This Italy trip was our second time after 14 years and it is still breath-taking as ever.

My husband and I decided to book our accommodation through Airbnb (our first time).

We have searched so many apartments and we are happy and pleased to have found Francesca's cosy little nest (loft apartment).

The location is PERFECT! It is literally a stone's throw to the Duomo! It's the heart of Florence. You can easily walk to most tourist attractions.

Though it is along a busy street lined with pizzerias and shops, the apartment is very quiet at night.

Francesca was responsive (via calls and messaging) from the time we made our confirmation till we met her on the day we arrived.

She could communicate with basic English and shared touristy information with us and even left a bottle of wine too.

The actual apartment is much better in the pictures. It is clean, well-kept and has fresh linen smell every time we step in. The kitchen and dining is very compact which is comfortable for us as we are not big-sized. With a narrow toilet and clever use of space, the shower area is collapsible. Basic toiletries and clean towels were provided.

Though we did not cook, the kitchen was sufficiently equipped.

The room is located on the upper deck of the loft with a king-sized bed and a cabinet. The fan provided was good enough for us during the first week of September.

Outside the room, there's a living area with a sofa bed and a study table.

On our departure day at 11am, Francesca allowed us to leave our backpacks at her brother-in-law's shop that sells belts, just diagonally opposite the apartment as our train was at 4pm. The shops sells a good range of belts from calf to python. We bought 6 pieces just before we rushed for our train!

Conclusion: We enjoyed our stay tremendously in Florence and having found Francesca's apartment which is centrally located, it is worth every cent though it doesn't have Wi-fi and TV (she explained the building doesn't have reception and it is in the midst of getting it)

Highly recommended!

Thank you so much Francesca, your sister and Marcus for the hospitality!
Hope to see you again!