Prati, Si.Ca.Li. - al Vaticano: Rome Apartment #3350Rome

Garland from United States of America

5 of 5

Francesca was the perfect hostess--I wish they were all like her!  She is good folk as we say in North Carolina. She was very easy going, kind and thoughtful.  She thought of everything even before I asked for it. I had to extend my stay in Rome by 2 weeks and was hoping to stay in her apartment but it had already been booked.  Francesca even tried to find another place for me.  She cleaned the apt once a week for a nominal fee and did a splendid job.  After her weekly cleanings, everything would be spic and span!  She was very organized and communicated clearly with me when she wanted to schedule a cleaning.  One day I told her that I liked a new bed spread that she used on the bed and asked her where she bought it.  She said she would pick one up for me.  Next week after her weekly cleaning, sure enough a new bed spread was there for me and she would not even accept payment for it but gave it to me as a gift!  
The apartment itself was newly redone--fresh paint and appliances, and well-organized.  It is very bright and airy.  Remarkably enough for Italy, it even has screens on the windows, should you choose to use them.  It also so has a splendidly functioning air conditioner system--a rare, luxury in my traveling experience. The kitchen is really not for long stays like mine was but I made do without and oven.  There are an adequate amount of pots and pans, a panini maker, mircrowave and coffee-maker.  The bathroom is a not too small as in many apartments--it actually has a shower that a large-boned American can use.  Water pressure is great,  The single complaint is that the hot water tank is too small to take a hot shower for an adequate length of time--but after a couple of surprise freezes, I figured out how to take a lukewarm shower--this made the warm water last longer.
The bed is very comfortable, the pillows; plentiful and plumpfy.  The bedroom closes up very well at night to reduce noise and light from the outside.  The balconcino off of the salon was good for drying laundry.  The apartment is on the first floor so no need for an elevator.  But it is at street level so smells and sounds waft in easily.   This is not much of a problem as it is not a super busy area.  It is full of life--with shops and residences all thrown in together--even an auto body shop next door and a fully functioning bakery across the street.  The proximity to the Mercato Trionfale makes this 7th Heaven for foodies.  And going to daily Mass is so convenient as there are two neighborhood churches: Parocchia San Giuseppe al Trionfale and Santa Maria Delle Grazie--both excellent, vibrant parishes.  This is an area where one feels comfortable walking even at night--I find it much safer than the typically desirable center of Rome destinations as it is mostly locals and their families.  The apartment is extremely well connected with good bus nearby and the metro 6 minute walk away.