Alessia's home was such a shockingly large gem in the center of Rome. Staying there was exactly like visiting a friend's home, and there were countless household amenities for adults and kids. I loved the family photos and artwork decorating the house. We chose the house for a large family reunion, hoping to gather a bunch of grandchildren around their grandfather. Indeed Alessia's house had toys, books, movies, a large table for eating and playing games together, and a huge living room to gather in. So it was such a joy for the kids to stay in. However, the hardest part was climbing the 4 flights of steps up. We are all pretty athletic, but we still felt the burn in our muscles by the time we reached the top of the stairs. (Great for working off the gelato and wine). However, it would have been impossible for my 71 year old father to climb, so it was fortunate in a way that, at the last moment, he became too sick to attend the family reunion that was supposed to be gathered around him. Note: Visitors should be capable of climbing stairs.
Alessia's house really is in an amazing location. My favorites, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, St.Ignatius and Trevi, Trastevere... all are a short walk away.
Alessia herself was wonderful. My youngest daughter's shoes broke the first day we were in Rome. Alessia told me about a shoe store Miky which was just down the street from her house and I was able to get shoes for my little one asap! We discovered that the street had tons of shoe stores and other leather goods... but mostly shoes... at prices aimed for the locals! So lucky!
There was a coffee bar we found, Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria, which was on the same street as all the shoe stores. We decided to stop for a cappucino because it was crowded and busy with local patrons. Good idea!! The busy baristas serving everyone were so entertaining. Sing-songing out the orders, efficiently getting all the customers (regulars and tourists) citrus water, croissants, coffees. We loved the experience of mingling among and witnessing real Romans passing in to get their breakfast at Roscioli. Loved standing at the bar with them. Twice more we came back to buy a huge box of breakfast pastries for our large group of kids waiting at Alessia's home.
Staying at Alessia's was an awesome experience for us, revealing an authentic corner of Rome we had not been acquainted with before. One day we hope to come back and visit again!