One of the best decisions I made while in Florence was to rent Betti and Ele's apartment, Ill Borghetto Located 2 blocks north of the circle drive, meant it was blissfully outside the throngs of tourists, yet, a straight shot, past the botanical gardens to The Accademia Gallery, half a mile away, and the Duomo, another half mile further. Some of my favorite moments were sitting on the patio in the morning, sipping espresso, listening to the birds, and visiting with the local cats, and ending the evening, listening to courtyard life inhaling wonderful dinner smells, sipping a glass of wine, and chit chatting with Betti.
Ill Borghetto has a wonderful, completely outfitted kitchen, and was clean as a whistle. Sleeping was never a problem as the beds were comfortable, and the apartment safe and secure. There was even a litter pan waiting for my cat when I arrived. There was even a binder filled with information from bus and train schedules to local health care to tourist sites to restaurants and their phone numbers. When I return to Florence again, I wouldn't think of staying anywhere else.