Laura contacted me immediately after the reservation was made. She checked the flight arrival information and met me as I arrived at her building. The apartment is exactly as described on the website; a large studio, ideal for one person or a couple. It is very clean. There is a desk at which to work, very good Internet, well equipped kitchen area and small bathroom. The building is quiet, clean and safe--this apartment stands behind three locked doors. The windows open on a small alley. Laura checked in periodically to make sure that everything was OK.

The Monti area is dotted with little boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Best restaurant choices: Tavernelle and Carbonara, both in Via Panisperna, and Taverna Urbana in Via Urbana. The neighborhood is bordered by Via Nazionale, one of Rome's principal shopping streets. If you want to do some shopping but cringe from Via Frattina prices, cruise Via Nazionale. The Cavour Metro station is a 3 minute walk and Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum and Colosseum are 7-10 minutes on foot. Laura provides some maps, basic information, restaurant cards, etc. to get you started.

The Monti area is the trendy area of Rome these days. That means good food and drink, interesting locales and food available quite late. It also means crowds and late hours, with (mostly but not exclusively) young people gathering at the piazza around the corner until well after midnight. Carabinieri and municipal police are visible, so there is no trouble. You can grab a beer and join them or just shut the windows and go to sleep. With the apartment facing an alley away from the piazza, it's OK.

On the work side, if you need express delivery, there is a Mailboxes, Etc. across from the Metro and two good Internet, scanner, copier places in Via Urbana.

In sum, Laura is a diligent host, the apartment is great and the neighborhood very interesting. I would highly recommend this listing.