Lovely stay in, not immediately central to, Rome. Metro a few stops (15 minutes) to a lovely apt. in a large apt bldg. 3 blocks from a park with kid friendly games, but this space is too well appointed for young kids. Only 2 blocks from subway, in the middle of a very Roman neighborhood, complete with grocery, banks, pharmacy, great pizzerias, hardware store (ferramenta), flower store, and all the other shops expected along an urban street in an urban neighborhood.

Mario's place is very nice, has clothes washer and internet connected computer. B Mario is a sculpter, chef and collector of kitsch. Lovely apt with balcony. Citrus press, espresso maker, bottle of wine, were lovely additions to the urban balcony, separate bedroom, breakfast foods. Mario met us at the nearby metro stop and was a wealth of information about local stuff and a very kind person who wanted to help in any way he could. He no longer lives in the 2nd bedroom (locked) and stayed with girlfriend nearby (but was very connected via phone).

Absolutely lovely stay with Mario. Would recommend highly to anyone staying in Rome with kids over, say, 10 yrs old - And anyone who appreciates Italy for what it is - an exploration of who we all were 2000 years ago, who we would like to be, and who we would not like to be. Rome is great - Mario's is a great place to see Rome from and still relax.

MUCH better than any hotel stay.