Staying with Olivia and her teenage son Alessandro is very nice. A few things: the room is right off the kitchen and living room so it can be loud. Ric, Olivia's boxer dog, is very friendly but don't pet him (even though it is tempting because he's friendly and cute!) because he will think you want to play which in his mind involves a lot of foot biting and jumping on you. And he is BIG! :) Olivia's family lives nearby so you can expect that they will come over a lot and you will meet real Italians. Olivia was even kind enough to take me to see a comedy show in Florentine vernacular one night which was very interesting! Her home is in a really pretty garden in a great neighborhood for being away from the insane crowds but still close enough to walk everywhere. I was very grateful for the use of the washing machine and kitchen as I was in Florence for an extended period of time. The room is small but cozy and you pretty much have a bathroom to yourself.