Guido, Chiara's dad, was my contact person throughout my stay in Rome. He greeted me warmly upon my arrival, showed me around the property and patiently answered all my touristic questions about Rome. He kindly marked on a tourist map several common and not so common points of interest...this map along with Guido's annotations and words of advice were indispensable for keeping my sightseeing excursions on track and my getting lost to a minimum. This said, getting lost in Rome could be considered an art form in itself...let yourself wander aimlessly and be enchanted at every turn!

In terms of location, the apartment couldn't have been better situated...the Monti area of Rome was always bustling with a bevy of relaxed and hip spots to eat, drink, or wander aimlessly and always feeling safe. One of the two spots nearby that the complimentary continental style breakfast (a special touch that made me feel like an instant local) was offered at was closed for holiday or renovations or both. So I became a regular in the other, which became my default meeting spot for friends, a midnight snack, or nightcap.

The apartment is within a stone's throw of the Coliseum well within walking distance of other fabled and jawdropping tourist attractions and areas of interest. I would however take the Metro to the Vatican but it could be walked to by the most intrepid. Testevere, a safe and scenic twenty minute walk from the apartment, quickly became my most frequent hangout spot, whether for a much need break between guided tours or for a sample of the some of the most famed food of Rome.

The apartment itself was immaculate. Scrupulously clean and tastefully appointed. The place was also quiet and comfortable. The street while, thankfully, not on a main thoroughfare always felt safe and was populated even when returning very late. The exposed brick and teracotta tiles, whether on floor, archway, or wall were all properly sealed. This is a seemingly minor detail until you've ever been in a place that wasn't. This detail alone can make a place so appointed chalky, dusty, and not so clean...the entire place was clean and felt fresh in every respect.

Rome is a magnificent city with more than one could see and experience in a lifetime...and for my first visit I couldn't have asked for a better temporary headquarters to launch my touristic enterprise from.

I can't say enough good things about my experience in Rome and my stay in this charming apartment.

Grazie mille per tutto Guido e Chiara,

Carl