Our ideal AirBnB is one that has all of the character of the city that we are visiting combined with walkable access to most of the noteworthy sites of the city and the amenities that allow us to live there as residents of the city for as long as we like. In all of these respects, Antonio's apartment suited us perfectly. Add to this the fact that Antonio was as communicative and attentive a host as you could want, and you couldn't ask for much more.
Daily necessities are close at hand, with a supermarket a four minute walk for many needs, an organic market three doors down, and a six minute walk to the stalls of the Vucciria. If you want to eat out, you couldn't ask for more, from traditional street food to a fabled focacciaria to some really top-notch restaurants an easy walk away.
Things to know that should not put you off, just be aware:
Sixteen flights of stairs to the flat. Easy stairs, but be aware.
Vibrant urban area in the midst of transformation. Top-flight restaurants cheek-to-jowl with homelessness and some sketchy alleyways. If you are looking for a quiet, sanitized Italian Disneyland, this might not be for you. We loved it.
If you are driving in, and there is space to leave your car, touch base with Antonio on the best route in. Your GPS does not know how narrow the streets in this area of town are and might not know which direction streets run.
Enjoy this wonderful space. We certainly did.