I stayed for 4 weeks in July 2013.

This was my first experience with Air BnB, and I was a bit wary. Mauro's property seemed too good to be true from the photos. However, when I got there I was amazed that everything was not only as good as in the photos but much nicer even. He has put a lot of time and effort into remodelling his 2nd apartment into a 'guesthouse' with 3 bedrooms and a shared kitchen/lounge/dining area. The result is beautiful.

Each room is named after one of his grandmas. I stayed in Vezzena, which is one of two with en suite bathrooms. The other has a private bathroom but it's not en suite. I think it's the best room especially since it has its own private doorbell, but the other en suite room has a balcony so it's close.

The kitchen area is small but perfectly adequate. Be aware there is only a stove top but no oven/grill. It wasn't an issue for me, however. There is AC in the kitchen and in every room.

My room was stunning. Antique furniture, a comfy big double bed, crystal chandelier, original wood beams on a high ceiling, nice elongated Italian window, modest fold out desk & stool, top spec new bathroom with large shower... I could go on. I couldn't find anything to complain about!

As for Mauro, he's the epitomy of a helpful, kind, attentive host. I had a few queries and requests and he (and his friend Andrea when he was out of town) was always on hand to help. He even rented me a bike for a decent price so that I could take advantage of the cycle lane which runs from the bottom of the street.

Location isn't as central as other places, but it's only an extra 10 minutes walk from the train station. It's near Porta Prato, one of the ancient walls' gates. I'm glad I had a bike... the cycle lane runs from the property's street all the way to the river arno and from there goes all the way into the center, up to Ponte Santa Trinita. If you'll be on foot and can't walk too much every day, however, it might not be as convenient for you as it was for me. Anyway, you can walk along via Palazzuolo on the way to town and get one of the famous veggie "Foule" sandwiches from Amon, an mazing and cheap Egyptian eatery I got addicted to while in Firenze.

All in all, this is a really good option for your Florence trip and the property and its host will definitely impress you greatly.