I would give Maria 6 stars if I could!
PROS:
1. The place was spotless with enough towels, kitchen stuff and linens for my 7-day stay.
2. Location is AMAZING. Right across the street from a huge indoor market that stays open til midnight with groceries on the 1st level and restaurants on the second level. Also about 5min walk from the main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella and the tram. About 10-15min walk from major attractions & other restaurants.
3. Price was competitive and right in line with the amenities.
4. Communication was EXECELLENT. Not only did Maria contact me before I arrived with tips about the tram, wifi, etc but she checked in a few times during my stay AND had her son meet me at a spot right around the corner from the place to make sure I got in safely and knew how to find/use everything.
CONS:
1. Noise. Nothing pipes down on the street below until at least 2am, despite using my ear plugs & white noise app, it sucked a few nights when I had to get up early. Closing the shutters helps a ton but because of the area, it's understandable.
2. If you're a solo traveler, be prepared to carry your luggage up and down those flights of stairs.
Otherwise my stay was EXCEPTIONAL. Great value, great communication & awesome location for activities. Maria is one of the best hosts I've had in a loooong time -- so book it!