5/5 location
5/5 bed comfort
5/5 size
1/5 noise
1/5 bathroom
2/5 host
Location:
This is an excellent location within walking distance of almost everything. We absolutely loved the neighbourhood!
Bed comfort:
The beds were all very comfortable and the toddler pack n play had a great mattress for the baby as well. The window shades block out light very well, but sound is definitely a problem.
Size:
This was a large place with high ceilings. I’m not sure what the average size air bnb is in Rome but this was spacious enough for us (two adults and two children under 3).
Noise:
If you are a light sleeper you will have a very hard time getting any sleep here. Even if you’re not a light sleeper be prepared to be woken up to loud noise in the late night and early morning.
Being a central location there is bound to be noise from locals/tourists wandering the street at night. However I would say this place was exceptionally loud. The home itself is constantly creaking and making noises at night and the neighbours are very loud as well very early in the morning. One of the mornings we were woken up around 7 am to the garbage being picked up (sounded like a huge pile of glass crashing). The next morning we were woken up around 6:30 am to the neighbour throwing a bag/pile of glass out and then another (or same) neighbour started doing construction (constant hammering) from 7 am onward for a few hours…some of the neighbouring units are shops and art studios so this may be why it’s louder in the morning but still a bit too early.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is in dire need of an update - especially the bath tub. There are a few other reviews commenting on the state of the tub with the shells glued on it and I first thought ppl were being picky but after seeing it for myself I agree and I’m surprised more ppl haven’t commented on this. I’m not sure why the shells are there and they are also covered in what looks like gold glitter so it looks very odd and unsanitary. In addition, the tub does not drain well at all. Within a minute it starts to fill with water. I personally didn’t feel comfortable standing in the tub very long between the combo of the shells and the poor drainage. My 3 year old son was also quite disturbed by the shells and thought it was poop splattered on the side of the tub so he didn’t want to go in the tub at all. We had to really convince him that it was okay to use the tub.
Aside from the tub, the washing machine does not work well. It is very old and does not clean the clothes. If you need a washing machine (which we did with two small kids) I would not recommend this one.
Finally, when we arrived the hot water was not working and I had to ask Momo to fix it. She gave me instructions for the boiler and I followed them but she was warning me that if I do it wrong the valve will break and we won’t have any more water. This was kinda stressful and I didn’t feel comfortable using too much hot water in case the valve suddenly broke.
I think these are basic things that should be working properly and maintained better in an Airbnb unit that is regularly being used.
Host:
Finally, Momo was kind when she responded to my messages but not very accommodating. I’m not sure if she is very busy managing other properties or doing other things but she was not very quick to respond to my messages and at times I had to repeat my messages or text her to get a response.
We asked if we could have access to the unit if we arrived 30 mins early and she ultimately rejected/forgot about my request. When we did arrive (30 mins after our checkin time) the key was not in the lock box and we were standing outside confused until the cleaners finally luckily let us in. So the place was not ready on time and we had to wait longer for the cleaners to finish. This was not ideal with two small children.
We also asked if we could leave 30 mins later at check out (this would have been very helpful with two small children) and the request was also refused.
Then, as I mentioned, when we arrived the hot water wasn’t working and instead of coming over or sending a plumber to fix it Momo asked me to do it and warned me that if I turn the valve too much it would break the boiler. I was trying to help her and fix it so I didn’t appreciate being warned not to do it wrong or we wouldn’t have any hot water…
Finally, there were items missing from the unit which we had to request and there was only one toilet paper roll in the unit for 4 ppl staying for 5 nights and there was no paper towels or anything to wipe tables or keep the place clean, which in my opinion is very cheap of the host for such an expensive place. There could at least be two toilet paper rolls. We had to request more when we ran out one evening and Momo did not respond until I asked again the next morning.
Overall, it seemed like the unit is not maintained well and no one is checking to make sure everything is in good shape before guests arrive. However, if all you want is a central location and you won’t be spending much time inside then this place is a good option.