I appreciate long thorough reviews, see end for quick summary.
LOCATION:
perfect spot for a solo female traveler-- 100% safe. In fact, you have to enter 2 locked areas in the building before approaching the apt. It's in a very busy area bustling with people so at no time did I feel nervous or scared about my home base. You can walk out the door, and take five steps in any direction and there are coffee spots, Gelato, restaurants, and shopping at your door step. Literally 5 steps!
From Florence airport to the apartment is a 15-20min drive by taxi. The cost is a flat rate 25 euros so be prepared and have cash. Locals can drive down certain streets in Florence, but not down the street of the apartment. The taxi can drop you off right around the corner and you have to only walk 1/4 of a block, if that.
APT:
The apartment is on the 1st floor, which means the second floor by US definitions. The ground floor is 0 in Europe. There's one flight of stairs with apprx 15-20 stairs- so plan accordingly as the more you pack the more you have to carry up to the stairs.
The main door to the apartment bldg is a locked door, and after heading up 1 flight of stairs, there's a locked rod iron gate which separates the entrance to 3 apartments, 1 of which is the airbnb. I thought this was a nice added safety feature.
The pictures are true to form. Upon entering there is a hallway with a bathroom and a closet. The bathroom was very clean---toilet, bidet and stand up shower (no bathtub). The water pressure (very light) is typical of Italy and not a ding on the apt. The main room is studio style with a small dining table, a desk/vanity with a mirror, bookshelf, bed (double or queen), side table, TV (computer monitor size) and an AC machine under the main window. The bed was very comfortable-- medium firmness. There's also a closet room with drawers (extra blankets and pillows) and an area to place luggage giving you more space in the main room. The kitchen is housed in a small closet like room (very tiny, can only fit one person). It included a sink, small oven, microwave, mini fridge and small countertop. There are dishes and pans.
For my trip, the only function I wanted was a fridge for cold water. I was not looking to cook at all. If you are, keep note that the space is very small, just larger than a telephone booth. Again this didn't matter to me b/c I wanted to eat out. The main room has a large window that you can open up wide for fresh air. But beware. The night we did this I was eaten alive by mosquitos. The remaining night I used the ac and a fan and was perfectly cool and comfortable. The windows also have indoor shutters which keep it dark in the am. The wifi was awesome and much faster than other spots I've stayed at. As mentioned by others, one of the best features (location) also means the noise right outside is substantial. During the day didn't matter bc we were out and about. However, during the one night where I kept the window open, it was very loud with people walking and talking until 3am. And then street sweeping and utility trucks rolling in around 5p. With the window and indoor shutters closed- the noise was much better and barely audible.
CHECK IN:
My flight outgoing from the US was cancelled hours before departure. Unfortunately, the next available flight was 24 hrs later. I notified the host (Livi) who was very understanding that my check in would be one day later than planned. My rescheduled flight was also delayed! This meant I had to contact Livi once again as my rescheduled check in time would need to be updated. Each time I wrote to Livi via the airbnb message feature, she wrote back immediately - within minutes. I wrote to her upon arriving at Florence airport and she said she would be waiting for me outside the apt. I pulled up and just like promised, she was there waiting for me. She was so understanding of my arrival delays which I really appreciated. She took me upstairs and proceeded to give me a thorough tour of each room and feature. Livi was so kind and friendly that I felt right a home. She has lots of info on the area and also gave me her cell number to call with any questions.
CHECK OUT:
Check out was a breeze. The day before my scheduled departure, I sent Livi a reminder message to follow up on check out procedures. Because the city tax was paid via airbnb (awesome convenience by the way), there was no need to meet in person. This is helpful when you have an early flight to catch- no need to schedule an in person check out which means one less item to worry about. I threw out all the trash before leaving (there's directions on how to do this on the main entrance door- you walk one block away where mini dumpsters are labeled with what you throw) and left the keys on the bookshelf near the door.
SUMMARY:
1. Amazing location, with all amenities at your door step (literally)
2. Very safe for solo female traveler
3. Friendly flexible host
4. Clean!
5. Fantastic wifi
6. AC that works well
7. Very loud foot traffic (bc of amazing location) easily controlled by shutting window and indoor shutters (ac works well)
Thank you for everything Livi, I recommend your place to family and friends and I hope to visit again soon!!