Claudia was a wonderful host! Our plane was late but it was no problem for her to meet us. She was very flexible and easy to communicate with SMS text. She bought us coffee and water and the pantry was stocked with basics: sugar, tea, oil, salt, pepper, and laundry and dish soap. She did a great job explaining how to use everything in the apartment, where the nearest supermarket was, which restaurants to try and texted us during our stay to make sure everything was alright. She provided a map of Florence with the apartment marked and she offered to arrange a taxi when we left.

The apartment was in a great location on a small street near Piazza del Carmine in the Oltrarno. It is very close to Brancaci Chapel, Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti but away from the intense tourist crowds. It felt like a regular Italian neighborhood. It is only a 20 minute walk across the Arno into the very center of Florence. It was very quiet except for some moped noise first thing on a weekday morning from a neighboring street.

The apartment was located on the top floor of the building. Three flights of stairs, no lift. It was very clean, recently remodeled and a very creative and delightful space. Summer in Florence is very hot but with three separate air conditioners, fans and operable skylights with shades it was easy to stay cool inside. There was a big bedroom, living/dining area, kitchen and big bathroom with tub/shower on the first level. Our son delighted in the spiral staircase up to a glassed in room (with shades for complete privacy) with two single beds and another bathroom. Another stair lead up to a roof patio with small table and chairs perfect for eating with a nice view - Watching the birds fly around in the morning was especially nice. Hot water was plentiful, Wi-Fi worked great, big tv to watch the football games, and laundry was easy to use. It was a fantastic apartment and we really enjoyed our visit. We would definitely stay here again if we came back to Florence! Thanks, Claudia!