to get anywhere in Rome without any fuss. Of course it is so close to the historical centre walking is always an option! In the immediate area there are delicatessans, bakeries, fruit shops, butchers and a wicked pastry shop just across the road!! The views from every window are a pleasure to the eye and the terrace is truly wonderful. If we are ever fortunate to return to Rome we would not stay anywhere else. Thoroughly recommended!! |
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Jane, Megan, Margaret & Warren, Bowraville, NSW, Australia
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| 10/12/05 |
Positive
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| From Marina's enthusiastic welcome to Pietro's wonderful tours our stay at Casa Ferri was a wonderful way to see Rome. The apartment is lovely - great views and a perfect location. |
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Susan, Climax, MI
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| 09/22/05 |
Positive
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This wonderful apartment was the highlight of our trip to Europe. Pietro and Marina were wonderful to get to know. They were there to greet us when we arrived and even drove out to get us when we got lost. If you have the time, take one of the tours that Pietro offers. They give you a unique perspective on the city and its history.
The location was amazing and there was nothing so breathtaking as watching the sun set over the Colliseum and St. Peters. I would recommend this Apartment to anyone visiting Rome. Thak you Pietro and Marina for your hospitality. |
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Joel Giusti, Salem, OR
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| 08/28/05 |
Positive
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| I can't praise this apartment highly enough. We stayed for three nights in this fantastic apartment. With three children we had our hads full in the day and had a great time relaxing at night on the terrace. It is close enough to the collesseum to tire the kids out just enough. Great ice cream and croissants await you just over the road. Next time we'll come without the kids.... |
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Alan , Hampshire, UK |
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| 06/14/05 |
Positive
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We stayed in this beautiful apartment for a week(7 of us in all)3 different generations. We had loads of space without tripping over one another! The terrace was a firm favourite - gathering there at night after a long trek around Rome's beautiful sites was heaven. Pietro was kind enough to provide a guided tour of The Forum etc. and what he does not know of Rome is not worth knowing. Marina was so kind and helpful to us on our arrival and the pastries and Champagne were much appreciated. What everyone says about the apartment is so true and has to be visited at least once in anyone's lifetime. Once again Pietro and Marina a big thank you from us all.
Andrea,Gordon,Donna,Derek,Amy,Kirsty,Mark. |
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Andrea McLellan, Glasgow Scotland
01415696346 |
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| 06/06/05 |
Positive
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We have visited Rome before, but have never enjoyed it as much as we did this time. Pietro and Marina made us feel extremely welcome and the apartment is truly beautiful. It does its setting proud. I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone who wishes to enjoy Rome as a local. It has the perfect location--close to the tourist highlights that one might want to enjoy and convenient to the local eateries and shops. We will be back for another visit for sure!
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Anna Di Rezze, Toronto, Ontario
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| 04/24/05 |
Positive
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| This apartment is in a fantastic location within a charming walking neighborhood, including ancient and modern attractions within footsteps. Every word of their ad is true, including the fabulous views, art and architecture of the apartment and the easy access to both bus and subway stations. The neighborhood features lively restaurants, fresh produce markets, wine shops and bakeries. Pietro and Marina are warm, sympathetic hosts, artists themselves, who communicate their love for Rome and a passion for its people and history. We will gladly return. |
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Andrea Shaw Reed, Orleans, MA, USA
508-240-0488 |
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| 04/12/05 |
Positive
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| What a wonderful flat in such an excellent location (literally just a few hundred yards from the Collosseum). Thanks for an excellent stay Marina, but especially THANKS for all your help getting us home after the closure of Ciampino airport last Thursday. All went smoothly after your very efficient aid. Bob Groves & Marian Free |
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Bob Groves, Whitley Bay, UK |
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| 04/08/05 |
Positive
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| We have just returned from our first trip to Italy. Our stay in Rome far exceeded our expectations, as did Pietro and Marina's wonderful apartment. It is a perfect location in every way, and is even more charming than the photos indicate. Pietro offers guided tours, and we are so glad we took advantage of this service. Viewing Rome through Pietro and Marina's eyes was one of the highlights of our trip, and left us feeling that we had a genuine glimpse into the heart of Rome. With their guidance, we abandoned our initial sightseeing "schedule," allowing us to experience Rome's true spirit...which was an unexpected gift. |
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Natalie Malovich, Park City, Utah
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| 03/12/05 |
Positive
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| Our family just returned from a 10 day tour of Rome. What a delightful trip and the best thing was the apartment. We LOVED it! Marina and Pietro were so very kind and extremely helpful. We felt like we had known them for a very long time. They booked our transportation to and from the airport and met us at the door upon arrival. The location was spectular. Every night we looked out from the top bedroom balcony to see the colusseum lite up.....so beautiful. We would stay here again for sure! |
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Daniel/Lynn Killins, Knoxville, TN USA
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| 01/25/05 |
Positive
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| The apartment is really wonderful-- the balcony overlooks the city with a gorgeous view and it is truly centrally located. Pietro and Marina were very gracious and helpful. Our stay was extremely comfortable-- and the pastries across the street are a must-have! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would return in a heartbeat. |
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Sarah Barackn and Chris Berend, New York City, New York |
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| 01/02/05 |
Positive
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We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Pietro and Marina for allowing us to stay in their wonderful apartment. The location is excellent, just steps from the Colosseum and near all the relevant shopping (the Cornetteria just downstairs makes the greatest croissants till all hours of the early morning; a meat market and a supermarket flank it on either side). The apartment is situated just outside the central historical district and as a result much quieter than something in the center. Three hundred feet from the building is one of the most remarkable churches in Rome (San Clemente) and even closer is the entrancing medieval monastery Santi Quattri Coronati. The slight distance from all the major sights means that it has what is perhaps one of the most captivating views of Rome. One sees all the way to St. Peter's in one direction and to the Pauline Acqueduct on the Janiculum in another. Four of the seven ancient hills of Rome are visible from the upper terrace. The two-floor layout means that the apartment is ideal for families with teenage children or even for two families (as we were). One group stayed downstairs and another up above. The upstairs (Pietro's own architectural handiwork) is a gem, complete with Japanese Soshi (sliding glass doors) and with 180 degree views through the windows. It also has many skylights and so it is never dreary.
