This apartment is fantastic. It was better than expected. From the hospitality to the apartment's design (it's gorgeous) to cleanliness to the location - right by (less than 5 minutes) the Celestia stop and about 10 minutes from Zaccaria (the 2 line) or Arsenal (the 1 line).
Our original reservation was cancelled less than 24 hours before our arrival and Marika (who was at the time in England) was called by AirBnB staff to ensure that we could stay at one of her apartments. Extremely happy that Marika took care of us (even at the last minute).
We came in about 2 hours later than expected and were greeted by Karin and her husband. Fantastic people who really wanted us to have a great time and made sure that we were going to feel comfortable.
The apartment is just gorgeous. From the flooring, the the artwork to the furniture to the lighting on the stairs to the recessed flooring on the loft (second bedroom) to the beautifully appointed bathrooms. This place doesn't scream IKEA. It was designed and furnished with taste and actually, some times, it feels a bit "too nice" - in a good way. The design made me feel at home and less like a guest.
The apartment was very clean upon arrival and very easy to keep clean - because there was just no clutter.
Let me mention a couple of things:
The flooring is heated, which is better than radiator heat, which is common in Italy. Your feet are always warm and toasty.
The apartment has high speed internet, so you can connect the TV to your Netflix account and go nuts there.
The location is really ideal as it is close, but not too close. It is on a dead end street right in the middle of the Castello neighborhood. It borders the Arsenal so that helps it feel very quiet - which we liked. The closeness to public transportation was wonderful and with three kids we just hopped on and off close to home and at max were 10 minutes from home.
We were supposed to stay at this place (www.airbnb.com/rooms/10893550), but Mario cancelled 24 hours before our arrival. I'm happy things fell through with that apartment.