1. Concept - Scope
1.1. What does Choove stand for?
Choove is the contraction of "Choose Before You Move", which is actually what our client – wise, independent, modern travelers who know the world, appreciate local cultures, look for comfortable and easy solutions – like to do when planning the next geographic jump. It is a place where Globers choose where to live, work, sleep, eat, relax and dream.
1.2. Is Choove another online "invention"?
We didn’t invent anything. We just try to do things better while reducing the waste. Our feeling was that travelers were unable to find and select comfortable apartments once at destination, and it was almost impossible to do it in advance. We realize they don't want to pay for real estate services that are useless to them (non English speaking staff, lock-in long term rental contracts, pre-made expensive packages, central fancy offices, that kind of thing). So we put together a selection of functional modern apartments, with great facilities and flexible contracts, in good locations for an affordable price. And then we threw in nice customer service too.
1.3. What makes your concept different from others?
Choove started as an observation about these new travelers and became a project focused on the need of choosing before getting caught in a no-option situation – typically when you haven't found anything suitable and therefore obliged to take either a hotel room or an ugly/expensive apartment. Choove differentiates itself by keeping the concept completely focused around our guests, the Globers. For example, we know that you like to walk in the apartment and feel at home even though you are staying for a limited time. So that's what you get: a selection of well-furnished, clean apartments with working utilities and Internet available from the moment you turn the door key for the first time. And the contract is for the duration you need.
1.4. What is the ultimate value added from which your customer will benefit.
First of all, the selection of apartments: modern and stylish design properties, amenities and services on demand. Second, the formula: flexible contracts for different lengths of stay and on demand services; you get what you ask. Last and most important: the ability to choose:
• You choose among solutions that all have the same good level of quality.
• You choose online, so you can plan your next trip from where ever you may be.
• You choose different packages and deals according to your length of stay.
• You choose the location that is right for you and your trip.
• You choose according to your own lifestyle.
• You choose prices based in-market rental prices, not inflated touristic ones.
• You choose how much amenities you want to add to your package.
1.5. Are your apartments an alternative to hotels?
Yes, apartments in general are an excellent substitution to extended-stay hotels and cost, on average, much less. This is also because we select apartments thinking about the services that you really need not those that are just for show. If you want a doorman that opens the main gate for you, you will not find it in our apartments neither you will find the lobby with the fountain. Yet, our apartments include comfort, technology and innovations you will find in high stars hotels, available at a much lower price.
2. Apartment Selection
2.1. Where are the properties?
Wherever you can feel at home!
We look for properties in attractive and lively areas, well connected to city centers, business, nightlife and entertainment centers.
Our locations are close to public transportation stops, and easily accessible by car and taxi.
Most probably you like to explore and experience the city, therefore urban amenities like shops, restaurants and bars are always within convenient distance of the location.
2.2. Is there public transport available close to the apartment?
Which type of public transport is available and how close it is, differs according to each apartment. Generally, we select properties to be as close as possible to public transportation. More details are provided in each apartment page.
2.3. Are there any restaurants nearby?
Proximity of restaurants is another important criterion for us when selecting an apartment. Therefore, for our properties, there are always many restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.
2.4. Which kind of apartment will I find on Choove?
You will find on Choove four types of apartments: studio apartment, one bedroom apartment, two bedrooms apartment, and loft. Each of these apartment type has specific characteristic and might result more suitable for certain requests. For example two friends traveling together, on budget, but not willing to sacrifice from their own privacy will probably prefer the two bedrooms apartment; whereas a professional that needs both private space and room to carry on work activities will probably prefer a loft.
2.5. Are the apartments all different?
Apartments are made to respect a certain standard. For all the apartments, many amenities will be available and they range from Internet connection to the hair dryer. The apartments are not all the same though, the decoration, the size and the shape of the apartment changes and reflects our landlord's taste.
2.6. How do you select the properties?
Selection is based on four criteria: location, apartment type, apartment features and availability of flexible contracts.
3. The properties
3.1. Is there a parking garage in the building?
This depends on the building. A connected parking spot is a feature that you will find listed among other items in the apartment description. However, even if not already connected to the apartment, we can always arrange a private parking for you in the proximity of the building.
3.2. What facilities do you provide in the room?
You will always find a comfortable bed, flat-screen television, full-length mirror, global power adapter, washing machine, table with seating area, kitchen, and luggage storage. A complete set of tools and appliances for kitchen, fresh linen and towels for bathroom and bedroom.
