I had a nice but "barely there" stay overnight before taking the train to the airport from Tiburtina station. Overall a pleasant stay and I would would give a limited recommendation only because I didn't get to interact very much due to my own schedule. Don't let that put you off!
I communicated with both Maddalena (by phone/messages) and her sister Sara (who checked me into the apartment). I'm a native English speaker with quite limited Italian which was fine during the initial booking stages but it was a bit more challenging while on the move from a mobile phone in going backwards and forwards (Maddalena initially communicated in Italian but this changed later to English, Sara communicated in English).
A note about transportation - For anyone else travelling in the 2019 period and arriving at Roma Termini station: please be fully aware and perhaps check with the host in advance about the Metro Line B as it was completely shut when I arrived and this was a significant stumble and hassle in getting to the apartment. Or save yourself the hassle and adjust your transportation to arrive directly at Tiburtina (further note this is a massive station so be prepared for some considerable walking just inside the station).
Arriving:
- Easy walk 10 mins at a slow pace (though be prepared to wait at the big intersection lights for a while) from Tiburtina station.
- You might find it a little difficult to locate their buzzer and I'd recommend that the hosts communicate the position of their buzzer more clearly.You might find it a little difficult to locate their buzzer and I'd recommend that the hosts communicate the position of their buzzer more clearly.
- The apartment is on the first floor. Staircase on the LEFT after entering the door (don't worry there's a lift but the stairs are quite shallow so I just carried my 25kg suitcase).
The room was lovely. Clean and tidy, comfy bed. The wifi code was ready for me to join and the bedding was fine and suitable for the weather. There are shutters on the outside of the window for full "blackout" - just ask the host to show you if you're not familiar with this in other Italian houses though (it's the flat ribbon next to the window). Shower had good pressure and the host's sister was kind to accomodate my early rising and take a shower before my flight.
I hope you enjoy any future trips with Maddalena and Sara