Before you head off on your trip to Rome, it’s important to decide where you’re going to be staying. The majority of people stick to the default option – a hotel or motel – because they don’t realize that there are other options. After all, while accommodations of this type are easy to find, they can come with some serious downsides.

If you decide to go with hotel accommodations on your trip to Rome, you’ll find that these places all have a few things in common: they’re expensive, crowded, and rather small. Everyone stays in a hotel, or so the common wisdom goes, but you don’t have to. A holiday apartment rental could let you save money and enjoy more space and privacy, too.

No one enjoys paying the surcharge for a suite, or cramming their whole group into just one room, and you could avoid all of that in your own apartment. Hotels let you experience Rome as a tourist, but renting an apartment lets you feel like you’re actually a local. If you’d rather get a truly authentic experience out of Rome, a holiday apartment is the right choice.

Choose an apartment with a terrace to dine outside over a beautiful skyline or classic Roman rooftops. The space and comfort are something it’s hard to match in a hotel, and you get the ability to control your living situation. If you don’t enjoy having cleaning staff in every day, and like the ability to spend time in your own space uninterrupted, a Rome apartment is the perfect option.

It’s important to do your research before you pick a furnished apartment in Rome, of course. There’s a good chance that it won’t be quite what you’ve come to expect from an apartment at home. Just take the time to learn about what your rental company is offering and what you can expect to see when you arrive, and you’ll have a happy and enjoyable stay.

You can also avoid having to deal with restaurants all the time by picking an apartment instead of a hotel. There are many wonderful local markets offering some of Italy’s best ingredients – why not cook at home? Make eating out a special treat, and stick to home cooked food in your very own kitchen, but don’t expect a stocked fridge.

Most apartments in Rome also feature their own laundry facilities, allowing you to avoid having to overpack and deal with additional luggage fees, or have to put up with the inconvenience of finding a laundry. Just bring the clothes you need for a short time, and wash them in your home away from home. You’ll be a lot more comfortable.

If you’re an independent traveler, you’ll enjoy having a rental apartment on your holiday. You’ll get control over everything and the ability to make money saving choice. Use extra services only when you want them, and book just one day in advance to get them.

Want to see Rome authentically and skip out on tourist traps, inconvenience, crowding and expensive hotel rooms? A rental apartment is probably the perfect solution for you. Take a little time and do your research, and you’ll be surprised at the difference an apartment can make in your experience.