3.3. Is the apartment safe?
All the areas we select are considered safe and we would have no hesitation walking them alone at night. In terms of the building, only you can enter in the apartment with your personal key. In case of regular cleaning or emergency we also have a key to be able to enter your room.
3.4. Can you tell me how to get to the address?
All the apartments have detailed instructions on how to reach the building. If that is not enough we will, of course, provide additional support.
3.5. Do you have a 24 hour reception desk?
No we don’t. Believe us, this is another service you wouldn’t like to pay for on an on-going basis. For emergencies though, we are always only a one phone call away from you.
3.6. Does the front door of the building close at night?
Yes, so the properties are nice and secure, but you will be provided with a complete set of keys and passwords to open the doors and gates.
4. The Apartments
There are many apartment types to choose from and they range from 40 square meters studio to more than 200 square meters two bedrooms apartments.
4.1. Is there a wireless Internet access in the apartment?
Yes, you can find broadband wireless internet access in most of our apartments. For the apartments which do not have broadband wireless internet access, we will provide you a mobile usb key which will connect you to internet.
4.2. Do you provide room service?
Sorry, we don’t. This is another way to be able to offer cheap but stylish living. We do have agreements with bars and restaurants in the neighborhood which you can take advantage of. We are also able to send a professional cook in your apartment to cook for you in your special occasions. All the apartments have their own kitchen as explained in each apartment description page.
4.3. Do you provide soaps, shampoo etc?
You will find nice, customized amenities in all of our apartments. You shouldn’t stuff your luggage with soaps and shampoos; we think that it’s better to save that space in your bag for something more fun.
4.4. Can I bring my dog?
Pets are allowed in some of our apartments. Please do not forget to mention that you will be traveling with your pet while you are booking your apartment, so that we can give you an immediate answer.
4.5. How many people are allowed in the room?
This varies by apartment. Generally, each apartment is suitable for at least two people. Some apartments have additional sofa beds that can be used according to your needs. No extra beds or cribs are available beyond the ones included in the apartment.
5. Service packs and other services
5.1. What is a service pack?
It's a piece of service we are able to provide. You can combine multiple service packs in order to obtain the actual level of comfort you need. Some service packs regard the duration of your stay and the level of flexibility required. These packs are "weekly stay", "flexy stay", and "extended stay". Other service packs are made to complete your comfort in the apartment such as weekly cleaning, complete kitchen equipment, linen and towels, utilities and internet connection.
5.2. I don’t know for how long I will be staying there, how can I deal with this?
You don’t need to get concerned about it. You can reserve for a very short period and then extend it according to your needs. In the apartment description page you will find the pricing according the length of stay and during the reserve process the price will be automatically updated according to the dates you are asking for. The cancellation policy addresses the reduction of the stay.
5.3. Do I need to declare the service packs when I reserve the apartment?
No, you can add the service packs when you want.
5.4. I need some other services that are not included in your offering, how can you help me?
As long as it is something we are able to do, we are open to provide any service extension. We are already able to provide services like personal chefs, concierge, personal shopper, personal trainer, at home manicure and beauty treatments. Please feel free to inquire using the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
5.5. Can I add your services to my apartment?
The services we provide are exclusive for the apartments belonging to our network. If you found your apartment outside our network, we are sorry to say that we can't provide you any of our services.
5.6. Do you provide a shuttle transport?
We don’t have a shuttle that regularly runs from the airport and the train station to the apartments, but we can provide a chauffeur on demand in case you need it. This service of course is also available for other trips.
6. Reservations
6.1. What is a reservation?
A reservation is a statement of interest from your side regarding a specific apartment. You will be asked to provide some information in order to guarantee your identity. The reservation is not a booking. In order to have the apartment booked, we (or the landlord in case of a self-managed property) need to accept your reservation request. You will be given an answer within 48 business hours.
6.2. How do I book an apartment?
First, you will need to make a reservation request, once the reservation is accepted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and you can consider the apartment booked. You will be charged with a no show fee which will be kept only if you don't show up for the date of check in. Cancellation policy addresses this procedure in details.
6.3. Can I book by telephone?
You can reach us by calling us at +39 346 2277787 from 9am to 7pm CET (Central European Time)
6.4. Will I receive a confirmation when I book?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
6.5. Are there any extra fees?
All our rates already include VAT, so there will be no surprises when you check in! The confirmation e-mail will be also report the total value of the booking.
6.6. What is the check in / check out time?
You can check in from 2pm to 7pm, while you need to leave the apartment before 12 (noon) the day of check-out. You can always request a late check in or check out; charges might be applied. Please keep in mind that, check-ins after 22pm are not guaranteed.
