Bella Fratina, offered none of the nice touches of your Paris apartments and they were missed (especially no coffee maker!). [Coffee maker has been replaced. Italy Perfect]  In addition, we found the state of the apartment rather shabby (again, remember we had a certain expectation from Paris Perfect experience).... covers were worn and some stains here and there, although the apartment was well-cleaned when we arrived. they did replace the bedspread on the bed, which we were thankful for. [These apartments are several steps lower than the luxury apartments in Paris in quality as well as price. They are clean, well maintained and good value for location in Rome, just not luxury! Italy Perfect]

In the building, the front door lock was broken and being repaired. We had to use 4 keys every time we wanted to go in and out of the building. We also were not aware that you had to walk up a flight of stairs before you get to the elevator...maybe I missed that in the description. [Yes, it is in the description and even in the contract. We'll emphasize in the future. IP]

On the plus side, the location was great, and the apartment was spacious enough.

We did have a very good time in Rome, and we weren't in the apartment too much anyway.

By the way, there is a restaurant around the corner called "Life" which was really good...I recommend you might want to add it to your list. We went there twice. Not only is the food great, but the owner and maitre d' were both wonderful. (It's on the street that is parallel to Via Frattina, on the other end of the block.).

Michelle T, California

We had a great (and hot!) time in Rome. Overall the apartment was terrific! The space worked well for our family of 5, with the girls sharing the top floor bedroom, and our 8 year old in the little bedroom on the main level. Loved all the terraces. We enjoyed the terraces/patio areas, and learning to use the Italian coffee maker (we bought one when we got home). It got awfully hot up there, so we slept with the doors/windows open. We didn't try the AC, as neither of us like air conditioning, so it may work just fine. In retrospect, I see it as getting more of a feel for the place; both the sounds of Rome at night (not as loud as people say, but then we're city folk), as well as it's fine-feathered residents. Nice, until the seagulls on the roof wake you before dawn, but we survived. We arrived at the building before the manager so had to wait on the sidewalk for a little while, but she did a good job orienting us. We never needed to call her.

Great location! We walked to EVERYTHING except the train station, which was an easy bus ride from Pza.San Silvestro.

We recommend Matricianella. Fabulous and authentic Roman cuisine just across Via del Corso. Also, Palatium across the street. Great selection of local wines and helpful staff. Da Francesco for pizza (near Pza. Navona) and Gelateria del Teatro (on a tiny alley northwest of Navona) for the best gelato and granita of our trip (and we had A LOT). Charming location too.

Warn guests about the very steep steps within the apartment (not a problem for us, but it could be for others). Also alert guests that the DVD player won't play US DVD's. Thanks for the help and professionalism Pat. We are in fact considering Paris in 2010, so we'll certainly look up your sister's website when we start our planning.

Jeff G, California

I had the bedroom upstairs and enjoyed my own little terrace a great deal! In fact, a couple of days, I didn't get out until late in the afternoon just so I could take more time to enjoy the apartment. The large terrace was absolutely perfect for the birthday party I had. There was plenty of room for everyone to be comfortably seated outside ... and the weather was divine that particular day. Besides myself and my two American friends, all of the other guests are Italian and live in Rome. Let me tell you, without exception, they were so excited about seeing the apartment and looking over the rooftops of Rome. One of my Italian friends recommended a caterer who prepared wonderful food ... and lots of it ... so I was quite pleased. The only challenge was getting the food TO THE APARTMENT since the streets are closed to regular traffic. We managed, though!

Anyway, you were a real pleasure to deal with in booking the apartment. I also certainly appreciate all of the advice you provided along the way!

Melinda M, Florida

Overall: The accommodations [Frattina Daniela] were excellent. Location was the best. And the size of the apartment was very comfortable. I liked the antique furniture everywhere. Could not hear the street noise from outside, and once you leave the apartment and step out on the street, you can't believe how busy it is, since you can't hear any of this from inside of the apartment.

Enjoyed Most: The outside terrace to have breakfast or dinner to unwind. The apartment was so clean and had no odors. The radio/CD player was also great to have, as well as the option to have a phone.

Drawbacks: Although this may not be able to change, when taking showers, they had to be short in duration since the tank heating the hot water runs out quickly. I would run the shower until I got hot water, then shut it off to lather up, then put the shower on again to rinse, and then when I was ready to wash my hair, I would not have enough hot water. And I was very conservative with the water and did not let it run while hot. The bed mattress in the bedroom was a bit lumpy, but firm, which was good. A few recommendations would be to include a portable fan. It would have been nice to plug the fan outside on the terrace to get a bit of a breeze on some of the warm nights while sitting out there. Also, mention on your Web site that the apartment also has a small safe, which we found in the closet in the master bedroom.

Location: Absolutely perfect. It took me a while to realize how close the busses were in Piazza San Silvestro ( thought San Silvestro was a further walk), and that the supermarket was just on a side street off of Piazza San Silvestro. The bancomat was right across the street. And another one in Piazza San Silvestro.

Recommendations: We walked a few times towards the pantheon and ate on the side streets just off of Piazza Della Rotonda, which was very nice with reasonable prices. As far as shopping, we loved going to the markets the best, but it was nice to be close to all the stores that were on Via Del Corso.

Tips: There are two light switches as you enter the apartment to the right, one of which controls the electricity for the television, stereo and telephone. The first few days, we did not realize that this switch was turning off the power to these items, and I had to call the manager. A reminder to guests that this switch does this.

Excellent Europe's Service: Everything was well detailed. Very explicit information was provided on the Web site regarding the apartment, shopping, taxis etc. It would be helpful to include in the apartment guidelines information about the safe and the operation of the light switch, which turns the power on/off to the television, phone and radio.

Carolyn J.

We had a great time in Rome. The apartment [Frattina Gina] is well-situated, very comfortable, and attractive. The set-up works well for two couples. It would be nice if there were cable television access, esp. CNN or an equivalent, [coming in 2006] and if a few CDs or DVDs were kept at the apartment. Beds were very comfortable. Otherwise, no real drawbacks. The area is very convenient, with most sites and attractions within walking distance. The nearby Palladium Enoteca, which is around the corner from the apartment has very good, well-priced wine selections, and we were fortunate because each night there was a wine-tasting with hors d'ouerves - a different Italian vineyard each evening!! The owners/proprietors are very pleasant and helpful. Otherwise, we just enjoyed exploring and trying different restaurants - some of which worked and some of which did not.

Excellent Europe did a great job with its information and arrangements.

William S

Hi, Pat, we had such great time on our trip. Athens was fabulous, our cruise was wonderful - ah! those Isles! - and the apartment [Frattina Gina] was a perfect finish. The location could not have better and the weather was mild enough so we could spend time on the terraces. So we thank you for all you did to make it a great trip. One observation - Ron and I were in Rome about the same time about 6 years ago and didn't remember any crowds. This time,. We could not believe the number of people in Rome. It was a four day weekend, so the streets were filled. It got a little quieter on Tuesday night and for the rest of the week, but what an assault on that city when all of us tourists visit! - Lots of Germans, Italians, Canadians. We happened into St. Peter's just before an audience with the Pope. SO we got fabulous seats and saw the Pope and received his blessing. It was quite a spectacle. We also used your list for Pizza Se, the Pastry shop, the groceries, and a couple of restaurants. I also navigated the Italian coffee pot successfully and will not be cowed by it ever again! Thanks again, best to you,

Jan I