Lorenzo’s apartment in Trastevere in Rome was a great base for the start and end of our three weeks in Italy. My sister and I (aged in our 60’s) were very happy staying in this newly decorated apartment which had two good-sized bedrooms with comfortable double beds, as well as a living room, small kitchen and bathroom. Each bedroom has a large flat screen TV with Sky TV - great for foreign channels. WiF also. The apartment would also suit two couples. Everything was very clean, and substantial. The apartment was very light with windows on both sides. In some ways the apartment felt rather like a hotel suite, with a safe provided, also small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, etc.
The kitchen is small and would not be convenient for preparation of large meals, however fine for breakfast and snacks. The apartment is extremely well-situated, so we took advantage of the many trattorias and restaurants within very easy walking distance.
Lorenzo was helpful in arranging transport from the airport when we first arrived – our flight was delayed, and we texted the changed arrangements. He was at the apartment to meet us and insisted on carrying our bags up the steep flights of stairs to the third floor. We did not find the stairs a problem and enjoyed the view. Overall, Lorenzo was prompt to answer text messages, and has very good English.
Area has a mixture of locals and tourists (especially in March); central but not too noisy. For taxi directions, suggest Via Trastevere, Piazza Sidney Sonnini which is just round corner. Taxi rank is 3 minutes walk away on Piazza G.G.Belli. There are trams also.
Closest bridge is pedestrian bridge Ponte Cestio that crosses over the little island (Isola Tiberina) on the Tevere, only about 5 minutes away. Apartment is very close to the more touristy Via Lungaretta, and Piazza de Santa Maria de Trastevere. We walked everywhere, except for taxis to and from main train station, Stazione Termini.
The local supermarket is hard to find – on the other side of Via Trastevere, entrance through a clothing store and down steps at the back. Look for sign saying `Conad’. There are many wonderful food stores and also an outdoor fruit and vegetable market in a square behind Via Trastevere.
We ate in some great local restaurants, notably – Le Mani in Pasta 065816017 (booking necessary), Via dei Genovese (just near Sta. Cecilia) in the continuation of Via Giulio Cesare Santini. We ate great primo piatti at more touristy Ristorante San Cosimato, in Piazza San Cosimato. A wonderful pizza in the large popular local trattoria round the corner on Via Trastevere which also specialises in bean dishes.
Beautiful hand-made silk ties and scarves at La Cravatta in Via di Santa Cecilia. Altogether a great stay in a great area.