Fiamma Apartment

A terrible stay. The apartment was neglected and dirty, with cobwebs, grimy surfaces, rusty showers, peeling wallpaper, and a living room carpet that looked as if it hadn’t been washed in years. The kitchen had crusted-on food in the pots and pans, plus leftovers from previous guests, including open biscuits. The boiler leaked onto the kitchen appliance outlets. We had to keep drying the water to avoid a short circuit, while the owner brushed it off as "simple condensation." Old, faulty windows let in the cold and noise. Music and noise from the bar downstairs kept us awake until 3 a.m., as if we were on the street. On Saturday morning, construction workers in the neighboring apartment woke us too. Comfort was poor throughout. The sofa was propped up on piles of books, and the sofa bed was so bad that we slept on springs and woke with aches all over. The air-conditioning filters were clogged with dust, and the radiators ran only a few hours a day. For 10 people over 3 days, there were just 2 rolls of toilet paper. When we asked for more, the owner said, "You have a haberdashery downstairs." The management was rude, and the place felt wholly unsuitable for guests. An experience to forget, and one to stay away from.

From the street in the morning, you can see the cathedral dome to your left. The apartment is right in the center, so Piazza di San Pier Maggiore is busy even late at night, but the double-glazed windows keep the chatter manageable. Its small balcony overlooking the square is unforgettable. The place keeps its period furniture and layout, while both bathrooms have been renovated and the kitchen is fully equipped. Mari was always available, even remotely. Even spending a few hours here is a wonderful experience.

It’s very old and hasn’t been looked after well, and the cleanliness is disappointing. There’s no air conditioning, despite the listing saying there is. It badly needs renovation before it can be much of a vacation rental.

Shamefully neglected.