My mother, 7-year-old daughter, and I had a wonderful time at the Apartment in the Tower. Guido was a very accommodating host. He got in touch with me very quickly after I sent a query about the apartment and then checked on us while we were there, providing us with restaurant recommendations and calling a taxi for us to leave for our early morning flight. We had one small problem with the hot water heater, but he responded to my email very quickly and told me how to reset it. It is definitely true that the apartment is up 75 stairs (4 Piano, or what Americans would call the 5th floor), but we really didn't mind and it helped us to work off lots pasta and gelato! The street below was only a bit noisy on the weekend nights (with folks walking by and talking loudly), though not so noisy that it really bothered us. If you are a light sleeper, you might want earplugs or a white noise machine, but I would guess you would need that anywhere you stayed in Florence. Also, the apartment is small -- small kitchen and bath, living/dining room, and bedroom. It was perfect for the three of us, though.

We really appreciated being so centrally located -- literally 5-10 minute walk to most of the major tourist sites -- and having the ability to cook some of our meals in the apartment. My 7-year-old really does not want to eat out 3 meals a day, so we could made breakfast and some dinners in the apartment. There is a well-stocked grocery store, Conad City, about 4 blocks away and a small mom-and-pop style shop literally around the corner that had a number of basics (pasta, cheese, cold meats, milk, juice, wine, etc.). Also, Vivoldi's gelato is a 1-minute walk and is really amazing. I would also recommend Baldovino's restaurant, which is across from the entrance to Sante Croce.

If you are looking for a very reasonably priced apartment in the city center, I would definitely recommend the Apartment in the Tower. It was half of what we would have paid for a triple room at most hotels and bed and breakfasts in the city and far more comfortable. Guido is a really great host, who you can count on for prompt replies to your queries and good information about the city.