The pictures on line do not do justice to this space. The neighborhood has not been completely gentrified, and that is part of the charm - to be able to live among local folks in an area not overcome with tourists. We felt that it was a real retreat to return to this apartment each day.
The apartment is located on the third floor of the right wing of a large building with a lovely and large internal courtyard. The apartment looks out into the courtyard and onto the market street (Orvieto) perpendicular to via Taranto (accent of 1st syllable). There is an elevator but it is very small and we didn't ever use it. It runs up and down the middle of the stairwell.
We arranged with Francesco and Fabiano for Rara Res to pick us up and deliver us back to FCO for 70 euros each way to avoid any hassles at either end of our trip, and this was great for the four of us. The company does take credit cards, but having the cash is helpful. (Our driver from the airport thought we were going to pay in cash and there was a moment when I thought I would have to run to an ATM. He eventually found the credit card device in the van! Remember that you don't need to tip.)
The apartment had three lovely and large bedrooms and two bathrooms. Bedrooms double/queen beds. There is air conditioning in each of the rooms operated by remote control. The kitchen is nicely equipped and even comes with a small stovetop espresso maker. The market just up via Orvieto on the corner can supply you with just about everything you will need if you plan to cook any meals for yourself. With the fresh pastas and new ingredients available in the market, we did end up cooking in two times over our eight days.
Emilio greeted us at the front gates when we arrived, and it was helpful to have the driver of our van lend us his phone to make this local call. Emilio lives on the first floor of this entryway. We did not get an international calling plan so having the driver's help and phone on the ride in was key! F and F communicate quickly and clearly by email through Airbnb and that's how we got questions answered before and during our stay. They are very responsive hosts!
The apartment is close to local public transportation. Buses run right outside or just down the road, though they can be crowded and unpredictable. We ended using the metro A line from Re de Roma to launch just about every trip into the center. There is a tram stop is near the big local church, San Giovanni, and the #3 goes right where you might want to go and eventually into Trastevere (accent on the 2nd syllable!) We bought CIS weekly transportation tickets on our first day and used them everyday. This was probably one of our best purchases for 24 euro each!
For a family like ours or three couples, this apartment works really well. Older or less mobile folks and those who want to be in the middle of the action might not fully appreciate all that this space and location have to offer. But, if you want a taste of local Roman life and want to escape the crowds of visitors to Rome, then this is a wonderful find that will impress you more the more you know it. We are already planning our return to Rome and to this apartment!