Fingers Crossed I'll return to II Bue near Santa Croce...soon! My little family and I were spoiled, and you will be too. We didn't want to leave. We all felt at home, and simultaneously, feted and treated to the unusual possibilities and joys of life that only such a space can give. (1) So clean it squeeks! And yet you enjoy antiques and wonderful art but not the kind you can't live with happily. There are hints of joy and a welcoming sense of humor everywhere. Enjoy the space! (2) Location? I've been to Florence four times in three years and this is absolutely the best place I've stayed in every way, including the famous location location location. Three, maybe four walking minutes to Santa Croce. 8-10 to the Uffizi. 13 to the Duomo. Cross the Ponte Vecchio in less than 10. And in the "neighborhood" was our talented and thoughtful host Alberto's restaurant (where we enjoyed a glass --make that glassES--of Ca'di Pesa's award-winning wine and perfect pizza and salads), a grocer's, a wine bar, "our" cafe with newspapers and fresh pastries to go with our morning cups of whichever coffee offering we chose, plus sights and shops aplenty. Got an early morning train to Venice? Walk 5 minutes to the Taxi sign at the end of the Piazza opposite the church, take in the view one last time...and here comes your ride. (3) Perfectly planned space. Everything from a wine opener to mats on the table and candles. And the design? Beautiful interior, high end finishes, Carrara marble so beautifully installed I took pictures to send to an interior designer friend at home. Can't believe I got excited about the beauty of my bathroom, but I did. Fabrics thoughtfully selected, heavy with quality, while at the same time, light and airy. How'd they do that?! (4) Little (magnificent) surprises abound. Such as the rooftop terrace, table and chairs, bottle of wine at the ready when we entered, and even a little white porcelain sink to hydrate or splash your face with cold water so you can stay longer in the summer's sun. And there's light everywhere....from antique mirrors and modern windows, and the light and tasteful walls and moldings as well as the furnishings. (5) It's quiet. Sturdy. Solid. Not only beautiful. (6) Peek in the other apartments on the third floor when you can. A friend was in Le Ruote suite. Two bedrooms, one up in the loft and one down, with privacy even for snorers. More views and light. I saw as a door opened in another suite apartment a breath-taking (honestly -- this is not a trite statement) view of Santa Croce. Peeked behind another door as it opened and saw something entirely different. Would like to stay in each one of them. This one is the one I'll choose again when I come alone to write. There's something ethereal waiting for me there on the roof! But with a larger crowd...I'll try another of...