Before booking the property, please ensure that you have read everything (all rules) of the property. There is a 20EUR charge if you don't arrive on time (when you arrive 1hr after the indicated check-in time). You will also be charged 50EUR if you arrive later than 10PM. Just wanted to share this since this was my problem with the property. Not sure yet if this is legal in AirBnB.
I was charged 20EUR, yes, 20EUR (without receipt). This is because I arrived late compared to my supposed arrival time. I arrived at around 9PM because of a delayed flight from Paris (from 6:40AM changed to 4:15PM). I told Federica at around 7AM that I will be arriving late at around 7-8PM because of the airline issues (overbooking by Vueling). I was already at Paris airport at around 4AM. Got only 2hrs of sleep, unfortunately.
And then when I arrived in Rome (FCO), I needed to ride a bus to City Center. I was being contacted by Federica, but I couldn't reply asap due to SIM roaming issues. I was also busy with my luggage and transfers.
And then when she told me I will be charged 20EUR, I tried to haggle, of course, for her to understand my situation. 2hrs of sleep, 12hrs in the airport and then when I arrived in the property, I needed to pay 20EUR. That's double jeopardy! All I wanted was to have an exception to that unique rule. I've been transferring from Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Milan and then back to Barcelona and all were great except for this property. :( She was not considerate enough for my case.
I understand that her time is important, but are we not human enough to understand my situation? I did not argue since I badly need to rest, and I haven't had my dinner yet. I guess she charged the 20EUR since she still needed to meet me at the property to "explain" things.
Anyway, here's a summary of things that you need to consider:
1. Rules - please avoid any property which has "charges" and extra costs like this property. It was hidden before you book the property. Then after booking it, the rule is already there. I have screenshots of before and after.
2. Property - very quiet and the room is clean. But you will be alone in the whole floor for almost the whole day until your neighbor from the other room arrives at 11PM. It was eerily quiet. And if you don't like movies such as "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" or "The Rite" of Anthony Hopkins, then this property is not for you. I don't usually get scared, but this is an exception. I needed to call my friend in the Philippines so I can have someone with me virtually. But, around 10mins after lying on bed, I was able to sleep - I was dead tired! All those mosquitoes in the room were feasting my arms and legs!
Toilet - shared with other units. But there were times that the toilet flush didn't work. So, I had to stay a little longer so that it's functional before the other guest uses it.
Pantry - almost complete. There is also a laundry machine in the pantry area.
Elevator - available.
3. Check-in process - this is 1 out of 5 stars. If she is worried about the time she needs to meet the guests, then could they just improve and have the self-check-in procedures to be possible, same with other properties from around the world? Lots of AirBnB in different countries already use it like the key can be taken somewhere or a code is needed to open a mailbox containing the key, etc. No need for her to meet the guests. It works well in Australia, Milan, Barcelona, Paris, Philippines, Thailand, etc.
4. Location/Accessibility - not a good one. Yes, it's near Vatican City, but from the Metro, you need to walk for 12 minutes (1km) BUT upwards, meaning, it's an uphill walk. I had my luggage with me when I checked in and the walk was a struggle.
There's also a nearby bus stop around 1minute. But the ride schedule is not that good. There are lots of properties within the city center. No need for an uphill walk. I don't recommend this property in terms of location. If you have a car, then this is not a problem.
5. Check-put - it went well. I don't need her to come to the property. I just left the room open, as instructed, and left the key on the desk.
Overall, Rome is lovely, but please choose a better property. I DO NOT recommend Federica's place at all. It will ruin Rome's charms and your experience.