My Mom and I had the most wonderful time in Florence. Chiara's apt is centrally located (San Croce) there are many restaurants in the area ( my favorite is Cibreo) open air markets galore, shops, bakeries, and is just a short walk to the Duomo. All sights are within walking distance. Chiara is your dream host, attentive to its minutest detail, we communicated via email prior to arrival, her guest house is located on the first floor, but is located on the back side of her building, making it a great respite from a not too noisy neighborhood considering she's located in the city centre. Her home is noise-free, is well decorated, very homey, has plants, candles, books of Florence for browsing, fully equipped kitchen if you want to cook, wifi, tv, stereo, -everything- you could possibly need in a holiday. Kitchen and bathroom are just as nice, both renovated and of course, all very clean. She recommended many restaurants and the best places to shop. She's as local as one gets. It's also pretty convenient as she lives upstairs and her office is right next to the guest flat if you need assistance with city sights. I will definitely recommend her flat, and would love to visit again. The flat also has a private courtyard which is really lovely in spring and summer. While her guest house has a feel of a studio (there are no walls separating living room and bedroom), it has an open floor plan (it feels larger) with cathedral ceiling coupled with recessed lighting. Just homey and a perfect base for exploring Florence. The stone wall in the entrance and dining area is just gorgeous. Thank you Chiara for your wonderful hospitality, we very much enjoyed our stay with you, and how lucky that we found you. Come stay with me when you come to New York so I can reciprocate your hospitality. Best, Carol and Leni