The apartment is very clean, practical and charming - the star is the terrace. You can't beat getting up and eating breakfast outside, or having a lazy hour or two in the sunshine with a book.
We stayed eight nights, perfect for a chilled time relaxing between the crazy energy of the city.
The apartment is opposite a huge park, where you can stroll or picnic. The walk to St Peter's is downhill with lovely views over Rome and takes a relaxed half hour.
You will have chosen to deliberately be away from the city centre so bear that in mind when using the busses. The 44 and 75 stops are nearby; they get you into the heart of the city in about 20 minutes, but don't trust the timetables...they are erratic. You might have a 15 or 20 minute wait for a crowded bus, but have a bit of patience and allow a little extra time and you'll be fine.
Bruno's is a really good restraurant within five minutes. Very friendly, excellent pasta.
There is a gellateria two minutes away - buy some ice cream, then relax on the terrace.
Rome is very busy. Absolutely avoid peak times at most attractions. You will be rewarded to arriving as early as poss, or late afternoon. There are many unbelievably beautiful churches that are not 'superstars' and are lightly visited, so do a bit of research in yr guide book.
If you can, pay a bit extra for one or two special guided trips. We used Dark Rome for a fantastic experience at Borghese Museum and an evening visit to the Colloseo, when it was largely empty. Expensive, but worthwhile.
We had a great afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico, watching Lazio (they alternate Sundays with AS Roma). Stunning stadium, marvellous family atmosphere and cheap. If you buy tickets remember you are required to provide ID at the ground.
By the way it's a pretty complicated city to get around and not well signposted, so use GoogleMaps and Moovit.
Last and definitely not least is your first class host Paola. Always friendly, she dealt with all our enquiries super efficiently and helpfully.
She is very proud of Monteverde, where she also grew up, and does it great justice.