The view. The view. The view, the view the view and did I mention the view.
The apartment is a good size for a one bedroom apartment. The kitchen is small, like any place you can afford in New York City small, but if you had to use it to cook you could. Bathroom on the smaller side but perfectly fine, water pressure could be a little better but in an old building this high up its probably normal.
I have been to Florence many times and lived there as a student once as well but never stayed on that side of the Arno. It was a great location. Short (10 minute at most) walk to most of the major attractions. Down on street level it’s noisy lots of people, cars and bikes as you are a block away from Ponte Vecchio. But up in the apartment you hear none of the noise aside from the occasional emergency siren. It is quiet and peaceful and leaves you to enjoy the most beautiful city in the world from your own little slice of paradise.
THE HOST: Egla is incredibly responsive and helpful. I knew the city fairly well so I did not engage with her on that front but I’m sure had I needed any help she would have gone above and beyond as she did in all other areas.
THE TERRACE/THE VIEW: simply wonderful. Hard to imagine a better place I could’ve eaten breakfast every morning. the terrace has a small table that could certainly fit 4 people for breakfast maybe 6 but at one bedroom you shouldn’t ever reach that limit. I have dreamed of returning to Florence with a view from my rental of one or two of the major sites. This one had it all.
The Duomo, campanile, Palazzo Vecchio, the bargello, Orsanmichele, Santo spirito, Ponte Vecchio (top),
San Lorenzo (top of dome), Santa Croce (top of facade), Uffizi (outside)
No that is not a list of sites in Florence, it is more specifically a list of things you can see from the terrace and the main living area. Add to that stunning views on the Pitti Palace and the Boboli gardens from the bedroom window and you can see just about everything from the apartment.
The only things you can’t see are the inside of the Uffizi and the David at the Academia. But you can see the bronze copy of the David because you can also see Piazzale Michaelangelo from the terrace and apartment as well.
If it’s available book it and never look back.
I loved it so much I’m staying there again in 3 weeks.
There are a few stairs that take you to an elevator which brings you six floors up and at that point you must climb another 10-15 stairs. It’s not difficult at all.