Residence Monteverde — Hotel in Rome

Two of us stayed in the apartment, there was a second single bed in alcove off the lounge /kitchenette combo room. Well maintained, classy finish and clean throughout. Would not dream of staying in Rome central - too hit and miss on expectations regardless of stars and price. Was expecting to stay in triple room, but kitchen facility was nice option, we used it. Had to purchase a few kitchen basics, like spices, cleaning sponge, gloves and liquid - have left them there maybe you can benefit from it. Lots of bottled water. Did also drink water from tap in apartment and was fine, did use fountain in park once - there is a lot of running spring water (24x7) on the streets and parks (literally, it's on all the time - no shut-off). Used fridge freezer to make frozen bottled water used all day when walking around.||||Address is easy to get to from "Roma Trastevere" train station, which is on FR1 - Fiumicino Airport line, 30 mins. There is a little short-cut up some stairs when walking to and from station ( explore with Google streetview and you'll find it).||||Use Tram 8 to get into Rome (end stop is "Largo di Torre Argentina", great spot.). Purchase tickets at Tabacchi shop by "Roma Trastevere" station and tram stop is between station and apartment, so very well situated. "Despar" shop sells all food you need at "Roma Trastevere". ||||We used the mainline (regional) trains for getting to "Roma Termini" (often) and "San Pietro" station (two different lines) for Vatican city. Did day trip to Florence (very early start and back in afternoon). ||||Mainline trains will get you there eventually, but lots of delays ('retardo' [delay]- Italian, get used to it, you'll hear it a lot). Get there earlier then you need. Figuring out how the regional rail works takes some time and announcements and signs are not too helpful - I know I'll get flamed for making a big deal out of this; but we're talking 1st world infrastructure run to a lower standard. All part of the experience.||||Very hot in June which meant we didn't tend to do anything in early afternoon. Go home, rest and get out again at 4pm. ||||Would definitely make use of this location if I were to do this again, the 20 mins or so it takes to use Tram 8 is not a hassle. If you can figure out the buses that would be a bonus.||||We didn't have any hassles communicating in English, but the locals clearly appreciate some effort on the Italian lingo. On the trains you either ask someone, follow the crowd, get lost or know some basic Italian to help you figure out it's time to jump trains, platforms or walk.||||This location offers a very quiet nights rest, in the suburbs close to good food (and Gelatto). Try "New Station" (Via Giuseppe Parini) for great food and hospitality.||||Super friendly and helpful family run business. A possible improvement would be a simple 1x page guide explaining how things work or getting around - make things a little easier when you get there. You need a map of the whole country (because you never know where that train might take you) and a proper map of Rome - Lonely planet guide has insert, DK Eyewitness book no good for maps, but do a great iPod/iPhone app with proper map [crashed initially was stable...

Any visitor expecting a hotel should go elsewhere! The Residence is exactly what it says and is a grand house that has serviced rooms. The first problem is finding the place--a taxi is recommended as it will be difficult for a visitor to find it on foot. I would also recommend ringing the house from the airport to ensure that you are expected--I arrived by taxi to be faced with locked gates and nobody at home--the taxi driver rang mine host who arrived shortly by car.The rooms are spacious and clean. The room has beverage making facilities -I was aware that the breakfast room was not in use but 'sealed' croissants were supplied for breakfast. The room does not have a mini safe which proved inconvenient for safeguarding passports etc. The bathroom was modern but the shower cubicle was very small--there are no baths in any room that I saw. The Residence is quite close to tram no. 8 which runs frequently to the centre of Rome.The fare is 1.5 euros but tickets have to be obtained from a machine on the tram or from tobacconist shops. I did not see an inspector during my 8 days but I am told that the penalties for not having a ticket are high. The Residence suited me very well but it is not a hotel and does not provide a hotel...

This is not a hotel so don't expect 24 hour reception, bar service etc, it's better suited to longer stays for work or with a family. The location is quiet - definitely not central Rome, and you will need public transport; but very close to Trastevere station, from where the Fiumicino train runs every 15 minutes, and with a convenient tram link to Piazza Venezia.||The rooms are clean and airy, the beds comfortable and the owner helpful. The breakfast of pre-packaged croissants and jams is disappointing , and definitely not something you want to consider after the second day, but note there is no fridge if you want to buy some fresh products for yourself. Other gripes include the poor wifi connection, a kettle that doesn't switch off, and no knife provided with the breakfast. ||Overall, good value for...