I arrived in Florence following a week-long volunteer experience where the accommodations were shared and quite basic. Arriving at Mauro's felt like an oasis. The room was huge and looked exactly like the photographs. The bed was comfortable and there were cantucci -- a type of biscotti -- waiting for me.

Mauro arrived by bike at the exact agreed-upon time. He showed me around the apartment. Which shelves in the refrigerator and pantry were mine and where food from other visitors -- staples like peanut butter, coffee, rice and pasta -- was kept and available to any of the guests.

He took time to show me how the Wi-Fi worked. Where he kept menus and listings of favorite restaurants and sights. And how to locate some private addresses.

I got a little turned around walking from the train to the apartment, but a couple of questions to people on the street got me pointed in the right direction. And after that, I found the location to be central, safe and easy.

Mauro was extremely responsive -- leaving me a lighter blanket when I asked and checking that the mosquito zapper was working. (Mauro kept a plug-in, scentless, mosquito repellant in the room along with the zapper. But they liked me anyway.)

I also had the opportunity to connect with other travelers staying at the apartment, which was nice. And to do laundry after more than a week without.

I fell in love with Florence and will definitely stay here on my next visit.