I can’t imagine a better location if you want to feel the energy of historic Florence.
When your front door opens to Piazza della Signoria, and neighbors within 500 feet are the Medici’s Palazzo Vecchio, a replica of Michelangelo’s David, and a commemorative plaque on the spot of the Bonfire of the Vanities, you hit 5-Star location jackpot.
The apartment is spacious, and beautifully decorated to match the vibe that you’ve taken a step back in time.
Oh, did I mention there’s a first-class cafe and gelato store on the ground floor? Perfecto!
Make no mistake, everything about the apartment made our Florence experience perfect. But, there are a few odds and ends to be aware of.
1. If you want open windows and quiet evenings and mornings, this isn’t the place for you. But, with the windows closed and some white noise from the iPhone, you’ll have no problems.
2. If you plan on using the washer/dryer, get a tutorial. We couldn’t figure out how to dry our clothes, and moved onto Positano with a bag of spin-cycled damp clothes. I told Lorenzo a “how to guide” for using appliances would be helpful for guests. Hopefully he will add that to the apartment.
3. The WiFi was spotty. Fortunately, I had an unlimited $10 day AT&T international plan, so I was all good. And we used my phone’s hotspot for my girlfriend’s phone and my laptop.
4. There was a tiny, functional lift, but there are a couple of flights of stairs to climb if that’s an issue. But, that comes with the territory. Don’t let it scare you away. Walk slow, enjoy the buildings interior, and you’ll be at your door in no time.
5. The keys are a little tricky, but I had no problem. When you’re opening the front gate on the Plazza, you may need to pull the gate door toward you just a bit so it will unlock. And for the apartment door, turn the key several times left to get it to unlock, and several rotations right to lock. Not a flaw at all, just how it is in an old historic building.
My secret recommendation. Get your gelato at the shop on the ground floor and sit on the steps in front of the front gate and enjoy. The people watching, sounds and those magic moments of where you’re sitting in the middle of will hit you like a wonderful, lost in time wave.
When we come back, we will without question stay right here again. It was truly a magnificent experience.
Godere!