I cannot say enough about how wonderful this cozy little piece of Italian heaven is... and, I cannot say enough about how lovely and warm the host, Maria, made us feel.

Maria was kind, informative, and extremely helpful from the moment I booked. Before we arrived, she sent us a detailed itinerary of places around Rome and the neighborhood where the apartment is located. She gave the names of restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, attractions, and even step by step instructions on transportation to and from wherever we needed to go. We arrived easily at her home just steps from the Vatican on a lovely side street full of the enticing buzz of everyday Roman activity. There were restaurants, shops, and small grocery stores along the street, and two blocks up, a square with pharmacies, taxi stands, clothing stores, and everything else you would need. One more block north (follow the line of tourists) and you're at the Vatican. Less than three minutes walk. Walk the other direction at the end of Via d' Gracci and you're at the metro station, which in four stops will get you to the Trevi Fountain and all the other major Roman attractions.

The home itself is spotless, immaculate, and charming as can be. Maria has thought of everything - even leaving us with coffee, milk, spices and oil, and several snacks (including candy, cookies, etc.). You have stepped into an Audrey Hepburn movie, as Rome bustles beneath you as you sit and observe from your light and airy perch.

Maria and Francesco met us, and they were as warm and convivial as they appeared before we arrived. They gave us a guided tour, taking us to the roof terrace, where at night there is a stunning view of St. Peter's Basillica. Francesco even said they saw the smoke rising when the new pope was announced. Throughout our stay, Maria was in touch via Whatsapp with anything and everything I needed, telling me about buses, and anything else.

In short, this place is a gem, and I wouldn't have been more comfortable anywhere else is Rome. It's an ideal location, a lovely home, and the hosts are caring and concerned about your comfort.

To show just how lovely a person Maria is, we had a disaster occur, as we lot our passports on the way to the airport. Maria went to the home, checked for us there, and then sent us photo copies she had taken with her phone of our passports to help us out. She was a rockstar, and saved us a lot of effort and red tape, as we didn't have copies ourselves.)

(On a side not, my mother was with us, and stayed on the pull out sofa. She was very comfortable and happy, and there was enough space and privacy for three adults, easily.)

Please book with Maria - you won't be disappointed. Bonjourno!!!