We really enjoyed our month stay in Isabella's 'Forlanini apartment'. The apartment was just like the pictures and beyond. When my wife and I travel, we have ended up in small apartments, with Airbnb pictures making it look much nicer and larger than it really was. However, Isabella's apartment was very spacious classical Italian home we fell in love with and it included everything needed to feel at home. The beds were super comfortable and the entire apartment was very clean and dust free despite the elegant furniture and many paintings.
The back of the apartment has a balcony which was nice to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Looking at other apartments from the balcony and seeing people hanging out their laundry every day made us feel like we were living in Italy. We purchased a basil plant and placed it on the balcony so we could have fresh basil when cooking. The kitchen was really clean and well equipped. We love a good cup of coffee in the morning and the Lavazza single shot espresso machine on the kitchen counter was a morning delight. We wish more Airbnbs provided espresso machines.
The location was absolutely perfect for us. The T2 tram is literally a few minutes walk from the apartment. The tram takes you to the Santa Novella train station (city center about 4-5 short stops or 10 min) and also takes you to the Peretola airport (about 10 min or 5 short stops in the opposite direction). There are many city buses nearby as well. Once downtown you can take the T1 Tram or board various buses or trains to go other places. For example, after getting off at Unita station, the last T2 stop, you can take # 7 bus (regular city bus 1.50 Euro) in front of MacDonald’s to Fiesole (scenic town above Florence) for marvelous views and amazing coffee or hot chocolate in a local café (Cass Del Popolo) near via Giacomo Matteotti. You can also take the bus to Sienna from the bus terminal across from the train station (easier by bus than train). We had a great buffet lunch and got a cool Italian haircut In Sienna.
Just across the street from the apartment is a Coop grocery store in a shopping complex which houses various shops and a cinema. Coop has an amazing selection of fresh breads, cheeses, cold cuts, pasta, fruits, delicious fresh out of the oven pizza, and many local wines. It reminded us of Whole Foods in US except with better service, better selection, and great prices. There are also many nearby local eateries.
Isabella was a gracious host and is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. In our opinion, this apartment’s location is a so much better than downtown unless you like to be shoulder to shoulder with millions of tourists. We will definitely stay at Isabella's apartment the next time we are in Florence.