Perfect hosting, location, room and amenities, topped with breakfast and a good price.
Location - Location, location, location. The location of Piera's is the best possible for visiting Rome. Transportation, the historical and artistic sites of interest, restaurants, bars, coffee places, bakeries, the market, groceries, shopping streets - everything is so close - much of it within a walk of less than 2 minutes. Yet - the apartment is quiet - it off the main street, on the second floor, with good noise isolation. It can't get any better than this. And still, this apartment is so wonderful, first and foremost because of Piera. We formed a friendship with Piera that will keep, and we are not the first guests to do so.
Our host - Piera lives there, so she is available whenever needed. But her unit is totally separated, so if it is privacy that one wants, there is no problem.
Piera is a treasure chest of knowledge about all things Rome. She knows a lot about the sites, including about the art inside them. She knows about current changes (sites that are closed for renovations, museums that are open late for a special occasion, etc.). She even made reservations for us. Also, Piera knows the restaurant scene very well. Her recommendations were spot on for us - and we are foodies. Whenever we went to eat, she spoke to the owner (sometimes without us knowing), and we received VIP treatment "because of Piera" - very unlike the treatment reserved in traditional Italian establishments for tourists. Piera grew up in the historical center, and everybody around there knows her.
Breakfast - We were served a complimentary breakfast. Piera dined with us. The food was tasty (not extraordinary), but it was enough to keep us happy for many hours later.
The unit - in newly renovated, but cozy, keeping the charm of the older building. It has a large window opening to the street on the east. The room is large by European standards, with its own full bathroom (including a shower and a towel warmer), plenty of space for storage, a small table and chairs. It is well lit. We have been in cold days (it got to -2°C, 28°F), but the room was warm and pleasant.
WiFi – works great.
The price – felt right, and even low.
With perfect hosting, location, room and amenities, topped with breakfast and a good price, this is easily one of the better experiences we have had in many years of traveling.