Cristina is a lovely person and greeted me when I arrived at the apartment with a very welcome (and very good) gin and tonic.

Communication was good and she was at pains to help me find the place (very easy from Santa Maria Novella station and less than a five minute walk.

The apartment is spotless and the room very nice. There is a private bathroom that is very clean.

The area is very lively, with the market directly below the 4th floor apartment. After the market finishes (and it is daily) road cleaners come in. I'm a good sleeper and this wasn't a problem for me but if you struggle with noise this might not be the place for you. Cristina kindly offered earplugs but I didn't need them.

You really are in the historic center of Florence here; it was only about a six minute walk to the Duomo. I have visited Florence before and it was wonderful to return. The crowds around the historic areas and buildings are not for the faint hearted. That said it is very easy to simply slip into back streets and walk between the main sites without feeling oppressed by the many tourists. Cristina was helpful in sending me a link allowing me to book Uffizi tickets via the official site so I did not have to queue.

Cristina is respectful of your privacy. Personally I enjoyed having someone to talk to who knew the city. She told me about visiting San Miniato al Monte on the hill, and the right time to visit to hear the monks chant. It was a magical experience.

I think Cristina would have spent more time with me but she was feeling under the weather. She told me I have a friend and contact in Florence always which is a lovely thing to know. On my last morning she very kindly made me a lovely breakfast before I went to catch my train to Venice. In the evenings she gave me a glass of red wine to wind down after a hectic day.

Overall I recommend staying with Cristina highly.

Oh ahd finally the apartment is literally a 30 second walk from the wonderful Mercato Centrale, a covered market with multiple outlets to buy and eat Italian 'street food' and the wonderful Tuscan wine. I ate their twice and it was fantastic. It is open until midnight. Everything is fresh and delicious, reasonably priced.

If you don't mind bustle and some noise, don't hesitate to book Cristina's place. I will definitely return if I travel to Florence again on my own. It's one of the most beautiful cities on earth and the experience of staying here makes you feel you are having an authentic experience of the city.

Thanks Cristina and apologies again for spilling wine on the bedclothes!!!