DaphneH

My husband and I are going to Italy 2/19/08 for two weeks. We'd like to spend about a week in Florence. I see on the internet that there are apartments available near the Duomo and the city center. Does any one have any recommendations for a place they have rented that would be convenient, quiet, and comfortable. We are not going to worry about a budget too much. At our age, (65 and 74) who knows when we will get a chance to return. We just want to enjoy a stress free trip. Thank you for any recommendations that you might have.

mariebut

Hi Daphne. We have recently booked an apartment with www.sleepinginflorence.com on San lorenzo(Conti apartment) and have been very happy with the service so far although have not stayed there yet.. Good reviews from www.slowtrav.com

Statia

I can also recommmend www.sleepinginflorence.com. We rented their Lepri apartment and were very pleased.

I don't know if stairs bother you, but there is no elevator in the building, so you might want to take a look at the floor locations of the various apartments listed.

The building is a half block from the Duomo and close to many of the main sites to see in Florence.

GoPlanB

Hello Statia,
I have booked the apartment Casini apartment with Sleepinginflorence in May.
From the Florence map it is a few blocks from the train station, do we need a taxi or can we walk to the apartment?

Statia

We walked and it was not a problem. Yes, it's just a few blocks.

DaphneH

Thank you. I will check sleepinginflorence. We can do stairs if it isn't too much. We generally like to stay on about the second floor and use stairs rather than an elevator anyway. But its good to know when an elevator isn't an option.

GoPlanB

Hello Statia, thank you for the info.
We will walk to the apartment then.

Apres_Londee

We rented from Sleeping in Florence last April, staying in the Casini apartment for a week (Statia, it was finding and reading your trip report and rave reviews here on the boards that tuned me on to Giana in the first place- so thanks for that!)

The apartment was immaculately clean, fresh, comfortable, and very well-equiped. The bathroom was modern and surprisingly huge. We were very happy with everything.

GoPlanB: we walked from the train station as well. It doesn't take long and is quite simple to find. Pack light because if you are staying in the Casini you are in for alot of stairs! (worth every step, though)One of our favourite things to do was hang out the windows and watch the street below in the early mornings and late at night. There are normal local apartments across the street with cats that prowl around up on the terrace gardens and rooftops-they are fun to watch in the early morning, too.

DaphneH: I will also echo what Statia said about the stairs- make sure you ask Giana about them when you email. There will definately be at least one flight to get to any apartment, and the top floor, where we were, is about 8 or 10 flights up.

I was so glad we spent an entire week in Florence, and I think you will be too. Have a great time!

PotenzaRon

Twice we have rented an apt on Borgo San Jacopo which is the first street on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio. It is an apt with a small bedroom, bathroom, very small kitchen and finally seating and dining area. The best part of the apt is that it is in the back of the building with windows looking down on the Arno and bridge as well as the city.

The apt is on the 4th floor with an elevator. The apt is listed in Vacanza Bella , www.vbella.com The description of the apt listed is very accurate.

This is a great, centrally located apt and we found it convenient to everything. Would rent it again.

zoecat

You might want to look through the Florence apartment reviews on-

www.slowtrav.com

Statia

Glad the apartment worked out well for you, Apres. When in Florence again we will definitely stay there a second time ourselves. Gianna is a gem.

tedgale

Residenza il Carmine on the Oltr'Arno. Walkable from the train station.

We rented apartment Domus at bargain-basement rates last March. Nearly 1000 sq ft, super modern kitchen, 2 baths, immaculate, grand beamed ceilings, french doors onto a garden -- the magnolia was coming into bloom outside the bedroom window. I believe we paid -- well, something so low I hesitate to quote it....

They have a website under that name.

Jim_Horncastle

We recently stayed in the 'Conti Apartment' (Sleeping in Florence). The location is excellent, HOWEVER, the apartment was dirty and smelled terrible (sewer gases?). One of the mattresses was badly soiled and had broken springs. This was the worst accommodation we experienced on our recent trip to Europe.