This charming apartment is in a spot-on locale, just a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Pantheon. It's in the middle of everything – historic monuments, traditional trattorias, sweet gelaterias, independent shops, you name it, it's nearby. We loved setting off and exploring the city on foot, then coming home and unwinding with a glass of vino in the living area. Many of the features, including the artwork, date back to the 1920s, and architectural elements like the brick archway and the exposed wooden beams have been faithfully restored. It's the perfect marriage of traditional Roman elements with contemporary design – the sleek kitchen is great for rustling up light meals, and the clever folding dining table can tuck away when it's not in use. This flat is on the small side, but the light-filled layout makes it feel snug and comfortable rather than cramped. But it's host Lucia that really makes this home shine. Her friendly demeanour will have you feeling right at home, but just in case, she'll also bring you a pizza to welcome you to the city – what can be more Italian than that?

Home truths:
*This apartment is on the ground floor, so it's a great option for those with limited mobility
*The kitchen lacks an oven, but we didn't mind as it gave us an excuse to try the number of local restaurants nearby
*Guests three and four will be on a sofa bed in the living room, but it will be at the expense of living space – we think it's better suited to three people
*A cot can be provided for little ones – please ask the host for more information