By Lisa T. Bergren

Emma and I loved our stay in “Sinibaldi A,” a 4^th floor apartment of a 15^th century palazzo, in the historic center of Rome.

It was a perfect little spot. And since this was my third time in Rome, I adored that it was quiet. Rome is a bustling city, and given Sinibaldi’s location—just a few blocks from Piazza Navona, the Pantheon (above), and Campo de’ Fiori—it’s amazingly quiet. What’s beautiful is that you’re near a convenient taxi stand at Teatro Alexandria (2 minute walk), and within walking distance of so much. So. Much. Right next door is an amazing grocery store. A few blocks away Campo de’ Fiori, so you can go there to market. A highly-rated pizzeria is a ten minute walk away. Gelato abounds (see our Gelato Map)!

Blissfully Quiet, Perfect Location

And yet, even though traffic along Vittorio Emanuele could make it noisy, because the building is tucked around the curve of a side street, and with the apartment’s placement on the 4^th floor, and given how it backs up to form a “courtyard” with three other buildings, it’s blessedly quiet. After a long day of touring, it was bliss to return to such a quiet spot.

Note: Some in the guestbook said they loved sitting on the little deck; we felt it was a little conspicuous. Still, it was fun catching glimpses of nuns working on a vine-covered deck, a Roman enjoying a morning cigarette, a child at play, a woman hanging clothes on a line. It felt very neighborhood-y in the mist of what could otherwise be an Extreme Tourism Zone.

Things to Know

• There is no elevator/lift. Climbing that many stairs at the end of the day was a little taxing. But helped us justify the gelato.
• The kitchen was adequately stocked with utensils and pots. There’s a small refrigerator, dishwasher (bonus!), and a clothes washer too.
• The Internet signal was strong, and we could Skype family at home with ease. When we lost the signal, the manager showed us how to unplug and replug them—just right down the stairs in the hall closet. Since that was our one mode of communication, it was great to have good access.
• The air conditioning units were very efficient.
• The “pull out sofa” was little more than a pretty hard foam mattress; I’d only put a younger child on it.
• The bathroom was spacious, but the shower needed work. It was riddled with mold and had some broken tiles. Prepare yourself for imperfection.
• The master bedroom was a nice size, and the bed was extremely comfortable.
• At the time of reservation, we were lusting after one of the other apartments right beside this one, on the same floor, with a view across the street of an old church, but this was the only one available on our dates. Now, it appears the other two are not even listed at www.rentalinrome.com. When we were there, they were working on the stairwell, refurbishing it; perhaps they’re working on those two too? If they come available when you’re looking, check them out too.

All in all, we’d happily return to this apartment because of its location, price (about $200 a night in high season, $125 in low season).

What about you? Found a place you adore to stay in Rome? Please share in the comments!