After a pretty harrowing trip driving into Rome, there was Lorenzo's smiling face at the car window when we pulled up in Piazza della Malva. What a relief!

We offloaded the luggage and my parents-in-law, returned the car to Europcar (that wasn't fun), and headed back to Trastevere.

Lorenzo's apartment is right in the thick of a somewhat gritty neighborhood, but is an oasis of style and tranquility. With the air-con running, none of the late night street noise penetrated the double glazed windows.

The flip side of the location is that a raft of eateries and cafes, as well as a minimart and fruit store, are no more than a few steps away. Access to the rest of Rome is easy - just catch a cab on the main road along the Tiber, and of course when on foot the Ponte Sisto is right there, leading into Campo de' Fiori and beyond.

The bathrooms, beds and bed linen are all first rate, and having access to the little roof terrace and kitchenette made all the difference from your run of the mill lodgings in Rome. Bonus points are the excellent wifi, TV and iPod dock.

Lorenzo proved to be an attentive yet discreet host. We had a trouble free stay. Thanks!