7. Cancellation
7.1. What happens if I want to leave earlier?
If you have made a reservation for less than 2 months, no refund will be allowed if you decide to leave earlier. However, for contracts more than 2 months, you can cancel the next month by simply giving us a notice three weeks in advance in the previous month. This is another big benefit to Globers. When you rent an apartment on the market, the standard contract requires from 3 to 6 months notice for early leaving. We require 3 weeks. Instead of a lock-in contract we will propose the highest degree of flexibility possible.
7.2. How do I cancel my reservation?
You can cancel by sending us a fax or an e-mail, and depending on the cancellation policy you choose there may not be any consequences.
8. Payment
8.1. Do I need to prepay my stay in the apartment?
No, there is no pre-pay with us. The only thing to provide at booking is a no-show fee in case you just don’t show up at check in. Nonetheless, before and during your stay you will have full flexibility of modifying and canceling your booking according to the cancellation policy.
8.2. Can I pay cash?
Yes, you can.
8.3. Which credit cards do you accept?
American Express, Mastercard, VISA
9. Rates
9.1. What do I need to pay?
When renting one of the properties in our catalog, you will be asked to pay:
- The rent price: it's the apartment market price. A slight increase of the rent price is applied for short term or flexy stay, resulting however, much lower than hotel and residence.
- Added services: you will pay for what you desire, when you need it.
- No show: for online booking a no show fee is required. During check in the no show fee itself will be accounted as part of the rent.
- Security deposit: no actual cash is needed. You can simply authorize to bill your credit card in case of damages. If you would like not to give the authorization, then a money deposit is needed
- Full payment in advance is asked only for short stay and flexy stay. In the other cases the payment is monthly.
9.2. Why is it convenient?
Financially speaking, renting with Choove simply makes sense. While the cost-per-night is less than second home or hotel room, you get the best of both worlds!
Our service starts with the apartment selection but extents to the online hassle-free booking service, apartment visit, contracts activation and easy access to many services. All that translates for you in:
- Flexible renting, no lock in contracts. When you need to stay for less than a year, this makes the difference in what you pay.
- No need of going through the local bureaucracy in order to activate contracts and utilities for the apartment you choose.
- No time spent selecting personnel, cleaning supplier, concierge or anything you might need during your stay.
- Apartment rent cost inline with real estate market for extended and long term stay. Rent cost much lower than hotel and residence for short and flexy stay.
9.3. Are you saying that I will not be able to find cheaper apartments in the local Real Estate Market?
Sure you will find cheaper solutions! Cheaper but not comparable in terms of location, quality, amenities in the apartment, flexibility of the contract and customer service. Let’s bet! If you find an apartment that makes you happy with all these things and is cheaper, we will offer you the same rate that this apartment has.
10. The Website
10.1. I was trying to make a booking but lost my Internet connection. Was my reservation finished?
Did you get an e-mail from us? If you did, then it means we have received your booking request.
10.2. Do I need to make a reservation?
This is the best way for you to make sure you will find the apartment that you like ready for you when you need it.
10.3. Can I find Choove in Google or Yahoo?
We love search engines! You can find us by typing in Choove, but we'll also do our best to be found when you type in other relevant keywords.
10.4. Can I link to your website?
Sure, and we would like to know that you do, so please let us know by sending an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
10.5. Can you link to my website?
If this is relevant to Globers, we would love to link to your website from our community.
11. VISA and Permesso di Soggiorno
11.1. What is Permesso di Soggiorno?
11.2. When should I apply for Permesso di Soggiorno?
Students must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of stay) before the 8th day of their arrival in Italy.
11.3. Which documents do I need to apply for Permesso di Soggiorno?
In order to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno, the following documents are required:
1) The kit of documents required to be filled, in order to file a request. (This kit is obtained from a post office)
2) A valid passport with a valid Visa.
3) The full photocopy of the passport.
4) 4 recent and identical photographs.
5) A stamp (Marca da bollo) worth of €14.62, which can be obtained from local tobacco shops.
6) The documents approved by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the student’s home country prior to his/her arrival to Italy (Including the traveler’s insurance).
11.4. Where can I apply for Permesso di Soggiorno?
12. Travel Insurance
You can buy, extend and claim online even after you've left home. Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
12.1. How do I make a claim?
With World Nomads Travel Insurance you can claim online even if you are still traveling. And if you don't entirely trust insurance companies, have a look at how World Nomads have helped some of their travelers.
12.2. Who can buy it?
World Nomads Travel Insurance is available to residents of over 150 countries.
