The apartment: I reserved the Santa Croce apartment for a month stay combing work and vacation: first alone, then with a friend, my partner, ultimately my two teenage boys. I knew Florence well because I had lived there before in the 1990s, and I had wanted to be in the Santa Croce area. The apartment is ideally located: 50 meters from the piazza itself on a quiet street, a twenty-five minute walk to the train station (which is just the right distance for me), and near all the main sights. It faces the courtyard so while the area itself can be a bit lively, the apartment is incredibly quiet and peaceful. Having experienced Florentine winters, I know how damp and cold it can get. The apartment was a bastion of warmth and comfort: it was never cold or drafty, and was kept at an ideal temperature. It was perfect for all of my "uses": everyone who came to the place adored it. It was large enough so my teenage boys and I could have separate spaces (one in each bedroom and one in the living room), and then come together in the kitchen for meals. The beds were very comfortable, the kitchen well-equipped, the hot water and water pressure excellent the bathrooms and the floors warm and cozy (unlike many cold Italian floors). My sons loved the apartment so much that they rarely wanted to go out to dinner, preferring instead to head over to the conveniently located Sant'Ambrogio market to stock up on delicious fruits, vegetables, pasta, cheese and meats and cook them at home.

One special note: if you have to be gluten-free, as I do, the apartment is located only five minutes away from a gluten-free bakery and shop, Starbene on Via dei Neri (they even have gluten-free tortellinI). Florence is also an incredibly gluten-free friendly city, so I highly recommend it.

The hosts: Daniela and her daughter Sheila could not have been more accommodating. They answered every question in a timely fashion and saw to our every need. They welcomed my flow of guests, and even brought chocolates for my sons. I consider Daniela a friend in Italy now and will stay in touch.

Recommendation: this is the apartment to rent in Florence if you are looking for a centrally-located, welcoming place to come home to each day. If you are a family with two kids, friends traveling together, or a couple looking for a romantic hideaway, this is the place for you. I can't recommend it enough.