I stayed in Claudia’s wonderful apartment for a month and I absolutely loved it. It was my sixth time in Florence and so I was well aware of the area; the apartment is less than ten minutes from the train station, two minutes from the leather markets, four minutes from the Duomo, and less than ten minutes to Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. There is a great supermarket around the corner and a great coffee shop “Snack Bar Anna” where I would have my morning cappuccinos. For fresh foods, Mercato Centrale is two minutes away where you can purchase fresh cheeses, fruits, vegetables, meats or fish, or you can head upstairs for a beer, wine, and delicious Italian cuisine prepared fresh in front of you. If you want to stay in, Claudia provides you with a welcome package for your first meal. In addition, although the apartment is quite small, it is effectively organized and you have everything you need. I was able to prepare breakfast and one other meal on a regular basis – the kitchen has all you need.

Claudia was extremely welcoming and helpful as a host. She helped me with my extremely heavy luggage on my first day, provided restaurant suggestions, and was always accessible by phone if I had questions (like when I was trying to figure out the washing machine). Claudia offered me an extra cleaning service halfway through my stay and provided me with extra linens. In addition, I had found the air conditioner quite noisy and it was interrupting my sleep the first two days; Claudia had the entire unit replaced with a new one! I really appreciated her quick response, and slept soundly for the next month. Being on the last floor, the view is fantastic and you rarely hear street noise. I got used to the 88 steps within the first few days, and would literally be in and out of my unit at least three times a day – great exercise.
I would HIGHLY recommend Claudia’s apartment and hope to return one day.