This might be long winded, but I’m trying to cover things I haven’t seen in the other reviews of Marco’s place, so if you’ve made it this far, keep goin! ;)
IS MARCO’S PLACE RIGHT FOR ME? ~
Marco’s place would be perfect for either the casual tourist / couple, or even the “up with the sun”, fanny pack wearing, itinerary following, Segway riding, souvenir buying brand of traveller. Bear in mind, if there are more than 2 of you that don’t feel like sharing a bed, there is a daybed in addition to the loft bed, but I can’t see the space working for more than 3 adults, or perhaps a couple with an older child as there just isn’t enough space to store everything you will have with you, or move around without bumping into each other....
HOW DO I GET THERE?~
If you fly in to FCO, catch the Express train, there are 2 options, but the Leonardo Express is €14 (the other is €19) and both run every 30 minutes or so (download the “Trenitalia” app for times, and select the “nonstop” option). This takes you to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, which will be your fastest AND cheapest option to get there. If you travel light with a suitcase and a carry on, and don’t mind a bit exercise, you are a short (roughly 15 minute) walk from Roma Termini. If you prefer, you can catch a cab right outside Termini, and it will run you less than €10, and will take about 5 minutes.
IS IT IN A GOOD LOCATION?~
In short, yes. It’s absolutely perfect.
TURN RIGHT out the front door and there are several winding streets which will lead you through several beautiful neighborhoods with lots of picturesque parks, architecture, and historical sights. During our stay the neighborhood was very quiet (during Ferragusto), but the closer you got to the major tourist spots the busier it got, but not at all overwhelming, and never frustrating.
TURN LEFT out the front door, and at the end of the block look right, and you will see just how close to Colosseum you are. In fact, you are smack dab right in the middle of everything anyone on their first, or their 10th trip to Rome should walk past at least once while here.
WHAT IS THE SPACE LIKE?~ it is ground floor, has a relatively private entrance, and has a window that looks out onto the sidewalk, and has a nice view of a winding cobblestone road that is pleasant to stare out of as you are cooking or relaxing. I would compare it to a larger and much nicer cruise ship cabin, don’t get me wrong, this is NOT a bad thing. The space feels fun, welcoming, cozy, and the ceilings are VERY tall. To make more room for cooking I put the microwave in the “closet” under the loft with most of our luggage. Shoes and small bags fit nicely under the ladder to the loft, and don’t make the place feel cluttered. The bathroom is big enough for a couple to get ready while the other is showering, and has enough storage to keep everything you need for that type of thing in the bathroom.
The kitchen has 2 burners, and when we stayed there, enough room and kitchenware to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner without feeling cramped. There is a small table with 2 chairs, but the table is light enough to put in front of the couch/daybed if you want a little more room. There is a coffee maker, a tea kettle, and a fridge big enough to store enough groceries for your stay. There is also a big curtain which blocks the only window in the space off, including the kitchen nook, which does not go all the way to the top, but blocks out enough light to not be intrusive in the morning if you sleep late. Which brings me to the loft bed....
The ladder is a little steep, keep your hands on it, and go up and down like you’re climbing a ladder, it is most definitely not a set of stairs. The bed is cozy, fun, can’t really be seen from the window so if you want to sleep with the curtains open, it is still private.
Last but not least AC!
It’s more than enough for the space, and while it doesn’t completely reach the bed, it was never hot, or even really warm. Even with 2 people in the bed, neither of us was ever uncomfortable, and after walking around in mid 80’s-90’s, it felt amazing to come in, sit down, and turn it on while enjoying ice cold beers from the fridge.
IN SUMMARY~
Great spot, great host, it has everything you need for your stay, stays cold in the summer, and there is a 24 grocery store that is cheap, well stocked, and super close. 10/10 would recommend, and book again.