Gianfranco’s flat was exceptional - a beautiful, spacious period apartment, well-equipped and sensitively decorated. Not one item of Ikea furniture in sight! The wonderfully large balconies are leafy and shady and provide a wonderful setting for morning coffee. Gianfranco himself was a perfect host. He picked us up on arrival from the metro station, but thereafter we enjoyed complete privacy and independence in the reassuring knowledge that he would respond immediately and with good humour to any problem. It was great to stay in this safe, residential area where we could retreat at the end of the day from the crowds and pace of central Rome. The flat is very close to a lively market and shopping area, so catching the bus back and leaving the tourists behind was a real pleasure and made us feel part of the ordinary, local community. It was a real pleasure to meet Gianfranco and to be able to stay in such a safe, dignified and uplifting environment.