Flavia's apartment is beautiful and there are already great reviews for you to read. I will focus on what made the biggest difference to me: Flavia's restaurant recommendations in a little guidebook on the kitchen table that she made. Maybe the food in Florence is just amazing everywhere, but we all really appreciated being directed to high quality spots by a local. Also, Flavia's place is near Santo Spirito area, which is very hip and fun, in contrast to downtown (also walkable), which is quite over-run with tourist traps and global brands' flagship stores. Stay on the "left bank" equivalent of Florence in Flavia's apartment!