This is by far the best Airbnb I have EVER stayed at and I can't stop telling everyone about this amazing apartment! If you're staying in Florence, stop looking at places and just book with Lola!
The apartment was easy to find from the train station, a straight shot up from the Arno (river) and is located on the side of the beautiful Boboli Gardens (a must visit with a side entrance only a block away) on a quiet, residential dead-end.
Lola met us at the apartment and gave us a tour and explained how everything worked which was very helpful. Lola is incredibly sweet and made sure she was at our disposal if we needed her during our 7-day stay. She was very thoughtful and left us a bottle of wine and fresh pastries! It was Valentine's Day when we arrived and she decorated the bed with rose petals in the shape of a heart, so sweet!
The apartment is clean, spacious and beautiful with many welcoming details. The bed and pillows were incredibly comfortable so we sleep amazingly. There is plenty of closet space to unpack. The couches were comfy and the dining area is great. The kitchen has everything you'll need including a washer, our clothes dried quickly on the drying rack. The bathroom is modern and the shower's water pressure was perfect.
Of course, the best part of the apartment is the backyard. Lola has a great place set up for sitting and relaxing as well as a great grassy garden. Although we visited in winter and couldn't sit out on the adorable patio, I definitely took advantage of the outside tub. After walking numerous miles each day exploring Florence, the tub was so relaxing. The weather was chilly, but the water was very warm and inviting.
The location is perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to avoid the noise of the city center while also being close enough to everything. We woke up each morning to birds chirping, not traffic.
The area has great cafes and restaurants (Lola gave us plenty of vegetarian recommendations) and is right next to Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Santo Spirito, and La Specola (check this hidden gem out if you're looking for something different) and pretty close to Piazza Michelangelo, San Minato, and the Ponte Vecchio. The city center (Duomo, Uffizi, Santa Croce) is very walkable, but Lola also provides guests with bikes. The farthest point of interest would be San Lorenzo and the Central Market (you have to eat here!), but still very easy to walk to. We never needed to take the bus.
We had an amazing stay and would highly recommend Lola's apartment. Another couple we were traveling with who stayed somewhere else was very jealous of our apartment and after sharing pictures with others, many people I know are interested in staying here! We can't wait to come back!
Thanks again Lola! You're the best :)