This apartment was in the best possible location in Florence. Just steps from San Lorenzo and the Medici Riccardi palace, about 5 minutes away from both the Duomo and the Academia and around 15 minutes from the Uffizi and Plaza Signoria, also ten minutes from the train station. There are several restaurants and convenience stores downstairs, in the same building. We walked everywhere in Florence, never once taking the taxi or bus, except when we took the Tuscany tour. It was great to be able to return to the apartment mid day to rest between our sightseeing activities.
Communication with Paola was excellent. She was always very prompt to respond and very accommodating. The apartment was bright and prettily decorated. It had everything we needed, including shampoo/soap, dishwashier and washing machine detergent, and some coffee, salt, etc. We also received a bottle of wine upon arrival. Having the washing machine was so convenient! Note that if you are used to the machines in the US, it takes a bit longer to finish the laundry, except in the speed cycles. Also, there is no drier, but it was hot enough that the clothes dried on the rack the same day. As a family of five, having the two bathrooms was also great. Disabled and elderly folks may have trouble with the masters shower/tub, but the second shower should be no issue There was also an elevator, which we used only once to carry our luggage up the stairs. Nevertheless, it was good to have that convenience. .
As other reviewers have mentioned, the second bedroom can pick up some street noise at night, and our first night there was a fairly rowdy group singing at 2 AM. However, my kids, who slept in that room, were able to sleep through much of the noise, especially as they were usually exhausted from touring.
Would have given them five stars for everything, except we had some issues with the electric power shutting off several times during the second night and on two mornings, despite keeping the AC thermostat set to above 24/25 C. Luckily, Paola had shown us on check in where to check the circuit breaker if this happened, and it was a quick fix. She also responded right away when we reported the incidents, and sent her husband to check things. As of check out, it seemed to no longer be an issue.
This apartment helped make our stay in Florence a memorable one, and I would recommend this location to anyone visiting Florence. Thanks, again, Paola!