Like with César, anyone can get “stabbed-in-the-back”, that is why the phrase “buyer beware” should be ever present in your mind when traveling to unfamiliar cities.
Our experience in Italy, more specifically Rome, was a costly lesson learned, and a powerful reminder of how naive foreign travelers can be, especially us!
As most cities are more expensive in general, you expect to pay more, but you never anticipate the over-charging, or the added cost for items which generally are free or included in the general price of items. There is only one race that haggles over a matter of a few euro, or even coins, but generally people just pay, unhappily, but they pay.
At this beautiful apartment, just minutes from “everything” you want or need in Rome, you can relax. There are some common sense things you need to be aware. Groceries can be difficult, so plan to eat-out, and restaurants in the area will overcharge, specifically across the river.
Like every city, Roma has a parking issue. Be prepared to be ticketed if you are not appropriately in a paid parking space. DO NOT park in front of the building without the appropriate permit! Do not believe what anyone tells you regarding anything else. If you do get ticketed, just pay in any of the tobacco shops, or online if you read Italian.
Lastly, before you pay, but absolutely before you leave, make certain that everything is exactly the way you found it, and that everything works including the water, toilets, and appliances. If at anytime you find something that doesn’t work or is in disrepair, report it immediately to the owner\manager, and the booking agent. If you had to leave a security deposit for damages, make sure someone representing the owner, either does a walk through or provides a written release of liability.
Your wonderful vacation, which you used your hard earned money to take, should only have beautiful memories, not added costs or aggravation. Remember, travel agents, and services like TripAdvisor, can be convenient, but they automatically take the side of the rental owner, not the traveler, whom they will never see again. TripAdvisor can “automatically” charge your credit card for everything from damages, to items they call subscriptions.
Enjoy Holiday House, Rome, Italy, and “Your” vacation, just be aware.
Arrivederci