First, I can't thank you enough for all the time and care you and ItalyPerfect put into making our trip a success. Second, I want to thank you for the Cicero Apartment, which we loved.

It was our family's first time to Rome and we were travelling with our two daughters, aged 11 and 13. Rome is a tough nut to crack and I can't say we loved it at first bite--its not easy like Amsterdam or dreamy like Venice. Monti is a funny neighborhood and we didn't quite get the hang of it until almost the end of our week. Stores keep staggered hours so we kept discovering new places that were opened when we passed by, and closed when we needed them--or vice versa. However, the apartment itself is beautifully situated with a cafe that seems to stay open full time right in front, a grocery store for everyday stuff up the street, lots of pretty good restaurants all around, and the famous Mia market (which we never shopped in!) right around the corner. We never took it but the little electric bus that leaves from in front of the apartment would have been fantastic for getting around. You can walk down to the Colloseum, and through to the Forum, so easily. If you are taking Taxis and buses you feel like you are very far from the rest of Rome, but if you are walking you actually are just fifteen minutes or so from the heart of Rome. I would definitely stay in Monti again. It has a lot of charm and a lot of heart.

I can't say enough nice things about the Apartment Owner--just a wonderful woman. We only saw her twice, once at the beginning and once at the end but I would really have liked to have a chance to know her better. She is tremendously organized and thoughtful, but rather shy with the guests if they only speak English. I didn't realize until the end of the stay that she is really more comfortable in French, which I could have managed. You have arranged with your greeter, Paul, that he handles everything and he does a marvellous job. We called him in a pinch over ordering a cab and he was very helpful and generous with his time. Thanks to the careful forethought of our Cicero landlady the apartment comes with a huge "bible" of information--everything from bank atms to taxi stands and information on local restaurants. That was invaluable and quite up to date. We missed it in our apartment in Venice which lacked a comperable book.

The Apartment was exactly as described. It is a charming mix of extremely practical and totally personal and aesthetically generous. Everywhere you look there is some delightful piece of furniture, print, or objet to enjoy. It came perfectly prepared, lovingly, with chocolates in every bowl and a bowl of apples and a bottle of wine. It was cool enough most of the time, and the two windows on the street have such good double glazing that street noise isn't a problem. There is a wonderful selection of books on Roman subjects in the little "study" and the landlady has thoughtfully provided quite a few movies which we watched during the downtimes in the afternoons--Ben Hur and Roman Holiday were perfect for us, as was the children's movie Rattatouille which encouraged our younger daughter to cook dinner for herself so we could go out without the children one night. The landlady has a special feeling for children and when we left she presented our youngest daughter with a little stuffed mouse as a souvenir of her first visit to Rome.

Thank you again, Lisa, for all your thoughtful, generous work ahead of time on the blog, the information, and on finding and maintaining the apartments. I hope we can work with you again soon.

Kate Gilbert, Cambridge MA

Andrew, Libbie & Lottie, Newbury, England

The apartment was exactly as described. It was truly a home away from home. Very comfortable and with all the facilities we wanted. We appreciated being told before hand that the bedroom faced out to the street and to expect some traffic noise. That was the case, but it was not enough to be any problem at all. The greeter was there when we arrived, as was the apartment owner who took great care to explain to us how everything in the apartment worked. She was wonderful. And leaving "Roman Holiday" as one of the DVD's was a perfect touch. Her guidebook of local spots was extremely helpful. Monti was just a great area to spend a week in. Not too far from the tourist spots but far enough away to feel like we were living like Romans, and not tourists, do. I was really impressed with everything. Italy Perfect was just that.

Jim Easto, Toronto, Ontario

Anyone visiting Rome would be pleased with the comfort of the Cicero apartment in the Monti area of Rome. Our wonderful hostess made certain that every convenience was available for my 85 year old Aunt, visiting Italy for the first time. From a lovely holiday Panettone, to champagne, to a never-ending listing of neighborhood restaurants and shops and holiday events taking place in the city. The apartment is very warm and cozy and quiet. Tastefully decorated, with all the comforts of home. It's located on a neighborhood street with very little traffic, so we enjoyed restful nights. We experienced most of the dining options nearby, without disappointment. We highly recommend any of those suggested by your Cicero hostess. It was a bit challenging to locate restaurants open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but with her help, all was well. Accessing public transportation, as well as taxis, was without challenge. The apartment is a short walk from the Colosseum and very easy access to the Spanish Steps with the bus stop just outside your front door. I look forward to my next visit to beautiful Rome and without hesitation, would welcome the chance to spend time again at the Cicero Apartment. Totally delightful experience!

Lynn, Pennsylvania

BCJ, Connecticut

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the work you did when me and my daughter Cynthia booked the Cicero Apartment in Rome.

The apartment was really nice, very well decorated which made it very cozy. In the kitchen there’s everything you need to cook, there’s towels in the bathroom, extra blankets if your cold a T.V and VCR and the list goes on … Beatrice had even bought us some American coffee which we drank to the last drop.

About Beatrice, she is such a friendly person you feel like you’ve known her for years. She had a book for us with maps of everything you need in the area , from fish market, bakery, grocery store, bank, internet café, tons of restaurants etc … and when we had questions she was always available.

Overall it’s been a great experience and I will recommend the Cicero Apartment to everybody I know who is planning a trip to Rome.

I also wanted to thank you for recommending Stefano Repertorio for our car service needs. Like you said he was very courteous and punctual.

Cynthia and Celine, Nova Scotia

A friend and I stayed a week in this lovely property in the Monti area of Rome, where everything one could possibly need can be found within a short distance from the apartment; a meat market, bakery,fresh pasta shop, a wine shop, fresh produce shop , gelateria, newstand, ATM, pharmacy, and general grocery store are all close by. Restaurants of all types abound and the nearest Metro stop is close by, as are bus stops. The neighbors are friendly and welcoming; the local plaza is right around the corner and happily occupied on most nights by friendly locals. And best of all, major sights are close by, making this an ideal location for families with children. Care had been taken in the interior design of this property to preserve it's structure yet provide for simple needs. A compact kitchen hides behind what appears to be a floating wall, seperating the room from the lovely living space. The bathroom is large and comfortable, with a fair-sized window opening onto the interior courtyard. Glassblocks are strategically placed above doors and in the wall of the kitchen,allowing for more flow of light. Furniture is appropriate to the various spaces; nothing overwhelms or seems out of place. The kitchen is well stocked with everything necessary to prepare a large meal. Serious cooks will appreciate the highly effecient gas stove. And, for really hot nights, there is an air conditioner in each bedroom! We did not use them, prefering instead to let the night music in; the purr of traffic and the gentle sounds of glassware tinkling in the restaurant below.

bmitchell, California

Stefano's car service was excellent [Airport car service recommended by Italy Perfect - Lisa]. We arrived at our apartment in an ideal location down the street from the Coliseum! The apartment was a perfect size for my two adult daughters and me, with lovely furnishings. The owner is a doll. The neighborhood (lively and quaint at the same time) was so lovely...the cafe downstairs, Er Baretto, had strolling musicians stopping by daily, great food, wine and coffee, and the people warm and friendly. We were very close to the metro stop...we took the metro everywhere. Great restaurants close to home; we had two excellent Indian meals, as well as Chinese...and many pizzas! We'll be back! Cyndi

Cyndi Gosnell, Phoenix, Arizona

We LOVED it. The greeters were so personable and the owner so sweet. The neighborhood was great, but the apartment itself was adorable. We felt like we were in someone's private home, not a rental. We have already recommended it to someone.

Teri D., California, USA