Real Florence...we really felt this. Carla's apartment was perfect for us. It was well situated in the Sant'Ambrogio area where there are wonderful restaurants (which she recommended) shopping, pastry shops and cafes, a great gelateria, Conad supermarket (a very good one) and the food market of Sant' Ambrogio is superb. The apartment is close to everywhere you wanted to visit by walking but quiet from the crowds, truly a great neighborhood. Carla as a host was great at providing what we needed or might need to every detail as umbrellas,ponchos, 1st aid, toiletries, and the kitchen was stocked with cooking essentials like oil, balsamic, spices, tea and coffee. She was always accessible and helpful. The market five minutes away is truly delightful and we enjoyed cooking and preparing most of our dinners and breakfast. The apartment is spacious, very clean, comfortable and our bedroom with the view of the Duomo was just grand. We felt safe always, it is truly a great neighborhood...antique shops, flea market, Jewish neighborhood (with a great deli and kosher grocery) around the corner...the real Florence. The neighbors are very friendly and helpful. We had a wonderful trip, thanks Carla.