I stayed at Paolo's during December 2015. From the second we got connected over Airbnb everything was smooth & seamless. Considering I got booking sorted out of the way at least 3/4 weeks prior, I only contacted Paolo again less than a week before arriving. We agreed to stay connected over messages & that he would pick me. Only when I arrived at Florence airport did I realize how out of the way it was for Paolo to offer picking me up from the airport. It was all due to excessive luggage. Paolo also helped carry my luggage to the apartment despite an injured shoulder.
The entire apartment - the guest room with private bathroom, shared kitchen & shared terrace was absolutely perfect - warm, home away from home, personal, well stocked up with all essential amenities, and comfortable.
Paolo took me for a lovely Italian meal, a scenic drive to experience the beauty of Florence / Firenze
Paolo's apartment is 8 minutes (at medium pace) from the Santa Maria Novella station & further steps away from Santa Maria del Fiore /Duomo di Firenze, Giotto's tower, galleria degli Uffizi, the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce; the magical splendor keeps unfolding as one walks on ... buses, trains, taxis are conveniently available all over the place
The main square & streets around, offer all kinds of shopping experiences with with known & unknown brands, Italian cafes & patisseries, ristorantes, touristee souvenir shops & stalls.
On Christmas, Paolo arranged this wonderful tuscan tour for me - covering the unesco world heritage site of San Gimignano (an Italian medieval town), then the Chianti Classico area with its gastronomic wonders and finally to the enchantment of Siena.
I also experienced further hospitality from Paolo & his lovely couple friends who took me to the Hard Rock cafe florence style for dinner, complimented by the most authentic espresso shots.
Along with relishing all tastes of foods & sight seeing & experiencing all kinds of art & architectural wonders & splendors, this 8/9 day break at Paolo's place was also for me to refresh myself for work & the new year, do my work (research & writing) & thinking in complete comfort. Paolo & his house allow you to do that. One almost forgets that Paolo may be there at times, but he only appears when you need him. He stays out of your comfort only to keep you comfortable. Paolo's apartment is spotless, clean bedroom, bathroom & kitchen. In winter the centrally heated floors and water heating was great.
Above everything, Paolo is a thorough professional, a great host & a wonderful friend. Cant wait to plan my next break at Paolos again