We were welcomed on our arrival by Roberta who greeted us warmly and helped us take our luggage up the flight of stairs to the apartment. Roberta had communicated with us by text message confirming arrangements for our arrival and agreeing to an earlier time at our request. Her instructions about arrival were impeccable as were the notes she gave us about both the use of the apartment and local facilities, supermarkets etc and restaurants. Roberta showed us around the apartment, instructing us on how it worked (all very straightforward) and oriented us on the map of Florence which she had marked up with various restaurants and supermarkets as well as indicating the apartment's position. Most thoughtfully, Roberta had provided us with some basic food - including milk, orange juice and coffee pods for the Nespresso machine. Florence was still quite cool and wintery, but the apartment was already warm when we arrived - and the bed made up, and bath towels etc. in place.
The apartment was as delightful, impeccably clean and handsomely (though simply) furnished - as it appeared in the photos. It is immensely comfortable, with generous living spaces and a good kitchen with up-to-date appliances and a good sized dining table, a handsome bathroom with sound plumbing and an easy-to-use washing machine. The bedroom was small but held a good sized, comfortable bed and had good lighting (one could read in bed if desired). The bedroom has a pretty view into the beautiful fifteenth century colonnaded inner courtyard (atrium) designed by Brunelleschi (the famous Renaissance architect of the great dome of the Duomo).
The apartment is brilliantly placed: it is both very central (one can walk to all the major sights easily) but also on the edge of the tourist area, so that local shops catered for local Florentines rather than tourists. An excellent friendly Alimentari was a few steps away and the experience of shopping locally delightful. One could hardly wish for anything more pleasing. We would very happily return there and will certainly recommend it to our friends as a perfect place for a couple to stay in Florence - or even a couple with a child who could sleep on the sofa (the bathroom is off the bedroom so would not be otherwise suitable). My partner and I have already conveyed our heartfelt thanks to Roberta, but do so again here - staying in the Palazzo Bardi felt very privileged and enriched our experience of Florence immeasurably. Thank you Roberta and Stefano.