San Lorenzo is not a touristy area and gives more of a local feel for what Roman life might be like. It's about a 15 minute walk from the Termini station. If you stay one the same side of the tracks as the apartment is located the walk and neighborhood is quite nice. The other side of the tracks is a little dirtier and grittier, but Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is very nice. I'm just talking about the immediate Roma Termini area in these cases of same side of the tracks and other. You have to remember that Rome is an old city, so of course there will be some dirt and grit around. Overall the San Lorenzo area is charming and safe with several local cafes and restaurants to explore.
Emanuele's apartment is beautiful, complete with all cooking/kitchen items you may need along with modern finishes and a private rooftop perfect for a bottle of wine or breakfast. The apartment area is in the courtyard of a larger apartment building so stays pretty quiet.
Emanuele was an excellent host and greeted us with a bottle of wine and left several recommendations of local restaurants and others around Rome. Our favorite was Tonnarello in the Travestere district. Unfortunatetly, Emanuele's pasta experience was totally booked for the time we were there, but I'm happy for him that he has that kind of business! We had a brutally early flight out of Rome on the day we left, and without cell phone service it was difficult to order a taxi. Emanuele offered to order us one and confirmed it would arrive for us at 3:30 am. Everything went just fine and I'm thankful for his help.
If Emanuele's place is available for your time in Rome, book it now.