This is a great apartment. Alessandro was very prompt in responding to messages left on the AirBnB website. He met me at check-in, and even came back on another day when I couldn't figure out how to get the gas hob to work (turn the wall lever, push and turn the burner knobs, and hold down the starter button!!).
The apartment is well equipped - and I did cook a number of meals using the kitchen. There is lots of storage - something that is very important to longer-stay visitors. The bed was standard Ikea comfortable! I didn't use the AC to cool in October, but the heat worked just great. The stairs were not an issue at all (4 short flights of less than 10 steps each) - and I'm 63 and don't pack lightly!
The location was amazing. Just a few minutes walk for everything from the laundromat (I didn't bother using the washing machine in the flat), the grocery stores (small one in the same block, bigger one in the next block, etc.), the tram/train station (2 blocks) and the historical center (5-7 minute walk). The Neapolitan Pizza shop right across the street was a particular favorite.
As for other reviews talking about noise - I didn't find that a problem at all. Face it - this is a city street. There is little traffic, but now and then you'll hear a motorcycle/scooter. There are shops on the street, and people conducting business there. At night things were very quiet, and I had no problem at any time - even with the windows open.
Thanks again to Alessandro for hosing me on a very successful visit to Florence!