We were in Florence for 9 nights in mid-April and the apartment was just perfect for the two of us. We are an active couple so the number and steepness of the stairs was not an issue, even after a delicious Florentine meal and bottle of local wine! We used the apartment as a base for seeing the sights of the city and for visiting other areas of Tuscany and it was ideal for both. You can walk to anywhere in Florence and it's close to the bus and train stations for other excursions. We made good use of the terrace as the weather was warm and dry, it was nice to hear the sounds of the city but have your feet up in the comfort of 'your own home'. As for sounds, yes it was noisy some evenings and especially late into the night at weekends. It's an old building with single glazing and you are up in the roof, so little or no sound proofing - take ear plugs, they did the job for us! The apartment itself is nicely decorated with character and has everything you would want, even Wi-Fi. We would definitely recommend it.