Unfortunately checkin was very difficult and stressful. On the airbnb’s listing it says that checkin is in person and this is what was also communicated by Giulia. I waited for three hours past the agreed checkin time on the street outside of the airbnb for Giulia. Throughout these three hours I messaged, called and emailed the host multiple times all without any response.
When Giulia finally replied she told me the keys were at the cafe next door, something that if she had been contactable would have prevented me waiting outside for three hours. Giulia never came for checkin.
When I finally got access to the apartment I found that it was not properly cleaned; the bin had not been taken out, there was hair all over the bathroom floor and the kitchen was generally a bit dirty.
The wifi did not work throughout the entirety of our stay, an issue that was communicated to the host. This was disappointing as access to wifi was one of the reasons I booked this apartment. As a result of no wifi the TV would not work at all, as it only works on wifi and does not have access to satellite or cable channels.
Unfortunately we experienced constant communication issues with the host. It was very frustrating having the host organising times and then cancelling last minute in the case of fixing the wifi. As well as being expected as the guests to be dropping off spare sets of keys to her at work, the constant messaging and cancelling of arranged times all whilst we are trying to explore Rome and enjoy our holiday was a downside.
The level of communication and host service continued into check-out. The host was supposed to meet us upon checkout to get the keys. I communicated our checkout time the day before, to which the host replied that she could not make checkout and that we would have to find a cafe (any cafe not a place that was expecting us) to ask them if we could leave the keys with them. Not speaking Italian this was difficult and it took some convincing to a member of staff to let two strangers leave a set of keys for someone else that they didn’t know either come and pick up. It was extra stress that we didn’t need at 7:30am.
However the apartment was in a good location, walking distance to the centre and attractions. And only a 15 minute walk to Roma Termini which was really convenient for transport links to and from Rome.
The balcony was great and it was really nice to be able to have a small space outside where we could have breakfast and have drinks in the evening.
Also the air conditioning is the apartment worked really well and was definitely appreciated after being out all day in the heat.
The kitchen does have lots of random dishes and utensils, however only has one wine glass.
The apartment also felt really safe.