We had a long, wonderful stay in Antonella's flat. It was just as advertised and pictured -- beautifully restored with lots of authentic Florentine touches, including the soft pastel colors on the walls and the immense stone sink. Everything worked perfectly; we had abundant hot water, air conditioning and heat whenever we needed them. The kitchen is well equipped, spacious, and easy to use. The bedroom has a firm but comfortable king-sized bed and ample room for clothes. We brought a lot of stuff and we found a convenient place for everything. Our host Antonella and her husband Claudio were very responsive to our questions and needs, often responding to our emails within an hour. In every respect, we were well cared for. As for the location, the flat is on a busy street, one of the main roads into the historic center from the south. (The window along the street has two sets of double-paned windows, eliminating almost all noise.) There is every conceivable kind of shop within easy walking distance -- supermarket (a very good one), specialty food and wine shops, appliance store, pharmacy, etc. The Oltrarno district is less touristy and filled with hundreds of small workshops where artisans still ply their trade. There are inexpensive cafes and bars on almost every block, as well as many interesting historical sites. This part of the city is also near the parks and low foothills just south and east of the old gate, with lots of opportunities for long quiet walks. Finally, the bus system in Florence is excellent and there's a stop about 100 yards in either direction along the street, making it easy to get anywhere in the city. We bought monthly passes for 35 euros and just hopped on/off whenever we wanted. A great way to discover an amazing city.