Rome is one of the oldest and most visited cities in Europe. Each year, more than four million tourists come to see the Eternal City, making it the third most popular Metropolis in Europe, after Paris and London. Like most of the top tourist cities, Rome has experienced a decline in arrivals in the wake of the economic recession.
Because the city relies on money from visitors, most businesses have had to lower their prices. This includes restaurants, retail stores, and hotels. Since 2007, occupancy rates in Roman hotels have fallen by about ten percent, which is greater than the decline in arrivals. What this means is that people are finding cheaper alternatives to the hotels.
Where? Vacation apartments in Rome offer guests fully furnished rooms that they can rent on a nightly or weekly basis. Though they have been popular with veteran travellers for years, apartment rentals were not discovered by most tourists until the recession hit and people started searching for deals.
Why choose an apartment rental? For starters, they are more affordable than the big hotels. The standard apartment rental is up to thirty percent cheaper than an hotel room. The savings are even more impressive for guests who plan extended stays.
In addition to the privacy factor, an apartment rental offers guests a fully stocked kitchen. This simple feature can save families hundreds of pounds on dinning out. It can also be used to make homesick children feel more at ease by cooking them their favourite dish.