We wanted to absorb as much as we could from a full week in Rome. Our objective was to see the sights, shop along the way, and have a relaxing holiday. Not so easy in Rome!

One&Only Monti Suite is a freshly renovated gem. Right away we felt at home in this quiet refuge. The neighbourhood has plenty going on, and yet the suite is so private. You don't even have to draw curtains, and it's very quiet for that all important good night's sleep. We lived like kings here.

Our hosts met us at the "condo", which is tastefully equipped with every appliance and creature comfort we have in our home, and more. The decor is cheerful, a delight, as are your hosts Gianluca and Laura.

Awaiting us was a Laura freshly baked cake, and on the table was a welcome basket of essentials like pomodoro sauce, pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh fruits, a bottle of wine, enough expresso cartridges for the week, you get the picture. On certain nights we were glad to try our hand at Roman cuisine, too tired to venture out for dinner.

The user manual contains clear instructions on how to operate appliances, and directions on where to shop for everything you could need.

We kicked off each day by preparing breakfast. We found the bakery and a small but good fruit and vegetable shop on nearby Urbana. The Tuodi (larger supermarket around the corner on Liberiana) was best for milk, eggs, and the "must have" pecorino cheese and prosciutto. With that, I perfected the Roman Fritatta over the course of the week, and every day was off to a better start than the last. My life is richer for my visit to Monti.

I was amazed to discover how everything you want to see on this side of the Tiber is walkable from the Monti Suite. Walk down Cavour and you'll quickly stumble on the Colliseum and Forum. The nicest way to get there is via Meruluna then Viale Monte Oppio, walk down thru the park that has ruins of Emporer estate.

A good shopping walk is via Agostino Despretis. You can turn left on Nazionale to Venezia, or continue on to Spagna (Spanish Steps)

The Vatican is an easy Metro trip and the Metro home when you're tired is a savior

A friend stayed with us for the first night, so the $50 Euro limo made sense from the airport, but by the time we left we were comfortable with the 15 min walk with bags to the train station, where a $14E ticket whisks you effortlessly to the airport.

Proximity to the Termini was also invaluable for the day we took the train high speed to Naples, ($29E), and on to Pompeii. An easy and recommended day trip. (Shopping: even better prices and of course the pizza).

I commend our hosts for having created a classy abode for serious travelers who want to enjoy the city of Rome