12.3. Extend your cover
Had a change of travel plans? Unlike other policies, World Nomads allows you to extend your policy indefinitely. Because it's online, you can do it 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
12.4. What can I do?
World Nomads cover most adventure sports from bungee jumping in New Zealand to white-water rafting in Colorado.
12.5. How do I buy it?
13. Italian SIM CARD
13.1. Why can't I use my current cell phone overseas?
Most cell phones in the U.S. are not compatible with the frequency or bandwidth used overseas. To get technical, only a tri-band phone (known as a GSM phones) with a 900, 1800 or 1900 frequency phone will work overseas. You can buy tri-band phones in the U.S. but they are generally more expensive, harder to find and only a few local networks sell them. All those big telco's you know and love will only sell you what's called a "locked GSM phone" meaning that you are locked into using that provider's service and there's no actual key you can use to unlock it. That translates to huge roaming fees and a big bill at the end of the month. You could use one of their phones, but why would you? An "unlocked" phone is what you want, one that isn't tied to a particular network, so you can choose any network or provider and the service that suits you best.
13.2. How does a GSM phone work?
Cell phone users need to know what a SIM (Subscriber Information Module) card is, because it is the SIM card that operates a GSM phone. A SIM card is a small encoded chip that is inserted into the back on the phone, containing your unique account information including the telephone number and your personal address book. SIM cards are removable, interchangeable and can be purchased for individual countries or for multiple countries (i.e. a global roaming SIM card).
13.3. Is it true that I can get free in-coming calls, free text messages and local call rates overseas (without roaming charges)?
Believe it or not, what we consider as normal in the U.S. is to pay for the in-coming calls. Your friends across the pond have it much easier. In-coming calls on cell phones are actually free in almost every country in the world (with the exception of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, China, the Bahamas, Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong and parts of Russia). Instead of paying for in-coming calls, try Telestial, which has free in-coming calls in 40 of the most popular destinations around the world. You'll pay the local cell phone call rates in most destinations, without being penalized with exorbitant international roaming charges. With Telestial's Explorer SIM card, customers can also receive free text messages plus family and friends of Telestial customers can send free SMS text messages from www.telestial.com to Telestial Explorer subscribers overseas.
13.4. Do I need to sign a contract for my international cell service?
The beauty of owning an unlocked cell phone is that there are no contracts. SIM cards are pre-paid and can be purchased on a country by country basis. Alternatively, travelers can buy a global roaming SIM card which allows for usage in multiple countries. With Telestial's global roaming "Explorer" and "Passport" SIM cards, users have cell phone coverage in 100+ countries and can set up an auto-recharge facility with no need to go online or phone in to recharge the card. You can start with as little as $10 of air time credit.
13.5. Is it cheaper to rent or buy a phone?
Depending on the type and frequency of travel, purchasing an internationally compatible unlocked GSM cell phone is both affordable and practical. It is especially economical for people who travel overseas often and is certainly a cheaper and easier option than renting. Factors to be considered are the length of a trip, the purpose (business or leisure) and your budget. The down side of renting is being locked into paying the rental company's call rates, which can be as high as $5 per minute from some countries (plus many charge for in-coming calls). Purchasing a phone gives the freedom to choose a SIM card that suits your needs, without being tied to a particular network or provider. And, of course, the reality is that at the end of the rental period, you have to give back the phone whereas the price of purchasing it out right may not be much higher.
Purchasing also helps avoid additional administration each time you travel, including ordering, paying for shipping, always having different telephone numbers when you travel and the paranoia of keeping track of how much each call is costing. Add in the fact that you won't need to become familiar with a new handset every time you rent, and that you can loan it out to friends, family and colleagues, and you have some pretty compelling arguments in favor of purchasing. GSM phones start from as little as $99, which is a small investment to make if you are a frequent leisure or business traveler.
13.6. About Telestial
Telestial is a leading provider of deeply discounted international cell phones, pre-paid SIM cards for global coverage and other communications services that allow travelers to easily retain control over costs while staying in touch overseas. Unlike phone rental options, Telestial eliminates problems associated with incompatible cellular networks abroad or being tied to a U.S. network that charges exorbitant international rates. Working with providers worldwide, Telestial customers can get the same low local call rates that international residents would pay, plus the convenience of an enabled phone prior to arriving in an international destination. Telestial ensures affordable and simple international calling options for business or leisure with a wide selection of phone types and packages. For more information visit www.telestial.com
14. Shipping
For the ones who travel with many luggages and don't know how to handle them without terribly increasing the flight ticket price, we established a partnership with Parcel to Ship.
