Our stay in Rome was enhanced by the great location of Luca's apartment in the ghetto district by the river; great shops, art stores and restaurants. Rome was heaving with tourists but this area, though busy, was much more 'comfortable'. The apartment was small but nicely appointed and with character and charm. If there are more than 2 occupying the apartment make sure you are comfortable with each other as the second bedroom is accessed through the main double bedroom. The windows open onto the main restaurant area which has a noisy buzz which we enjoyed.
Two issues: hot water reliability and the refuse collection inside the building at the bottom of the stairs which even in a cool and relatively wet Rome for the time of year left an impression. Dread to think what it might be like when the temperature rises.