We stayed in Carlo’s apartment for three months, October-January. We really loved the place and we loved Carlo as a host. Carlo answered all of our questions and gave us a super warm welcome, even though we arrived late to the check-in and were not able to warn him. He was very responsive whenever we had questions, and came promptly if there was anything that needed attention. He was always kind and patient, even after we almost burned the house down (just kidding…sort of ) and his first question was always “Are you all right?”
The apartment is compact (just 40m2) but feels larger because it is designed intelligently and uses its space well. It is bright and cheerful, with two large doors to the balcony letting in lots of light. The kitchen is very functional and is well-equipped. The bed is extremely comfortable. It had a great closet and super storage space, something we valued for a longer stay.
The location of the apartment is fantastic. Monteverde Vecchio is very pleasant and a highly-favored neighborhood by Romans. It is a bit removed from the main sites of Rome, but they are all easily accessible. There is a taxi stand less than 100 yards from the apartment; the number 75 bus stops right in front of the building en route to the Coliseum and the Termini train station; and the number 8 tram is easily accessible and runs to Piazza Venezia. You can literally sit in the apartment, punch in the bus stop number on the Roma Bus app, find out if the bus is coming, and then run downstairs and catch it. There is a regional train station, not more than 10 minutes away by walk (Quattro Venti) that is great for getting to other areas of town like Ostiense, Tiburtina, or further out like the beach or Ostia Antica. If you want to use the bus or the tram, you can buy tickets at the bar next door to the building (or almost any Tabacchi) for 1.5 euros per ticket.
The neighborhood is very pleasant and livable, with four grocery stores within short walking distance, two of which (Pam Local) are open until 10 PM. There is a nice open-air market every day until 2 (except Sunday), right on the other side of the large church from the apartment. There are many restaurants nearby and little shops for practically every little thing you can think of buying. The Gelateria Gourmandise is maybe 200 yards away and is one of the best artisanal gelaterias in Roma. The neighborhood is particularly nice area if you are staying for more than a few days.
A very nice walk from the apartment is to walk about 20 minutes in the direction of the Vatican to the Terraza Gianicolo (Janiculum Terrace), from which you get a spectacular view of the city. From there you can easily walk the rest of the way to the Vatican, and take a taxi back home.
In sum: the apartment is fabulous and Carlo is absolutely the best kind of host to have. We would definitely stay here again and we loved calling this little place our home in Rome.