Location, location, location! This was my first time to Florence and I wanted and needed a place for my son and I in the center city, without the city noise and crowds. I didn’t want to travel by public transport and/or cab to enjoy the beauty that is Florence. I found what I was looking for in Alessandra’s amazing apartment. From the very beginning, communicating with Alessandra was super quick and easy. She was very good about answering questions in detail which I appreciated. Alessandra’s lovely apartment is very close to the train station Santa Maria Novella and a short walk – easily to get to by foot. Before we arrived, Alessandra alerted us that she would not be there to greet us, but that her sister, Serena, would. When we arrived, we were met by Serena who Spoke perfect English and was absolutely lovely and charming. She showed us the apartment and spent a lot of time answering any questions and going over a map with us. She gave us her phone number and Alessandra’s number who was also available to us during our stay to answer any questions. We felt so taken care of! I did speak with Alessandra by phone when we got there, and I am only disappointed that we were not able to meet her. She has the personality to match her photo – so beautiful, vivacious and sweet. The photos of the apartment are spot on and the place is extremely clean. I was particularly intrigued by the windows. They gave the apartment a farm like/vintage feel and were really quite beautiful. The street noise level was barely audible which was really nice as well. The apartment comes equipped with air conditioning which one needs in the summer and it worked well. There is one bedroom with a very comfortable bed and the room is really super cute. The living room has a pull out couch which was very comfortable for my son. The kitchen is a full kitchen with a washing machine that we used to do a load of laundry (thanks Alessandra!). The apartment does not have a dishwasher, but I prefer to wash and dry my dishes when I use them. Who has time to cook when there are so many fabulous restaurants a block away from Alessandra’s apartment, not to mention, EVERYTHING is within a short walking distance!!! We went to the Accademia Gallery and saw Michaelangelo’s, David. It was a mere 3 to 4 blocks from the apartment. I almost fainted when I walked out of the apartment, turned the corner and was greeted with a view of Il Duomo, a lifelong dream. We walked to the Piazzale Michaelangelo to watch the amazing sunset the day we got there. That was quite a trek – around 2 miles (3200 meters). We did take the #13 bus on the way back and got off at the SMN station for the short walk back to the apt. I can’t say enough...