Over the last 20 or so years we have traveled extensively throughout Italy and stayed in many lovely and accommodating apartments but we continually return to Rome, our favorite destination, and, as demonstrated by the 76 days we’ve spent here over the course of 6 stays, this property is our go to flat in The Eternal City.
It is listed as a loft but the clever positioning of several large modern armoires divides the space into a large private sleeping area with a comfortable bed, and a spacious living area. The small but efficient kitchen in tucked away in a corner with a cook-top, microwave and a delightful marble sink. The marble-lined bathroom is comfortably laid-out with a standard Italian cabinet style shower and plenty of hot water.
The flat, which was carved out of a larger palazzo, maintains many of the original details, including the ceiling frieze, woodwork and tile floors, interspersed with modern architectural elements. The décor is a wonderful mix of historic touches, antique furniture, modern art and industrial design. The extremely high ceilings and large windows give this immaculately clean apartment an airy feel. There is also robust WiFi for all those digital nomads.
There is a catwalk over the kitchen that leads to private sleeping loft, which although small, is perfect for a child or as a place to nap on a rainy day. There is also a sofa bed in the living area. There are two almost floor to ceiling windows, one of which swings open to allow access to a private outdoor space.
The apartment is a short flight above street level without an elevator but the stairway is wide with several landings and hauling up our luggage was not a problem.
The flat is located in the hip neighborhood in the triangle between Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiore and Castel Sant’Angelo, steps from all the wonderful restaurants, stores and bars that dot the medieval streets and alleys. Despite its strategic location it is extremely quiet and secure, convenient by foot or public transportation to Trastevere and the entire Centro Storico. For further excursions there is a cabstand and a bus stop a few strides away at the end of the block and the Tram stop at Largo Argentina is ten minutes away.
Part of any rental experience is the hospitality of the hosts and, although our interactions over the years have always been positive, this year we were particularly gratified by their kindness and assistance. Roberta was friendly and accommodating, obliging our schedule by allowing us an early check in. She was waiting in the apartment when we arrived and had stocked the cabinet with specialty coffees and the refrigerator with bottled water. As we toured the apartment we were distraught to discover that the old washing machine, which had given up the ghost, had been removed and not replaced. Roberta kindly attempted to move us into an adjacent apartment that had a washer but when that became too daunting she and the proprietress Laura arrange for us to use the laundry service across the street at no charge. Throughout our stay Roberta and Laura were communicative and readily available to resolve any problems either by phone, text or in person and Roberta even arranged a private car to take us to the airport upon our departure.
If we could we would give this property six stars, particularly because of the hospitality of the hosts. We look forward to our return and we heartily recommend this flat to anyone interested in visiting the beautiful city of Rome.