- Having used Airbnb extensively in many countries, our accommodation very much underwhelmed due to the quality of our experience upon check-in.
- While the apartment is very close to the Vatican, it is very far from other major spots (Colosseo, Pantheon, etc.). If you take a taxi, it will cost roughly $25-$40 to get to the center of Rome.
- Our check-in experience was incredibly difficult. Despite prior communication regarding our exact arrival date and time, the host was not there when we arrived.
- Luckily, we found a groundskeeper who called multiple people trying to find the host so that we may be let in by the host.
- The groundskeeper introduced us to the owner of the apartment who lived on the floor below ours. She reluctantly allowed us to be let in, while simultaneously questioning whether we had truly rented the apartment. There was a great deal of mistrust that made us feel unwelcome and frustrated after a long day of travel.
- Once we were connected to wifi, we again contacted the host who apologized for the “misunderstanding” and said she thought we were arriving a day later (though our detailed correspondence said otherwise).
- An hour later, while still sitting in the apartment with the very kind groundskeeper and also owner who was keeping a watchful eye on us, the host sent a friend to meet us who was furious that she had to deal with us. No water was offered, and no tour of the apartment was given. The woman’s only words to us at check-in were regarding seeing our passports and demanding we tell her an exact time when we’d be checking out.
- After this friend left, she realized she forgot her own keys and called asking that we bring them down. We told her we would, but after 2 minutes she called again, yelling and demanding we hurry. We had just showered and were moving as fast as possible, but she called at least 5 more times (within maybe 5 minutes) screaming at us. We have never been so poorly treated upon arriving at an Airbnb.
- We are so very thankful for the kind groundskeeper who helped us when he did not need to out of the generosity of his heart. While waiting with us, he sweetly pointed out various parts of the city from the terrace. What a wonderful gentleman.
- The apartment was as listed. Clean, but nothing special other than of course the terrace which did have stunning views of the Vatican.
- The host did apologize for the experience, having left a handwritten note saying such as well as a bottle of wine the following day.