This was a really great stay and I'd stay here again in a heartbeat. This apartment is rented by an agency, and Fabio checked us in who was very kind, communicative, and helpful! We were able to drop our bags off early before the cleaning for the previous tenants, which was incredibly helpful as we had just gotten off a long plane ride. Really appreciate the flexibility. The person who checked us out (we gave him our keys and he did the cleaning) was also wonderful.
PROS:
~Excellent location - away from the touristey (busy, overpriced) city center and in an actual neighborhood, but extremely accessible via transit. It is an easy walk to the Garibaldi train station too.
~There was a huge market that took up many streets that surprised us when we arrived. We saw it on Saturday and Tuesday, not sure if it is open other days.
~The apartment itself was great. Nice shower, comfy couch, loved the skylights and lofty structure, and the one A/C unit cooled the whole place down well. It's not huge but worked very well for 2 people.
~The elevator is slow and stuffy but a godsend when your legs are about to collapse from toursting too much and don't want to deal with 138 stairs
~The caretaker is a very nice woman who will chat you up, but if you don't speak Italian there will be lots of hand motions.
~The terrace/balcony faces the courtyard and is nice to sit and enjoy a beer in the evenings, especially when the jasmine is in bloom (though the terrace furniture could use an upgrade, it's getting a bit wobbly)
~Communication and helpfulness as noted above
CONS:
These are all very minor.
~As is not uncommon with airbnbs, we re-washed the dishes before use as they were not very clean. We had to buy our own dish soap and Fabio said we could just run things in the dishwasher (there is dishwashing machine liquid). But what do you do when you just need to wash a fork, or when a wine glass has lipstick residue on it from the last dishwasher run? We also had to get our own paper towels, coffee, etc - things that are often provided at Airbnbs that I've stayed at, so maybe it's just not as common here.
~Took some brain power to figure out how to work some of the electronics (and still no idea how the fireplace worked, but considering it was HOT we didn't ask of course)
~I accidentally turned the A/C off in the kitchen/living room when I was trying to adjust the temp and we couldn't get it back on.
~Make sure you push the fridge door HARD with your knee - otherwise it doesn't seal well and doesn't get as cold as it should
~The bed was quite firm, but I think that is standard for Europe
NEIGHBORHOOD RECOMMENDATIONS:
~There is a little Mercato Comunale in Piazalle Lagosta, a few minutes' walk away. It's a market type building with different shops and restaurants inside. Not huge but comprehensive.
~Café Morelli, Panifico da Angela, and Dal Siciliano are all good for coffee and a breakfast pastry (but everything is around here!).
~The pistachio mascarpone ice cream at Gelateria Borsieri is amazing.
~Momo has Senegalese food, salads, good drinks, and smoothies.
~Penny Market was recommended by Fabio who checked us in, and was comprehensive and reasonably priced. 5-7 mins walk
~The market as noted above if you are there when it is open. Just don't try to pick out your own produce or you'll get yelled at.
~FYI it's hard to find cafés open on Sunday morning so make sure you have your own coffee or travel to a more touristey area to find something.