The apartment was almost as described. The pictures make it look a little nicer than it actually is but the pics are not misleading overall. The check in proves was like one I hadn’t experienced ever before with Airbnb. The person pictured is not who you will deal with. After booking I got message saying to contact them when I was arriving. Upon contacting them they asked my to contact someone named Kevin via whatsapp. Kevin met me at the place. This was misleading because I was a solo female traveler and was expecting to deal with a single female host. When Kevin got there he led me up to the apartment and even came inside with me to show me around, which again was very weird. He explained steps to use the 3-4 keys he was giving me and where everything was in the place. Afterwards he asked me for my passport or ID, that really caught me off guard, they do not mention this in their posting at all. I asked why he needed it. He said to inform the police that I was there. It didn’t make any sense to me but I knew my rental was non refundable so I snapped a pic of Kevin and gave him my ID.
The next morning I went to shower and got locked in the bathroom. I did not lock the door, I only closed it and could not get out. The door knob just keep turning and would not catch anything to open. I did not take my cell into the bathroom so there was no way for me to call for help aside from screaming for help. It was hot and there was no ventilation in the bathroom. It was one of the scariest events of my life. I had to break a hole in the door to free myself. I experienced several cuts and bruises trying to free myself from their bathroom. Once I was out and reported it to the host, they did not apologize for event but they said they’d come inspect the damages. No one showed up for almost 2 days. All they did was ask me for upwards of $2,100 and tell me that they didn’t understand why I would damage their property they way I did. I was scared that I was going to die In their bathroom while on a birthday vacation, because they neglected to make sure their doors work properly and their only response was to blame me.
The apartment wasn’t bad, but if you have to spend your money do not spend it with this host. They only care about money. Find another Airbnb or just stay in a hotel. If you book early enough you can get some really good rates in Florence. I will never stay in another while traveling abroad solo again, this experience was more than I could handle and I prefer the safety and security of a hotel with emergency/help buttons in every room.