I just got back from staying at the Grotta Pinta 9 apartment with my boyfriend for about a week, and we absolutely loved it. It is a perfect little apartment for one or two people. I myself grew up in Rome, so I can attest to the fact that this is in a great neighborhood and is an authentic Roman apartment (the wood-beamed ceilings and terracotta tiled floor is a must when you are in Rome!). However, it also has the benefit of having been recently refurbished so everything is in working order (unlike in some of the less modern apartments in Rome) and it is on a quiet side street so you don't hear any motorini, cars, or loud drunk people at nighttime. That's unusual in Rome. It was blissfully silent, apart from hearing neighbors in the stairwell on occasion (but that's somewhat unavoidable in my opinion). The air conditioning was working, the unit was clean, the washing machine was great, and there is a big walk-in closet which was very convenient. My boyfriend was pleased with how many little needs were considered and added to our stay: a converter, a hairdryer, a drying rack for washing clothes (dryers are not common in Rome), cooking utensils. There is a beautiful view of a church from the windows, and the apartment is within walking distance of half a dozen grocery stores, excellent restaurants and bars (cafes), and Roscioli--the best bakery you can find in Rome!!! Upon our departure, a taxi was there waiting for us to take us to the airport, and gave us an honest price (to Fiumicino it should be 48 euros). The only negative thing we can report about our stay, is the fact that mattress was rock hard. I personally like a firm mattress, but this was so hard that it made sleeping at night very uncomfortable for both of us. We had to sleep on top of the blanket just to soften it up a little bit for us. The bed also squeaked with every toss and turn unfortunately. The apartment is truly near perfect, and I think that if the bed situation can be remedied, it would be a place I returned to time and time again.
