Description Sistina Ark: Roma

In interior design circles, this apartment in northern Rome would be described as industrial-chic — illumination comes from minimalist light-bulb fittings, you can store clothes in repurposed cabinets and trunks, and the floor is covered in faded tiling. In the middle of the space sits a comfy, no-thrills bed. Everything about the space screams function — it was designed by the host, who is also an architect — and a stay here will help you have a seamless experience in the Italian capital. As well as offering daily cleaning, the location puts you within a short walk of some of the city's main attractions. Vatican City can be reached in five minutes on foot, while in the other direction, Castel Sant'Angelo and Parco della Mole Adriana are both a ten-minute walk.

Home truths:
*The building doesn't have a lift, so you'll have to take the stairs to the first floor — this might not be suitable for guests with limited mobility
*As the flat's tucked away and sheltered, there isn't a lot of natural light
*There isn't a parking space with this property, although there's a tram stop a two-minute walk away