We didn't get the chance to meet Agnese, but she communicated prior to our arrival, and even made sure to leave a note at her apartment door that her sister, Bea, would be meeting us instead.
Bea is the perfect host! She assisted us with our luggage and offered refreshments upon our arrival. The Paderis provided us with everything we could possibly need! There were fruits, nuts, snacks and wine on the table; milk, juice, and water in the fridge; as well as coffee, sugar, and several pastries in the pantry!
Both Agnese and Bea gave prompt responses and assistance to our queries and requests prior to, and throughout our stay. Bea even arranged for a taxi to pick us up from her apartment on our check-out date as we had to leave by 5:00 AM.
The apartment is very conveniently located, I felt that I couldn't have chosen any better! It is within walking distance from the market centrale, piazza San Lorenzo, Duomo, Accademia gallery museum, various leather shops, even Ponte Vecchio and piazza Santo Spirito where we had dinner and wine! One night during our stay, we even chanced upon Vogue night happening in the shopping district and we greatly enjoyed the street party vibe!
Bea very patiently showed us how to get around Firenze and recommended all the best spots to see as well as one of the best steak restaurants in town (which happened to be just below the apartment, only a skip and a hop away!) - very good food and super accommodating staff!
She also took the time to write down and email her restaurant recommendations plus directions to the outlet stores!
Her apartment is really very lovely and cozy, I felt so at home! It is very clean with tasteful interior decor and well-appointed with all the basic necessities. It smelled really nice too, thanks to the fragrance diffusers scattered throughout the apartment. Too bad I forgot to ask Bea where she got them from.
My only regret is that we didn't stay long enough to enjoy the apartment even more and to explore more of Florence. I would definitely consider staying with the Paderis again next time I visit.
Grazie, Agnese and Bea!