Our stay in Rome felt like being let in on a really good secret. The apartment looked nice online, but when we arrived it was clear the listing photos didn’t do it justice. Maria Laura’s place was even more charming in person - it’s definitely small but in a cozy, just-right-for-3 kind of way. It had personality, warmth, and everything we needed for a few days of Roman adventures.Maria Laura was an excellent host. She had stocked the house with thoughtful touches: coffee, milk, biscuits, jam, and even a custom guidebook full of her personal recommendations around Rome. One of my favorite details was the bedroom upstairs. It has no windows - if you're someone who loves a pitch-black room for sleeping it’s basically a dream. Meanwhile, the downstairs window gives you a stunning view so you’re not missing out on light or atmosphere. It was the best of both worlds.The house had everything we needed and Maria Laura was lovely to talk to - warm, helpful, and clearly someone who takes pride in hosting well. Just a heads-up to future guests: she’s a great conversationalist so you may want to leave a little buffer in your schedule for both check-in and check-out. We found ourselves lingering a bit and I’m so glad we did.This was one of those rare spots that hits every mark. A quiet, well-located retreat in the middle of a bustling city with a host who genuinely wants you to love your time there. We did.