We so enjoyed our stay at Maribell last time that in April we decided to go and visit Rome once again. After a long and tedious winter Rome was a dream come true: lovely warm weather, a soft breeze, trees in flower and people delighted to be out and about. The weather was perfect for al fresco dining and when walking around we already had to make sure to be walking on the shadow side of the road. Spring and autumn are the best times to be in the eternal city.
Maribell... what to say? It is like a home away from home and Marina was as always adorable and helpful, even pointing out some worthwhile sights of which we had never heard, e.g. Domus Romane at Palazzo Valentini (1), a virtual visit to a Roman Villa. Another 'Insider Tip' she gave (for those with a car) was the view one gets when looking through the keyhole of the door of the Seat of the Villa of the Grand Priory of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, their Roman seat, at the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on the Aventino. Looking through the keyhole one sees (precisely centred) the Cupola of Saint Peter's Basilica, lighted at night. The square itself is different from all the others in Rome and has on the other side (of the Villa) the splendid Basilica of Saint Sabina, built on the site where her house once stood (near the Temple of Juno, protector and special counselor of the Roman state)
There is a need to book Maribell in advance, as it offers only two pleasantly and well appointed (big) rooms. This time we took the SIT shuttle bus from Fiumicino Airport and descended in Piazza Cavour which is about a 8-10 minute pleasant walk from Maribell. If tickets are booked online it's 5€, otherwise 6€. Exiting terminal 3, turn right and walk until you see the bus terminal. The SIT bus is usually the first one in line. The busses are clean and the ride is about 40 minutes. Transport-wise: the Lepanto underground (metro) stop is just around the corner from Maribell and fares are 1€ and are valid for 75 minutes. Within that time the ticket can be validated further times and can also be used on buses, trams and trains within the city's borders. Tickets can be bought in advance: day tickets on all transport are 4€ , a three-day pass is 11€ while a week-pass costs 16€.
Maribell is situated between two popular ice-cream places, with long queues of people waiting to buy their favourite taste. The Gelateria dei Gracchi ( to the right when exiting on to the road from Maribell) uses only fresh seasonal fruits, with no conservatives, colourings nor hydrogenated fats. Their pistacchio and zambaione ice creams are to be recommended.
When exiting on to the street and then going left and around the corner, there is Mondo Arancina that sells 'arancine' which are rice-balls the size of oranges that can be bought with different flavours and fillings. An arancina and an ice-cream to finish constitutes a hearty snack or lunch/dinner. Next to Mondo Arancina is a superb gelateria selling yoghurt ice-creams. Do not miss it!
Furthermore, there are three different places just 2-3 minutes walk from Maribell selling freshly baked pizzas which can be bought per cut, the size the customer wants (al taglio), with different toppings, and which can be heated up in an oven, then and there. Marina will make plates available for guests who wish to eat in.
Also, a 5-10 minutes walk from Maribell is the Billa supermarket (in the COIN). If after a busy day sightseeing one wants to spend a restful night in, or enjoy a relaxing bottle of wine, then there are enough pleasant and practical alternatives that allow one to do this.
I gave the sleep quality a 5* because the beds are super comfy. Just remember to keep windows closed till after midnight as the gelaterias attract the Roman crowd and they chat under the bedroom window. However, the efficient (quite silent) air-con requires that the window be shut anyhow...
What else to say but that we will be back, again. This visit has been the best one in 2013 and I still savour the sites, strolls and relaxation, thanks to Marina's experienced advise and pleasant stay.
(1) And now a bit more about the Domus Romane: an interactive digital archaeological ± 2 hr visit that is highly recommended. It not only brings to life this Roman Villa near Trajan's Column, but the high-tech digital overlay brings the whole place to life. Not only this, but there is a visual introduction to the Rome of the past and a world-class metropolis Rome indeed was! It is advisable to book well in advance via their website, as groups are of about 12 people at a time. The guide provides commentary and will respond to questions. There are different language groups, italian, english, french. If one keeps the underground (metro) ticket the price is 10€ instead of 11.50€. It is also a great way to spend a very hot afternoon inside, in the shade.