Gianfranco and his wife treated us like family. We found that they had the refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks for our arrival. There was an entire notebook filled with maps, suggestions of places to tour and eat! They were always available to answer our questions. They taught us how to use a washer/dryer combination unit (a real treat to have on a long tour of Europe). We also learned how to make REAL ITALIAN coffee. Their suggestions for restaurants was worth the price of the room. It was fun to eat in places that the locals enjoy. When we dinned at his suggested sites, we always had an amazing meal! I really enjoyed our 'home' in Florence and I cried when we had to leave because I felt like I was leaving family. If you want an amazing experience in Florence book this apartment!