Thanks to all who responded to my desperation and gave such helpful hints and feedback--they are all very valuable. I'm very happy that I discovered this forum and that I am getting educated by such wise travelers! Slow Travel website is a real find and a great resource. I am beginning to finally narrow my search for an apartment down to a few choices that my daughter is going to check out for me. Normano, Jewel of Trastevere is one of them and at a very good price, since it is February. Another one is from the www.homeinrome.com website. Take a look at this website! Shelley is an expat American engaged to an Italian. The apartments look great (4 of them--but I can't afford the larger ones), and her website is incredibly interesting, informative, and fun--very top notch! Another possibility in on Via della Scala, and I'm a little nervous about that one since it is through sleepinitaly and I am reading so many conflicting and mixed reviews about them. The last thing I need is to get there and have a switch pulled on me! My daughter did see that apt. and thought it would be nice for me--also has a nice terrace area. I haven't made airline reservations yet, but it looks like Feb. may have rates as low as $499. So I want to lock in the apartment first, and then secure air reservations. Can't keep up all of this dilly-dallying. My DH says that I've made this research my new job since retiring. I've been enjoying it though! Thanks to all of you!

Also thanks for info on bus pass and the idea of splitting my stay into two places. That's a very interesting option too! I might give that some serious thought. But I do believe that they give you a discount for a monthly rental, and I really do need that as well.

I am still open to any and all ideas and suggestions. Thanks again.

http://www.romanreference.com/ is a great company. I've rented from them twice and I got a 10% discount the second time. The people I've dealt with speak English and are very friendly. I like staying near Campo di Fiori/Piazza Navona, but I think Trastevere would be great, too. I stayed at CAMPO DE' FIORI - VIA ARCO DEGLI ACETARI (reference #105 on their website), and it is an AWESOME place! great location, charming, plenty of space, remodeled with care and $$, sleeps 3 or 4, awesome shower room. I also stayed at one that I don't think is on their list anymore that I didn't like because it was damp. But, they have apartments in Trastevere and all over the center of Rome.

Buon viaggio!

We stayed in this apartment in Trastevere and really loved it.

http://www.realrome.com/proplucesplitlevel.html

I reviewed it. If you search under dabodin, you'll find the thread "realrome luce split apartment review".

Sorry I don't know how to post links the correct way. I'm technology-challenged, I guess!

Dear Dabodin,
Thanks for this suggestion. It looks really nice, and I have sent an inquiry to Real Rome. One question, about the stairs to bedroom level and about headroom in bedroom. I am recovering from total knee replacement. And if perchance my DH visits for a few days during his break, he is 6'3" and might have a tough time with ceiling level. Hope your memory is good and you can answer these questions. Thanks again for the recommendation.

that is one of the apartments I suggested to you on your other thread. I have stayed there and wrote on a trip report that there is hardly any headroom for a person 5'3" upstairs.

The stairs are fairly steep too.

(in case db isn't online today)

JGarvey,

Looking at the pictures of the Luce split-level apartment, I can count at least 10 steps from the main level to the sleeping level.

Do you really want to climb 10 steps to go to bed after a total knee replacement?

P.S. The steps also look quite steep and quite narrow.

JGarvey: Yes, my memory is good about this apartment, and it doesnt' sound good for you. It's one of those places where they added a "loft" space to an old building. The stairs are metal but I don't remember them being more steep than normal stairs. The headroom upstairs is not good, however, as some of the large beams come down very low. I'm about 5'7" and had to duck my head to navigate around them. My hubby is 5'11" and it was worse for him. We thought it was kind of fun and romantic, but it wouldn't be if you're recovering from an operation or if you're 6'3"!! My advice: keep looking!

Thanks to all for the accurated and experience info on this apt. I appreciate the input of those with direct exprience living in and not just "looking at" pictures. It really makes a huge difference. I guess I already knew the truth about the loft beds (most of them anyway), and maybe I could handle some wide stairs with railing but would prefer not too. I do go upstairs everynight to bed here in my own home--about 15 steps--and handle it pretty well. Also I hope I will be even stronger by February or March so I can do some vigorous walking around the city too! Going to the health club every day to build up stamina and strength.

It seems like I may be coming close to a choice, and my daughter is checking out some of them now. Needless to say, she owes me a few favors!

I did get a new recommendation today from a vrbo person whose apt. I really liked but couldn't afford. She referred me to a friend who owns something on the Via del Bologna that perhaps will work out. She says I should rent it now--sight unseen! But, of course, I am going to wait until I correspond with the person and see some photos. See--it does really pay to do some networking with owners too, another good resource.

Bye to all from now.

Joanna

This board is indespensible.

Success at last in Trastevere!! Here's how it finally happened. I kept communicating with a private owner in vrbo--whose apt and neighborhood I wanted desperately but could not afford. I sent her a short bio about my background--being a retired teacher, respectable tenant, person of character, etc. And I occasionally checked backed with her to see if she had any friends or knew anyone else in the area with a nice apartment that I could afford. I think she finally took mercy on me and put me in touch with a friend who spends most of her time in the country but has a private apt in Trastevere for when she is in town. This dear, distinguished lady offered me her beautiful apartment for a very reasonable price and even offered a visit to her country home. So I am now on my way to a lovely, furnished apartment secured with deposit and airline tickets (about $630) on the way.

The reason I am relating this tale is to express thanks to all who gave me advice and to inspire all who helped me and others who are still searching. Do your research, find what you like, and don't give up. Take the chance of writing directly to owners and asking for their expert guidance and advice. You may not only be led to the apartment of your dreams, but also discover a new friend and valuable resource to greet you when you arrive. It was a long search, but it has finally resulted in a satisfactory and rewarding conclusion. I am anxiously awaiting my trip and will probably come up with more questions soon about plans and preparations.

Ciao,
Joanna

That is good news except you still don't have firsthand experience in that apartment, like you so wanted. Has your daughter seen this apartment?

Anyway, have fun.

Dear Sea Urchin,
Yes, of course. My daughter did go see the apartment and met the owner and confirmed that it was the best and largest apt. she had seen for that price. She also was very impressed by the very elegant, academic, and aristocratic owner, recently retired like me, and thinks that we will be great friends. All worked out very well indeed, and I feel grateful that my patience and persistence paid off in such an excellent arrangement. I also feel very confident in the judgment of the friend who so kindly served as the contact in this personal recommendation. All is well, and I feel very fortunate indeed. Will catch up later with all of my Fodor friends.
Joanna