STOP LOOKING AND BOOK RIGHT NOW!
That’s basically what I read from a previous review when I was looking for a place to stay in Florence. I’m SO GLAD we decided to stay at Vasily and Irena’s place. What a gem!
Every detail of this 1 BR, 1.5 bath apartment was thought through very well and done with excellence.
* The layout is terrific with the kitchen on the other end of the apartment from the bedroom with the living room between.
* The rooms are very spacious
* It has all the amenities you should need for your stay with a well-equipped kitchen
* The best air conditioning of any place we stayed in our 3.5 week trip through Central Europe (you won’t be warm...trust me)
* An ideal location with Duomo views from the bedroom and the living room
* A convenient, central location
* And, of course, the interior design!
The pictures speak for themselves, but I feel the space was even better than the photos. What wasn’t obvious to me until I arrived was the meticulous attention to detail and personal expression in the spaces, with the wide array of designs painted on the walls, the incredible features on the ceilings in every room and hallway, intentional selections of furniture, the very comfortable and large bed, and the ability to make the bedroom very dark and quiet...shutting out completely the crowds just below.
Irena met us upon arrival and gave us a brief and passionate introduction to the apartments, which was quite enjoyable. She gave us some background on the design elements and clearly has a pride in their place and enjoys seeing others experience its beauty. She also made sure to answer any basic questions we had.
Other practical items included separate clothes washer and dryer machines that were very fast, and a large refrigerator and freezer. There is a nice, small grocery store only a couple blocks away and all the restaurants and gelato places you could want, plus designer brand stores are all super close. Safety was never a concern. The main door downstairs is in a very public location and locked at all times and we never saw or heard anyone else in the building—which appears to have about 4-5 apartments—over the 5 days we were there.
The kitchen did not have a microwave or dishwasher and the TV, which was in the living room, was limited to only about 5 channels...none of which we cared about. The elevator also was small, which was common in the places we stayed, so we made due with it. No biggie.
This is a perfect place for a couple and serves as an awesome retreat after a day of touring all the local destinations. Enjoy!