Elena was so sweet when I first met her- she treated me like an old friend right away and made me feel welcome in her home. Her apartment is literally right next to the bus stop that heads straight into the city center- about a fifteen minute bus ride/ 30 minute walk. Elena showed me how everything worked (apartment doors, shower, etc) before giving me directions to a local supermarket. Elena was also extremely helpful when answering my questions and informed me about what places would be closed due to the holiday (I visited during Assumption Day). Overall, I would recommend Elena's apartment to anyone- she was so respectful of my privacy while I was there and made me feel comfortable staying in Florence as a first time solo traveler.