We stayed at Francesca's place for five nights, an amazing old apartment that was built in 1600 and Francesca renovated herself, you can still see the original materials. The main things we loved were that Francesca replied immediately to any queries, helped us with tourist tips and organised an airport pick up. But the biggest one was the location in Trastevere, away from the centre of Rome, but an easy walk to everything (or tram ride if you have kids - we have a nine year old). It made us feel as though we were living in Rome for a short time, rather than being tourists. Winter was a great time to be in Rome - you can walk everywhere more easily than in the heat of summer, less tourists, and all the gelato shops are still open. Find Fatamorgana gelato just near Francesca's place.