From the moment I saw this tasteful, elegant apartment online I knew this was the perfect place for my husband and our friends to stay in Florence. The reality surpassed our expectations.
Firstly, the location is exceptional. When the listing says 'near the Accademia (the David)' it means: directly across the road! You simply could not find anything more convenient. Notwithstanding that, the area was super quiet at night - unlike other accommodation around the major piazza and the Duomo. With a great Carrefour supermarket 200 metres away, and the Duomo in sight, 3 blocks away - an easy 10 minute walk on foot, we were able to walk everywhere in Florence. Super convenient.
The decor was beautiful and in no way unclean. Each couple had their own room with air conditioning and TV and the spacious kitchen/dining/living area was also air conditioned, with TV and dish washer. We loved it so much we ate in 2 of our 4 evenings in Florence, with cold meats, salads, pasta and prosecco from the supermarket. Brilliant.
The bedrooms were clean, the beds and linen lovely. The main bathroom was lovely with spacious shower and the second toilet/washroom (no shower) was handy for others just wanting a quick pit stop, to brush their teeth etc.
The apartment building is gorgeous too - very atmospheric with tiny elevator. We managed our big suitcases no problem.
Finally Cristina was extremely helpful, and very accommodating with arrival and departure arrangements. She kindly booked a taxi for us on the day of our departure which arrived promptly. Taxis were honest and reasonable - approx 12/13 euros to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, and the same to Santa Croce - where we bought some great leather jackets at Poker (ask for Giorgio).
One of our group also bought a leather jacket at the 'leather factory' shop next door to our apartment.
The Medici chapel is within easy walking distance (10 mins).
Tip: we took a day trip to Lucca by train from Florence SMN - about an hour and a half each way. Loved Lucca!
In summary, we all agreed this was a fabulous find, with a great host. We would not stay anywhere else in Florence and look forward to returning in future.
Gracie mille Cristina!