Unique garden apt in heart of Trastevere but would benefit from management improvements.
The location, next to P. San Callisto, is excellent. It is a very lively area; the tables for the restaurant next door are only a couple of meters from the front door but this did not bother us. Being on two floors with an open staircase, could pose problems for those with mobility issues, but was OK for us. We have stayed in a dozen or so apartments in Rome but this place is quite unique--being able to stay in a house, with a garden, in such a central location is special. It has all the basics right. The shortcomings could be overcome with more attention from the management company in terms of both the equipment and their procedures.
There are only a few dishes and kitchen utensils- enough to get by-- but minimal. To light the stove burners, you are given a cheap, ineffective cigarette lighter (we bought a BBQ lighter at the market for a few Euros). The front door has an automatic rotating mechanism that is in need of service (upon not being able to get out, we were told that it sticks, so push harder-- this works sometimes, at other times it can take a while for the mechanism to adjust and you think you are trapped). The garden is attractive but the furniture and equipment does not induce you to spend time outdoors. A binder with instructions about use of the equipment and suggestions for the neighborhood would be useful.
Check-in and check-out could be improved. Despite several inquiries about exactly where to arrive, we were only given two cell numbers to phone 30 minutes before expected arrival. However, only one of the two personal cell numbers was operative and that agent did not seem to know who we were or what we had booked, even though we had previously specified exactly when we would arrive. While they are anxious to have you leave on time (an extra charge of Eur 20 for overstaying by even two hours), there are no arrangements to help you get a taxi (it cannot come directly to the door) other than telling you there is a taxi stand about 5 blocks away. Every other place we have rented in Rome has been much more helpful.
We have stayed in other areas of Rome previously but decided that we would now most likely come back to Trastevere. While there are many attractive elements of this rental, until the shortcomings are addressed, we would look elsewhere.