THE HOST: To begin with a grand statement, Massimo is the ultimate Airbnb host. Probably the best Airbnb host I have ever encountered. Not only was he effectively communicative in advance of our three days in Florence, he responded to every request and helped us with absolutely everything that we needed while we were there. He serves as the ultimate concierge even though he could give you the keys and disappear, but no, that's not the Italian way! His welcome packet is the most detailed I have ever seen an Airbnb host provide, with helpful tips and hotspots. Massimo called a taxi for us on multiple occasions. He went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied.

THE APARTMENT: This is one of the most comfortable, renovated apartments you can rent in Florence. It has modern touches, but you still feel that you are very much in Italy. Massimo gets two things VERY VERY right: climate control and an elevator! Two things (especially in the summer) that are not always a "given" in Italy. We were comfortable the whole time, even in 90+ degree heat. And it was nice to have an elevator, which isn't always common in these old apartments in centro storico. Additionally, the place has CHARACTER. The bedroom upstairs reminded me of a tree-house, since the roof eaves. My partner and I are pretty tall (6ft+) so we crawled around on the floor a lot up there...but that's what vacation is all about. We'll always remember waking up in the attic. The half bathroom is essential because trekking down the stairs in the middle of the night is never pleasant. Also, there is a beautiful terrace...we enjoyed sitting out there in the mornings. The bathrooms were perfect. Water pressure and temperature, perfect. The kitchen is adorable and wide open - and Massimo stocked us with complimentary orange juice and milk, as well as pasta and everything we needed to cook. We had just left an apartment in Barcelona that didn't even have a knife or even a pan to cook in, so this was very welcome! Also, the WIFI always worked!

THE LOCATION: Florence is TOTALLY walkable so you're never too far from anything. I suppose if you really want to be in the "thick" of the action, then you should find something slightly closer to the Duomo, but when you're surrounded by tourists all day, why would you want to be surrounded by them at night? This was the perfect place to escape in the evenings.

I give you a 100% recommendation to rent with Massimo!