The last time I was in Florence I was in a hotel near SM Novella. The noise from the motorcycles and scooters till all hours was non-stop. And you found yourself in a crush of tourists as soon as you left the hotel.
What a difference staying at Niccolo's place in the Oltr'Arno district! Quiet at night, a real neighborhood with real residents living there. And yet we were able to walk everywhere.
My favorite neighborhood discoveries were along the old wall right nearby. There is a pocket park along the wall with dog walkers and strollers and a hip park cafe. On the other side of the wall is an open air market, where you can get the amazing porcini mushrooms and artichokes not available at the supermarket. And at the end of this market, on the bank of the Arno, is a cafe where you can sit waterside at plastic tables and chairs with all locals as long as you want for the price of a coffee and 1 Euro pastry.
The bed has a firm mattress, the place is clean, several Florence guide books are available for use so you don't need to lug one over. The view from the windows includes red tiled roofing and a romantic Tuscan villa visible on the distant hillside. Wifi works well.
And then there is Niccolo himself and his 'team,' as one reviewer said. Who were wonderful! Maps and Chianti and real human warmth and when I needed help they were there right away. This is the kind of rental airbnb can be proud of.