We have only positive things to say about the apartment at Testaccio45 and Sonia as a host. For those who would like to consider staying slightly outside the normal tourist zones of Rome, we would recommend this apartment. Testaccio is a real residential neighborhood of Rome with a lively population, fabulous market and great transportation connections to central Rome. Trastevere is a short walk across the river, as is the Metro Pyramid station. The apartment building is on a genuine public square with neighborhood playground and landscaped gardens. It is one of my great pleasures to have seen school kids playing, watched over by their mothers each afternoon.
The apartment building is a type of housing built, I would guess, about 1930 and contains a beautiful courtyard which serves as an entry to each of the separated flat buildings (this apartment shares an entry/stairway with about 10 other apartments). The apartment itself is beautifully newly renovated in a subdued modernist style that blends well with the larger building. It has good ventilation and views, tall ceilings and comfortable furniture.
Sonia has supplied all of the essential elements for our stay including great insightful information on the neighborhood as well as a library with helpful information on Rome, Italy and cuisine/culture.
This was the last part of our two-week stay in Italy, and we were ready to cook at home. The kitchen is well-designed and well equipped for light meals, especially with the convenience of the local market.
She also provided reservation for transportion to our early morning flight at Fiumicino, which might have been difficult given the time of day.
She stayed in constant contact via Airbnb mail to make sure everything was okay. When we come back, we will be sure to check the availability of this place.