Gianluca was a terrific and very responsive host. We appreciated his helpful orientation to Ortigya once we arrived. He also knew our teenagers were having some anxiety about the lack of WiFi so he thoughtfully had this in place by the time we arrived, earning much appreciation.
Moreover, the flat is in a truly stunning location right on the waterfront and steps from the best public beach on Ortigya as well as loads of cafes and sites. The views are beautiful and despite being on the street it was very quiet thanks to thick walls and the no-drive zone that limits traffic.
A great host and location may be enough for many but there are somethings to know. While the flat is charming there is a fairly strong odor. At first this seemed to be musty (perhaps from all the items stored in draws and closets) but it became clear that it was the water, or more specifically, the pipes. Apparently plumbing on the island is old. However this sulfur smell was really strong in the downstairs bathroom. Not sure anything to do about this.
The half on/half off toilet seats, the clogged shower drain, the lack of toilet paper, trash cans and bags, and towels (there were 4 bath towels in total for 4 people staying 5 days), and the inoperable ceiling fan in the small bunk-bed room are issues that something can be done about. The latter is important in the summer as there is air conditioning but it remarkably cool in every part of the flat except where people sleep. That small room was very hot and the nonfunctional fan was mockingly still. Even the loft, being high up, was stifling in the summer heat.
Lastly, if you drive be aware that most of the island is a drive-free zone and parking is reserved almost exclusively for residents. The large Talete parking lot is a sanctuary but is about a 15 min walk to the flat and often fills at night - leaving you roaming for spots at the few more expensive and smaller other lots.
So, overall, terrific host with magnificently located and charming flat with some issues that are (mostly) fixable.