The Ancient Walls 30sqm suite and amenities were outstanding. My positive experience began with Fabrizio’s personal shuttle service from the Piramide metro station, where I had arrived after taking a high-speed Italo train from Florence to Rome’s Termini station. New to Rome, I wasn’t quite sure about the ‘boots on the ground’ metro connections, timing for arrival, and proximity to points of interest from the Testaccio district. I quickly learned that Fabrizio’s apartment is ideally located with metro, bus, regional train to FCO, and short walking distance to some of the best attractions. It only took me about 25 minutes to travel from Piramide to the Ottaviano metro station in the Prati district just blocks from Vatican City - and that’s with a connection at Termini station.
When we arrived at the apartment building, I felt like a local. The grocery store on the ground floor, around the corner was buzzing with activity. Later in the week, I bought hot meals and other food I could prepare in Fabrizio’s comprehensive kitchen. This grocery and kitchen convenience was a relief after long days of touring the city. When we arrived at the room, I opened the glass balcony door to a warm and sunny view of the Aurelian Wall with Via Nicola Zabaglia pointing in the direction of the famous Tiber river. Later, I toured the beautiful Ripa and Trastevere districts, all within short walking distance.
The suite is highly comfortable with it’s perfect mattress, roomy interior, furnished balcony, room-darkening shades, dining table for four, and queen-sized couch. More than this, it’s a smart floor plan. Fabrizio has thought of everything I needed to feel like home in my condo. After previously staying six days combined in the Prati district and Florence, I was in desperate need to clean my laundry, since I was following Rick Steves’ minimalist packing guidelines. No problem, there is a washer with instructions in six languages. And the bathroom’s utility in a small space with ultra modern fixtures made me think I was in a luxury hotel.
After several days of establishing my routine of sightseeing and return to the comfort of the room, I realized how ideal the apartment location and floor plan are for returning to Rome with family and friends. It’s obvious to me now. The kitchen is at the center of the three rooms with the two smaller ones (Design and Shabby schic) connected by a second door. This layout provides a shared area in the kitchen and foyer while maintaining privacy in individual rooms. I would also add that the larger suite is well-suited for family socializing and planning the next day’s itinerary prior to retiring for the evening.
For all the reasons I have listed and more, the Ancient Walls suite is a gem.
Grazie Fabrizio.