We have just spent a blissful 3 months in Paola & Roberto's "Oscar" Apartment a 20 minute walk from the historic centre of Florence near the River Arno. We have been travelling the world for 18 months so have narrowed our "comfort" needs to 4 "must haves" in all our accommodations: Cleanliness, Strong reliable wifi, quiet efficient air conditioning, a washing machine/dryer. Anything else is a bonus! For once, the internet description and reviews lived up to reality, the "Oscar" apartment met all our criteria and more.
The apartment was spotlessly clean, furnished with modern sleek "Ikea" furniture, and was very spacious with high ceilings and lots of windows so was bright and airy. There were two large super efficient air conditioning units in the main living area, one in the bedroom and another in the bathroom. A special feature of the apartment was an enormous picture window that overlooked the small garden where we would eat lunch in the shade and listen to the soft toll of bells ring out over Florence.
The apartment had a fully equipped kitchen, a large (yes, ice cold!) fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave and full sized cooker/oven, so when we didn't feel like braving heat of the day, we prepared a light meal which wasn't very often because the restaurants and cafes nearby are so good all the locals eat in them.
Nearby there is also a well stocked supermarket and the best pastry shop cafe in the whole world.
There is a large flat screen TV in the apartment which we didn't watch preferring to catch up with Netflix on our IPADs. The apartment did have a much needed speedy washing machine so we were able to wash my husband's daily cycle clothing and dry it in our hot sunny garden.
The very best thing about staying in this apartment is that it is owned and run personally on site by Paola and Roberto, a business couple who manage all their apartments in a very professional manner and to the highest standard. They are absolutely lovely people always happy smiling and friendly and helped us organise so many things from taxis and restaurants to photocopies when our business matters required them. The very few problems we encountered during our stay were dealt with by them immediately and courteously. Their quiet secure compound of apartments are never empty for very long so we felt very lucky to get one.
A truly special and unique place, I hope our travels bring us back to this very happy and lovely location.