Future travelers can expect a great host and at a reasonable cost, a large apartment, clean, reasonably appointed to accommodate up to 10 people, located in a local neighborhood just outside of and within easy walking distance of the main tourist and shopping areas.
We planned a two-week trip to Florence for my wife, myself, my sister, her husband and her family, which included grown sons, daughter-in-law and fiancée. We reserved Artan's apartment because it could accommodate as many as 10 people.
Cost was very reasonable, especially in light of the fact the trip was scheduled during the height of tourist season.
Artan and his associate, Gentianna, were exceptional hosts. They are multilingual so we did not have any problems communicating. Artan and Gentianna are polite,enthusiastic, knowledgeable and accommodating. After we booked the apartment we found out Artan provides professional tour services which we utilized for walking tours with Gentianna around Florence, and day trips to the Chianti wine region and Cinque Terre.
Apartment is an overall 10 for accommodating a group of people. The apartment has four large bedrooms, big kitchen, two bathrooms, and an outdoor balcony overlooking neighborhood. Elevator access. Clean and well provisioned. Note: During the two week period we prepared several meals for 10 people with food and wine we bought at the local meat and vegetable market. We also were able to do our own laundry.
The apartment's location is great. Approximately 20-30 minutes from the airport with easy street access by car or taxi. The apartment is located in a local neighborhood just outside of the main tourist areas. The apartment is within a short, easy walking distance of all the major/minor sites, open air meat and vegetable market, ATMs. Across the street is a phenomenal local restaurant and a bistro. The rest of the neighborhood is filled with other bistros and restaurants. Also, within a 10 to 15 minute walk is a non-tourist retail shopping area.
Getting around Florence was easy. Artan made arrangements for transportation between the airport and the apartment. Cabs and buses are always available. Most places are within easy walking distance of the apartment. Artan also has two Mercedes vans each of which can accommodate up to 6 to 8 people comfortably.