Rome holiday apartment: rome

While the apartment is fine overall, there were a number of things that disappointed us.
- the space we had wasn't 90m2. There was a room closed off, so maybe the overall apt is that size, but don't expect to have more than 70 m2.
- the photo of the living room layout is, in my opinion, deceptive. The way it is shown in the photo, the couch on the left blocks access to the kitchen and bathroom. Expect the living room to be more crowded, and to have trouble fitting 6 around the table.
- The air conditioning didn't work in one bedroom when we were there in August 2008. The owner seemingly knew about it, and didn't do anything to get it fixed. It was very difficult to sleep in that bedroom with the window open and buses roaring up the hill all through the night just below the window. Pack earplugs like the other visitors did or don't pick this apartment when it is hot.
- The toilet tank wouldn't fill properly as soon as we arrived, and the owner actually accused us of having broken it. Nice welcome. Since it was never repaired, we all learned how to flush the toilet using a bucket.
- When we folded out the couch in the living room (for guests 5 and 6) it touched the couch opposite. So the people in one bedroom have to climb over the couch to get to the bathroom. Challenging when it is dark and you are sleepy.

So my recommendation is not to have more than 4 people, and if you are staying during the hot months of the summer, ask for some assurance that the air conditioning is working. Because otherwise the kitchen and bathroom were fine, and overall the building and apartment are clean.

I'd rate my overall experience for this rental property as Good. We had a very enjoyable stay at this apartment. The owner was most helpful and let us use his books on Rome. He also helped with local knowledge and transport. The apartment is a few minutes from a bus stop. It is a bit further to the supermarket so we did our shopping on the way home. There is quite a steep hill so it is not suitable for all. The Vatican is an easy walk and we spent many a pleasant evening on the balcony over looking St. Peter's. Train noise was noticeable at night but I used ear plugs and slept like a log. The aprtment is not luxurious but pleasant and provided us with all that we needed. Excellent value for money.