Elegant, comfortable, chic, top-floor Rome apartment perfectly located for many attractions. We loved staying here. We'd return again in a heartbeat.
The Area: The apartment is tucked away in a quiet spot in the midst of a busy neighborhood, even though its only a block to the main street, Via del Corso, and 3 short blocks to the Pantheon in one direction and Trevi Fountain in the other. Only 6 blocks to Piazza Navona, our favorite in Rome. We walked also to the Colosseum (about a mile away). We loved the quiet Piazza Sant'Ignazio around the corner -- home to the lovely Ristorante Da Sabatino, serving the range of traditional Italian fare. (Not remarkable but far better than many more touristy places all around. We noted it was frequented by Italians and some regulars.) So convenient to walk around the corner for a quiet dinner. And the view from the apt windows and small patio all faced the stunning top of the baroque church: Chiesa de Sant Ignazio. In morning light, moonlight, and every weather and light in between, it was a stunning backdrop featured in our photos sent home.
The Apt: Elevator takes you to the top floor -- leaving you a few stairs to walk to the door. The living space and kitchen/dining area are large and spacious; modern decor, art, and antiques blend perfectly with 16th century architectural features. Helpful to have a well appointed first floor powder room -- no shower but it made the morning rush for 4 people much easier. Upstairs under the 500 year old wood beams, headroom is tight in one of the two small bedrooms and in the shower (although helpful to have a handheld spray). But the bedrooms have tons of storage and comfy beds. Stained glass windows in the loft bedrooms open into the larger rooms below. Great AC meant we were cool even in hot summer weather. All in all comfortable even at 5' 11", but might be hard if you were an NBA player.
The Host: Alessandro arranged a van to pick up us and our luggage at the airport; he met us at the apartment at arrival and departure, had tons of restaurant tips typed up, and responded in minutes to our texts for advice or help calling a taxi. There were some nice beverages and fruit awaiting us; good toiletries in the well-stocked baths; a shelf full of guidebooks and brochures to peruse. He is lovely and communicated well in english. He said the apartment was his own childhood home and it felt cared for -- not just someone managing short term rental apartments for others.