Elena's apartment was perfectly situated to just about everything you would want to see and do in Florence. We were able to walk everywhere. Even the train station was only a 15 minute walk. The neighborhood was lively but the building containing the apartment was very quiet and secure. The apartment occupies the 4th floor but there is an elevator to the third floor that is very convenient when hauling up groceries etc. The views from the apartment and it's terrace are amazing. Elena met us at check in and is fluent in the English language. She is a very kind and gracious host, even arranging a taxi to pick us up and take us to the airport our last day. The bathroom was the best I had encountered, and that includes the hotels we stayed at on our last tip to Italy 2 years ago. It was large by European standards, very open and a larger person could comfortably fit in her shower. It is a wonderful place to stay and Elena is a great host.