On the topic of accommodation again, I want to jot down some information about what I learned after booking my Airbnb rental in Rome. In a previous post, I listed the 5 features that I look for when renting a flat in a new destination. Because of the high costs of Rome, I was unable to get most of my basic wants within a decent price.
5 Accommodation Wants
Outside of safety, price and cleanliness, which for me are a given, there are 5 features I look for in each place I rent. These are location, outdoor seating, kitchen, upper floor and space. My accommodation is my personal oasis. When I return each day from the hustle and bustle of exploring a new city, I love nothing better than to relax into pleasant surroundings where I feel safe and happy. Iโm an introvert after all, and my personal space is where I rejuvenate.
Rome
Rome was the most expensive place I have rented this year, outside of a beautiful condo that I booked for myself, my daughter and her partner in Puerto Vallarta. When I have family visit, I want to spoil them, so budget goes out the window. ๐
I looked long and hard to find a place that met at least some of my criteria. Rome is expensive, almost excessively so for me now. The flat I rented through Airbnb was utterly charming and I did enjoy it, there was nothing inherently wrong with it. And the host was amazing!
However, I was missing things that became apparent just how important they are to me.
What it lacked
Space, my flat was TINY! I could walk from one end to the other in about 10 steps and from side to side in 4 steps. ๐คฃ After being in there for just about two weeks, I couldnโt breathe.
It was ground level, so feeling the safety of being on an upper floor was not there. My bed was quite literally just inside the door to the street.
No outdoor space. I love, love, love and balcony, patio, terrace or anywhere I can sit outside, enjoy a bevvy, breath fresh air and relax. I didnโt have this in Rome and it was sorely missed.
And the unit was dark with only one single small window in the front door. ๐ฅ
What it Had
Location was amazing. I was in Trastevere and had so much fun wandering those ancient cobblestone streets, getting lost, taking photos of the street art and having cappuccinos with the locals.
Kitchen. I did have one but it was the tiniest thing I have ever seen. Butโฆit did come with all the amenities crammed into a closet size space. I had a microwave, stove top, sink and little fridge at my disposal.
I think because the flat was soooo very small, and crammed to the gills with knickknacks, it felt overwhelmingly suffocating.
What I learned
So, what have I garnered from this experience? I need more space! Especially if I am renting for a longer duration. Outdoor space too, is a must if at all possible. And windows, brightness, being able to breath and not feel suffocated.
Why did I book that flat? Because it was the very best, I could get, in a safe neighbourhood, for the 13 nights I was there. It was important to me to be within walking distance of everything I wanted to see on this trip. Thatโs the thing with living on a budget. You do the best you can with what you have.
Ultimately, I was in a safe area, in a clean space and warm. My basics were met, but at the highest price of the year. That just goes to show you how expensive Rome and many parts of Europe are right now. The cost was $1,550 CAD for 13 nights. Almost everything less than that, was shared accommodation or just a room for rent.
Just for fun, can you guess which item was the most expensive in this small grocery haul? Was it the loaf of bread, large piece of focaccia, ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, small bottle of coke or large bottle of iced tea?
