Romans keep retaining their popular culture, and the intriguing personality of the working class is celebrated in numberless Italian movies. You don't find anymore emperors planning to rule the world, haughty aristocrats, and plebeians asking bred and gladiatorial combats.
In fact, Romans are renowned for their bonhomie, their hospitality, and a peculiar character for which they are passionate, friendly and indolent at the same time.
A Rome visit arguably makes sense if you don't immerse yourself in the local culture, shopping in the popular markets, and embracing the vibrant and sweet night life, in which Rome becomes magic. We recently thought about renting a flat in Rome and we were able to interact closely with the Romans, who love their homes and who consider their district or "rionee" as their community, around which life revolves. When in Rome...
Leaving this important aspect aside, economic factors come into play. We saved consistently on hotels, and we were able to cook your spaghetti in your kitchen - we also learned the Italian recipe, it's much better, just don't overcook the boiling pasta and don't wash it after! We visited with our family, and we had a large living room that allowed us to stay together. We even drank a toast with our Roman friends!