My daughter and I spent a very enjoyable and comfortable week in this apartment. The apartment was exactly as advertised and spotlessly clean on arrival. We contact the host on arrival in Florence and he was there to meet us when we arrived at the apartment building. He showed on a map where the closest bus stops, supermarkets and eating places were, which was really useful as we had arrived late in the evening and wanted to get some staples for breakfast the following morning.
We knew this area of Florence from a visit 2 years ago, and chose it as it is close to where my son is living in Via Maggio. I would recommend this location to those who want to get out of the ultra-touristy centre of the city. Close enough, but far enough away to feel local and on the edge of the Tuscany country side.
We mainly used buses to travel in and out of the city centre, with several bus routes between Porta Romana and Santa Novella train station that get you into the city in 10-15 minutes. Other times we walked into the city, taking us 20-25 minutes to get across the river and into the city centre. We used the local supermarket (Carrefour Express in Via Romana) for supplies, this was 10 minutes walk away. Of the various local eating establishments, we recommend Pizzeria Antico Porta and the small gelata outlet next to the Cafe Porta Romana, both of which we used more than once during our stay.