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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Florence Review 2298: Sleeping in Florence, San Lorenzo Apartments
2bed/1bath apartment near San Lorenzo, Florence WhenJuly 2006, 4 nights LocationThis apartment, the Alberti, is in a fabulous location! It is just down the street from the Duomo and Baptistry, and the dome of the San Lorenzo was the view out our bedroom window. We were also fairly close to the train station. Nearby AmenitiesThere are coffee bars on every street, and a couple of really nice ones very close by. The "Central Market" was just a few blocks away, and that is where we purchased everything from bread and cheese to wonderful fresh fruit. The House/ApartmentThe Alberti apartment was immaculate. Just inside the entry was a spacious bathroom, then a living area with a small table for eating. There was a "galley-style" kitchen that led to a huge bedroom with king bed, and a loft above the living area with two twin beds. The apartment had been recently renovated with colorful walls, and the furnishings were like new. There was a dishwasher and washing machine (no dryer) in the kitchen. Both bedrooms have air conditioning units that work very well. The apartment is on the third floor ("American fourth") of a small building with no lift. There are two other apartments on the same floor, and five others in the building. Although the apartment is in a very busy area of the city, it is amazingly quiet. GardenNo outside sitting area. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furniture was very clean and in great shape. The living area is small, but sufficient for our family of four, especially since we didn't spend much time there just "sitting around." Bedrooms/BathroomsAs with most beds in Europe that we've slept on, these were pretty hard. But after a long day of sightseeing, we slept quite well. The air conditioning in the bedrooms made them very cool in the evenings, which we really appreciated during the summer heat. There is one large bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. KitchenThe kitchen was well furnished, although we did not cook a meal there. We did eat our breakfasts in the apartment every day, and everything we needed was provided. The dishwasher and washing machine looked new. Problems or BonusesThe apartment was just as wonderful as pictured on the website, and perfect for our family of four. We had a phone for making local calls, and using our phone card for long-distance. There was satellite TV and a radio as well. The only "surprise" was that we were provided with one roll of toilet paper, then were told we had to purchase more if we needed it. Next time, I'll take some from home. Agency and Representatives (and price)Gianna, the owner of the apartments, had been very helpful as I was planning our vacation, giving me many travel tips. She was so easy to communicate with via email. We were met at the apartment by Gabriella, the manager who lives in the building, and she showed us around the apartment and answered any questions we had. Both Gianna and Gabriella speak excellent English. We paid 150 Euro per night, which was a bargain for the location and quality of the apartment. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?I would absolutely stay here again! The location can't be beat, and the apartment itself is just what we wanted. It would be nice if it had a lift, but the climb is well worth it when you get to such a spacious and wonderfully decorated apartment at the top! Things to do in this areaOur highlights: The Accademia and Uffizi Gallery (be sure to make reservations for both ahead to avoid the lines); the Central Market, where you can buy everything imaginable; viewing sunset from the Piazza de Michaelangelo, across the river; seeing incredible works of art all over the city; and the Italian people who are so outgoing and friendly! We also drove to Siena one day and hiked Cinque Terre on another, which were both incredible journeys. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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