outwest

Any opinion on which of these apartments would be in the better location. We're visiting for one week early December. I realize that the first apartment is more central but I don't know what the neighborhood is like--I've read a lot of good things about the San Niccolo neighborhood of our second choice.

Since we've never been to Florence before I'd appreciate any opinions--we're 50s, love walking, art, architecture--not particularly into nightlife.

Thanks!

http://www.vrbo.com/117745

http://www.vrbo.com/407757

dulciusexasperis

http://florenceforfree.wordpress.com...ation-rentals/

Make sure whatever you rent is a LEGAL rental. Unfortunately, many are not and companies like VRBO, AirBnB, et al. are coming under increased scrutiny in many cities around the world including Florence.

Here is a good article on the issue:
http://skift.com/2013/01/07/airbnbs-...legal-rentals/

Ignoring the moral and legal questions, what you as a renter do not want is a knock on the door and being told you have 2 hours to vacate the premises which are being illegally rented.

Since Airbnb entered the market, rentals of this kind have increased dramatically. Consequently, they have become far more visible and resulted in far more controversy. What was fine even 2 or 3 years ago is not under far more scrutiny.

dulciusexasperis

Oops, should be 'far MORE scrutiny' in last line. No edit function in this forum sucks.

outwest

Thanks for your post. I'm not unaware of the risks but we've used VRBO/Homeaway for our last few trips without any trouble.

dulciusexasperis

I'm not saying there are not legitimate rentals available outwest. I'm just saying that since the advent of Airbnb, the market has increased exponentially. As a result the 'exploiters' have entered the market and government at all levels has started to pay more attention.

I happen to own a condo in a very desireable tourist destination. Some are lived in by the owners and some are vacation homes. Our condo rules do not allow renting out and do not even allow you to let your immediate family use your condo for a week or two on their own. You are allowed visitors of course but you must be in residence when they visit.

I recently had a chat with the property manager who told me that in the last year and for the first time in his 10 or so years as the manager, he has had 2 complaints from owners that a unit was being rented out to someone for a vacation. In both cases, he advised the people that they had 12 hours to pack up and go. Where to was their problem.

People who have been renting for years through companies like VRBO etc. may not realize just how much has changed just since 2010. Saying that you have used them in the past without trouble means nothing. I'm just giving a warning, make sure it is a LEGAL rental.

Maltesec

I would prefer to stay safe during holidays. River Suites http://www.riversuites.it/en/ have check in and check out in River Hotel which belong to the same property so even services are fine and you don't have to worry about nothing.

kybourbon

Both apartments are outside the historic center and outside the pedestrian only area. So are those Riversuites (further than the apartments). I wouldn't pick any of them for Dec. I would pick something more central since it may be rainy/cold.

I've stayed in the Oltarno before, but in winter, I wouldn't want to walk that far to everything. I guess it depends on what you plan to visit.

flpab

http://www.apartments-florence-italy...php#ad-image-3

Rented this in May. It is actually two apartments and we rented both. Great location, one apartment has a terrace. The downside is it is 96 steps but each landing had a view that was beautiful. I didn't mind it at all but if you have knee problems you will. Anyhow the transaction was very easy, finding it easier and we loved it. Grocery store two doors down and very historical area, safe and clean. There are B&Bs on some of the other floors.

kybourbon

FWIW - The apartments I stayed in look much closer than your second apartment or those Riversuites. I'm not sure I would stay there in winter, but here's the link. It's about a 15-20 minute walk to the train station (if you cut through the piazza beside the church Santa Maria Novella) and about that to the historic center. The upscale shopping streets are closer since they are just across the Ponte alla Carraia.

http://www.residenzailcarmine.com/

outwest

Thanks everyone--I did contact residenza il carmine and he said they won't be taking December bookings until May. He also didn't tell me the price but I could ask again.

flpab and Maltesec--I'll look into your recommendations.

We generally don't mind walking but I agree that in December we might appreciate something a bit more central.

kybourbon

Residenza Il Carmine's prices are on their website.

http://www.residenzailcarmine.com/i_6.htm

DebitNM

We are staying here in March - owner was easy to work with and very nice:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/662667

flpab

DebitNM, that looks very nice!

DebitNM

Will report back. Great reviews.

outwest

DebitNM, that does look nice. For some reason I haven't really considered airbnb. I'll have to look into it more seriously.