First off Barbara's place is spacious. It is stunning with wood flooring, high ceilings, a functional kitchenette area with a refrigerator for drinks and ice. There is a flat top burner if you want to put on a pot for tea or cook something up (I suppose). But why do that when out the door are a myriad of eating options at your disposal.
The bathroom has a spacious shower. The sink and counterspace is large and accomodative to all bathroom supplies. My wife loved the room to spread out without feeling cramped. I loved the shower.
The bed was large and comfortable with plenty of pillows. There was no problem sleeping.
The place had two A/C units for comfort (we happened to be there when records high temperatures gripped the city)
We loved the close proximity to the Spagna stop on the Metro which made maneuvering around the city from east to west and north to south a breeze. Just a few steps from the Spanish Steps, the area was lively but with room to stroll as well. As far as noise level... don't fear. The flat was quiet and peaceful.
As far as our host Barbara, travelers to AirBNBs want a host that can answer questions beforehand that will make your stay as efficient and easy as possible. It was our first time to Rome so we were a bit anxious about finding a place to eat. When I asked Barbara weeks before our arrival, she responded politely with various options.
Where she helped the most, however, was upon on our arrival and the very end of the trip.
1. She was flexible upon our arrival and allowed us to drop our bags at the place early. Coming from the Tuscany area and arriving in Rome shortly after noon, we asked if it was possible to drop our bags early at the place (there is a 3 pm check in which is standard). Barbara could not meet us personally, but was able to accommodate our request. We met Francesco at the place around 12:45 PM, and he gave us the introduction and provided us with the keys. I am not saying that Barbara would be able to accommodate all guests with an early arrival (we asked her, but did not expect that it could happen). However, I was impressed and thankful for her help.
2. She was helpful when we realized that a taxi strike would make getting to the airport for our 8 AM international flight difficult. After looking at our options, we realized that getting the Metro to the Termini and taking the train would likely leave some risk if the lines at the airport were long. So we messaged Barbara near 10 pm the night before, and she gladly went to work looking for a private service to take us to the airport. That was not an easy task. I have to think, we were not the only ones with the problem, but Barbara went to work and made it happen. We got to the airport in plenty of time and did not have the anxiety at the start of our final journey back home.
When in Rome again, we will certainly look to stay at Barbara's place and highly recommend it.
Arrivederci Barbara and thank you again for all your help..