I highly recommend Carmine and his apartment as an outstanding value with its excellent location right in the middle of Florence. I made a last-minute request (the same day!) due to other accommodations falling through, Carmine answered my request within minutes and was very accommodating about my getting keys. The room itself, while spartan, had some charm, and was large and very clean, with a big window looking out onto Mercato Centrale, and had a large comfortable bed, plenty of storage, plus a desk. Not at all depressing as economy lodgings can sometimes be! The kitchen and the bathroom were also very adequate. It is wonderful to be able to cook with such a great market right across the street. Of course it is a drawback to share a bathroom, but at this price, a reasonable concession. Plus all the flatmates I ran into (rarely) during my stay were very nice and thoughtful. The wifi, which worked very well, was an excellent bonus! In comparison to my brother's cramped 4-star hotel room across from the train station, we both agreed my room at a little over 10% of the price was a far far better deal. I slept very well in the apt and was happy to be so near to so many of the main attractions Florence has to offer.