If you’re getting ready to start off on your next holiday in Rome, it’s time to think about where you’ll be staying. The majority of people end up in chain hotels, because they don’t know they have any other options. Don’t end up in this situation – consider a self-catered apartment for your trip to Rome, instead.

Apartments in Rome have a lot of things to offer that you can’t find in your average hotel. You’ll pay less for more space by renting an apartment, and you’ll get the same kind of control over your space that you’d have at home. Hotel living simply can’t offer the amount of comfort and freedom you’ll get by choosing apartments instead.

Have you ever been irritated by the cramped conditions you find in most hotel rooms, the cost of getting a suite for more space, and the need to eat out wherever you go while on holiday? You’re not alone – many other people find that they’d rather stay somewhere that feels more like home, even if it requires just a little more work on their part. That’s why the private kitchen, opportunity to shop at local markets, and laundry facilities of a self-catered apartment are so appealing.

Don’t like dealing with housekeepers coming into your space on a daily basis when you’re in a hotel? You’re not alone – many people choose apartments because there’s less intrusion into their lives. Additional services are available in Rome apartments if you ask, but you don’t have to deal with them if you don’t want to, making them a good choice both for those who like some hotel amenities and those who’d rather not bother with them.

If you pick an apartment that comes with a terrace or balcony, you’ll get the option to experience outdoor dining over this beautiful old city. You’ll be able to live like you were actually a local, with the privacy you’ve come to expect at home. Don’t just be a tourist – experience Rome the way that the people who live there do.

Be prepared for your apartment stay to get the most out of it. That means knowing when to expect cleaning services and linen changes, planning your needs around the hours of the apartment service (since there’s no round the clock front desk) and booking all your special services in advance. Find out where you can buy groceries in the area right away, so you won’t have to worry about the shopping, either.

Plan departure and arrival carefully – that keeps you from needing to find storage for your bags before the apartment is open and after it closes. Many people staying in holiday apartments choose to arrive in the afternoon and leave in the morning, for the most convenient arrangements. If you need to show up earlier than that or leave later, be sure you’ve planned for it.

However, if you know what to expect and you arrive prepared, a holiday apartment could be the perfect antidote to the conventional hotel stay. Families, couples, groups and single travelers can all benefit from choosing an apartment instead. Take the time to find out more, and you may find that a holiday apartment is just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!