Pietro Ferri's father, Lorenzo, was one of Italy's most productive and remarkable twentieth-century artists. His works can be seen throughout churches and galleries in Europe, and many of his paintings adorn the Casa Ferri. It was great to stay in a place where people prized their environment, and decorating was a far more thoughtful enterprise than nailing up a few faux Roman Piranesi prints. Also, the kitchen is well equipped and in our case the Pavoni espresso machine was rarely ever quiet. Our children also admired and frequently used the copper bath tub, which they noted did not allow the water to cool like an American vitreous china tub.
We have rented many apartments on our vacations these past years. It is the perfect way to travel with children (one need not worry about the kids always being "up" for a meal in a restaurant). And apartment living grants far more freedom and privacy than a hotel. This Roman stay, though, proved to be the best of our many experiences, far more satisfying than the properties we had rented in London, Paris, and throughout Germany.
Pietro and Marina will take good care of you. They know their city like the backs of their hands; they will greet you with a champagne toast, some croissants, and then proceed to share their intricate knowledge of Roman history, art, and architecture. In our case, too, they arranged side trips and airport transfers. Listen to them faithfully and you will have one of the best experiences of your life.
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Philip Soergel, Phoenix, Arizona
480-940-4010 |
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| 10/13/04 |
Positive
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| What a wondeful way to end our vacation! We had been traveling Europe for a month, with a final stop in Rome. We could not have asked for a nicer place to catch our breath. Pietro's apartment is a jewel. It's location alone would be enough to ensure our return, not to mention the ambiance of the apartment itself, and the welcome we received from Pietro and Marina-wine and pastries, guidance on how to spend our limited time in this magical city, as well as sharing their love of Rome's history. Marina even arranged for a 4:30 AM taxi pick up to get us to the airport. Our only regret is that we didn't make it to Pietro's favorite restaurant for dinner. They were fully booked-maybe next time. Our return is guaranteed. |
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Kim Medlin, Napa, CA |
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| 03/11/04 |
Positive
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We stayed here from 3rd to 9th March 2004. Pietro met us on our arrival and gave us a wonderful welcome - including a fascinating history of the sights we could see from the beautiful balcony. The flat itself is beautiful, the pictures on the website don't do it justice - even the view is better!It is a 5 minute walk from the Colosseum in a really nice neighbourhood. All the buses go into town but we walked most places in 20 minutes - furthest away was the Vatican at 1/2 hour stroll. Overall I can't wait to go back here and in the meantime Pietro and Marina must come to Scotland and we will extend them the same courtesy!
Kind Regards
Carl and Frances |
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Frances
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| 01/23/04 |
Positive
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| We have just returned from a fabulous trip to Rome where we stayed in this charming apartment with very special owners(they were so helpful with whatever we asked about). We kept pinching ourselves--saying that we couldn't believe how we lucked out on this apartment. It was even better than the website showed. We had our very quiet, sunny home, perched on the top of Rome (or so it felt). Even the view from the main floor was great. Huge, floor-to-ceiling windows opend up to a very European, Roman view, birds chirping, overlooking a church and convent and hills of houses. With the windows and shutters closed, the room where we slept was silent and dark. The apartment was adorable, the beds nice and firm (important to us), the plentiful and warm down comforters cuddly, the view stupendous, the spiral staircase very romantic, the heaters great, and the experience incredibly memorable. We all ended up sleeping in the loft bedroom, which slept 4 comfortably (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 8 and 12). It was right next to the main bathroom with a huge copper tub, washing machine and of course--the bidet. The water was hot and plentiful with suprisingly strong water pressure for a 6th floor apartment! We used the upstairs to play cards, read, and admire the view--though 2-3 more people could have slept up there! It was great having the second bathroom upstairs. The living room and dining room were very comfortable and the kitchen well-equipped. The tile floors were lovely and easy to keep clean. There was a nice-sized refrigerator and freezer. There was a great croissant place across the street (be careful, I put on a few pounds!) There was a grocery store about a 7 minute walk away (close to the Colisseum). It was in a great location! Right next to the Colisseum, the Forum, the Palatine, the Roman Baths and Circus Maximus. We could have walked to Piazza Venetzia and Piazza Navona (30 minutes or so) but we took the buses instead because we spent the rest of the day walking. We loved the winding, narrow streets of the historical center of town, but we loved coming home to our open, bright and sunny apartment. It was close to all the transportation. So many buses go to their street that it was incredibly easy to get home after a day of sight-seeing! The train goes to their street from Trastevere. You just walk down the hill (5 minutes) to the Colisseum for the Metro subway which takes you straight to the Spanish Steps, to the Vatican, and to the main train station. At the Colisseum are also a ton of buses going everywhere. The lift (elevator) was so great to have. My husband had a bad knee and so many places didn't have lifts. All in all it was a great place to call home for 9 days for our wonderful Roman holiday. |
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Tamar Rosenthal, Los Angeles, CA
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Homeowner Response:
We are very touched by this comment. Tamar and her lovely family have been wonderful guests and they have perfectly understood the soul of the apartment and warmly integrated in the Roman life.
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