Happy and Relieved, finally put a deposit on an apt...
 

For our trip in January. What do you think?

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/ap...dipiet%E0.html

Hi ST,

I think that if you are happy and relieved, that it is an excellent apt, at a good price in a fine location.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

I think it looks great! We were actually considering that one for our trip.

Well done.

-Bill

Sandi,

We rented that apartment in October. A couple of small cautions. First, the ad is a bit deceptive, in that the apartment is really on the second (U.S. Third) floor. There is a garage level in the courtyard that apparently houses autos. No big deal, but you feel that last short flight of stairs after a long day hiking up the Roman hils.

Second thing is that the "second bedroom" just barely qualifies. The apartment has two entrances, one leads directly to the living room/kitchen area, and the second into a sort of enry hallway. They call that entryway the second bedroom. It is just big enough for a small sofa bed, and a bureau. No side table, and no reading light. When the bed was positioned one way, there was only a few inches clearance to get out the door, and if opened the other way, you could not open the wardrobe doors.

The problem we had was that the lock was broken on the main entrance, so one had to come in through the entry hallway/bedroom entrance. Real pain in the kiester for my SIL who had to fold the bed to get to her clothes, and got woken every time we had to go out or in.

We called the owner many times, and she said she would fix the lock on the main entrance during our week's stay. Never heard from her, dispite many calls. I would suggest you clear this up with Sleepinginitaly, before you go.

Other than that, the apartment was as advertized. The location is really perfect. The Campo is close, and transport is convenient. It is only a couple of blocks walk to a main bus route, and the trams stop at the cat sanctuary nearby. The #40 bus gets you to the Termini quickly, so you can grab the Metro.

We ate twice at a small restauarnt, Ristaurante S. Anna, which was really good, friendly, and not too expensive. http://www.ristorantesantanna.com/

Happy to answer any questions.

Have a wonderful visit!

:-)

Great information nukesafe, really appreciate it. I do have a couple of questions; 1)Is it quiet at night, since you're facing an interior coutyard? 2)I believe it has a stove but would like to confirm with you.

Regarding the 2nd room, it will only be my husband and I but I will address the lock issue with the owners before we leave.

So, what can you tell me about the little piazza that this is on?

Sandi,

Noise was not a problem at all. You get a bit of "Italian Family at Home" sounds coming down the airshaft at the back of the living room in the early evening, but that was all. You enter the apartment via a set of huge old wooden doors at the East end of Piazza Monti Pieta, next to a jewelry shop. We could not locate the apartment at first, but our cab driver called the Agent, and he appeared in just a few minutes to get us oriented.

You enter, through the big doors I mentioned, into the courtyard. Theese are shut at night, but you have a key that opens the inset small door. Just inside, behind the jewelers, you turn right into a wide set of marble stairs, and wind your way up to the apartment.

The apartment will be just fine for you and your husband. The non-functional lock should not inconvenience you, as you won't need the second "bedroom". The lock, you will find, is really complex! Get the Agent to demonstrate it, and then you do it yourself before he leaves. Romans must be paranoid, (perhaps with good reason)because those locks would be suitable on a bank vault.

The kitchen is well equipped. We did not use it, but there was a stove. The kitchen area has a wooden screen that you could pull across to hide the food preparation area, but there is not much point, as the table and chairs make a convenient center to lay out maps and do your planning. The TV worked, though we did not use it, as did the AC, which we switched on for a few minutes one sticky afternoon. The main bedroom has a big bed that is just fine, with good linens, and has adequate lights for reading. There is a neat sausage shop just around the corner, where the guy will give you samples.

The "Piazza" is not much, just a big space that now seems to be used mostly for parking. The Campo di Fiori is only a couple of short blocks to the West, as is the Piazza Farnese. There is a nice cafe in that Piazza that faces the French Embassy. Good place to have a glass of wine and watch the comings and goings of the French. Much less hectic than the Campo. The Ponte Sisto is also just a coupe of blocks away. Over it is Trastvere. We took the walk suggested in Rick Steves, and had a great time. The Jewish quarter is not far, either. The pasteries in the Jewish bakery, alone,, make the walk worthwhile.

I'm sure you will have a delightful time.

:-)

Comings and goings of the French? I know what you meant and your info is invaluable. Thank you!

Hi Sandi, just wanted to wish you a pleasant journey. You hit the jackpot with all of nukesafe's info! Please post when you return. We loved being in Italy in January, I hope you and your husband do to.
:)