I highly recommend Alexandra's and Emanuele's place. It is far enough away from the tourist areas and yet within walking distance to the sights. Also, you will be staying in the rustic and old part of Florence and will get more of a sense of how the people live and work. There are some great restaurants just minutes out the door. The apartment has been updated, has many conveniences, is airy and clean. It was quite roomy. But most of all was the excellent service Alexandra provided by being easily available and extremely helpful. My locket that was my grandmother's accidentally fell from the sink shelf down the drain. Alexandra's quick and helpful response to have a worker retrieve it for me meant a great deal. She also had helpful advice and good recommendations.