I cannot say enough about the place and the host. Simply outstanding. Some highlights:
1). It’s immense, with huge vaulted ceilings.
2). Crystal clean.
3). Despite the large rooms, the two air conditioners were capable of cooling the apartment during a heat wave.
4). Location is excellent. Main sights are a short walk away. Very good shopping nearby. It’s on the better side of the river.
5). Nice touches everywhere: Welcome gifts and a nice note; key phone numbers and a ton of local recommendations laid out.
6). Responsiveness of host. Riccardo really came through. There was a problem with one of the air conditioners right when i got there. As quickly as possible, he had it fixed. Further, on the day I had to leave, there was some sort of event. I was calling all taxi numbers for 40 minutes with none available. I was worried about missing my flight. Out of desperation, i called Riccardo. Within 10 minutes he had a taxi at my door.
7). Enormous shower even by American standards. I’m very tall and wished I had it at home.
Bottom line. I loved Florence and will be coming back. This is where I want to say.