Sunny living room with comfy sofa, flat screen TV, big window
Location: Duomo, Florence, Firenze (Florence) Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Duomo, San Lorenzo) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Florence Vacation Rental Apartment, Florence Holiday Flat
Book by February 20, 2012 for 10% off all open 2012 dates. Valid for new bookings taken from Jan 31, 2012.
The availability calendar is up-to-date. 4 NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD.
Freshly remodeled, sunny apartment in the historic center provides walkability to the sites. The top floor position yields lots of light, making it a cheerful, pleasant apartment.
Location
Located near Piazza San Lorenzo it's an easy walk to the Duomo, the train station, the Church of San Lorenzo and Medici Chapels. The Mercato Centrale nearby offers vast varieties of Italian food specialities, cheeses, hand made pasta, artisan olive oils and fresh fruits and vegetables.
This is a very central location so you can be back "home" within a matter of minutes from most of the historic center sites. The neighborhood has many convenient shops, there is a small supermarket within 2 blocks, a mom-and-pop grocer, a pizzeria, several restaurants, a pharmacy and a bakery within one block.
Exterior
The building is small with only two apartments per floor and has a newly renovated exterior facade. The Solare apartment has an enviable top-floor position, commanding all three windows across the top floor of the building.
Interior
The building dates back to the 15th century so the building's stairwell shows some wear, with old stone steps that have been well used for centuries. It's not an impressive entrance, there are no architectural details or adornments since this was, and still is, a working class neighborhood. The apartment is on the 3rd floor Italian/4th floor US designation. There are 66 steps and no elevator. The greeter will help you carry your luggage up on arrival.
As you reach the top floor a skylight over the stairwell admits light. On each floor the residents have put personal, neighborly touches on their front door or a little flower pot next to their door, so it feels homey and welcoming compared to a large, bustling impersonal apartment building.
The apartment was remodeled in early 2010 so all is fresh and up-to-date. A special feature that delights us are the nice views from the windows in the living room and bedroom. Gaze out at timeless views of the distant hills that surround Florence. It's a bright, pleasant apartment.
The living room, bedroom and hallway have parquet wood floors, easy on the feet. The living room is cozy, with wood bookshelves, flat screen TV, IPod dock, multistandard DVD player with a small selection of English language DVDs. A comfy sofa and two arm chairs provide comfortable seating for four people. There is a pull-down double size Murphy bed in the living room. During the day it folds up flat behind the sofa. Since it is double size it's best suited for one adult or two young children. The living room door can be closed off, if you use the pull-down bed, a feature we appreciate so that guests in the bedroom can get up and move about the apartment without waking up other members of their travel party sleeping in the living room.
The bedroom has a queen size bed with a comfortable, good quality mattress. A large, handsome armoire provides good clothing storage space. Here too you can enjoy views across rooftops towards the hills. Night stands with small reading lamps are on either side of the bed.
The bathroom has a fully enclosed shower with adjustable sprayer and also a fixed rain style shower head. The shower stall is standard Italian size, but a bit small by U.S. standards. Plenty of natural light too from the window as well as good lighting over the medicine cabinet mirror.
The newly remodeled kitchen is delightful. It has a window facing the light well with a flower box, a nice touch. Full size refrigerator with separate freezer compartment, all amenities and thoughtfully appointed with pots, pans, utensils. The dining table is positioned in front of the kitchen window and can seat four people. It's a pleasant spot for eating and the table also provides good work surface for catching up on emails since apartment has free WiFi.
WE DO ADHERE TO THE 4 NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : A/C in the living room and bedroom
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Queen bed in the bedroom
- Double Bed : Double size pull down Murphy Bed in the living room
- Crib : Crib and high chair upon request
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library : Small selection of English language DVDs
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : IPod docking station
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Gas stove, electric oven, American & Italian coffee pots
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : Full fridge with separate freezer
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Communications
- Cell Phone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Restaurants
- Museums
Rate Details (In Euros)
High Season €1055/7 nights..€950/6 nights..€845/5 nights..€740/4 nights
Low Season €890/7 nights..€800/6 nights..€710/5 nights..€620/4 nights
Monthly: High Season €2265/4 weeks. Low Season €1910/4 weeks
SPECIAL SALE PRICES! TAKE 10% OFF PRICES ABOVE.
High Season March 26-Oct, Christmas/New Year's. Low season Nov-March 23.
Rates above include final cleaning, taxes, linens, 15/Kwh day utilities
4 people maximum. 4 NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
10% Discount! Great Location-Sunny-Charming-Near Famous Sites
Year Purchased: 2009
Why the Owner Chose Duomo
We like the excellent location, proximity to the historic sites and restaurants. It is a sunny and cheerful apartment, very comfortable.
Owner's Map of Duomo
This apartment is offered by Italy Perfect. We are a family business with a mission! We want you to love visiting Italy as much as we do. We are sisters Lisa and Pat Byrne who lived in Italy in our youth and now travel there frequently for business and pleasure.
Property Photos
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- Sunny living room with comfy sofa, flat screen TV, big window - Florence Apartment Rental
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- Bright and pleasant living room. Views of Tuscan hills from window. - Florence Apartment Rental
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- Cute, cheerful bedroom, large armoire. See Tuscany hills in distance from window - Florence Apartment Rental
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- Nice views of Tuscany hills in distance from living room and bedroom.
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- High quality country style kitchen is fully equipped, good counter space too.
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- Kitchen table seats 4. Pleasant position in front of flower planted window boxes
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- This is the living room's pull down "Murphy" double bed, easy to put up & down.
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- Bright modern bathroom with fully enclosed shower.
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- Within 2 blocks are a pizzeria, bakery, grocery store, pharmacy, very convenient
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- At each turn in the neighborhood you'll discover fascinating historical sites.
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- The apartment facade is well maintained. Top 3 windows across is Solare.
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- Florence's landmark Duomo and Baptistry, a 5 minute walk from apartment.
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- Tiny Church of St. Barnabus on the block, built in the 14th century.
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- Mercato Centrale, Florence's most famous covered market, also a 5 minute walk
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- Piazza San Lorenzo nearby has many stalls for leather goods, scarves, momentoes.
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- Step back in time: inside the peaceful San Lorenzo church cloister loggia.
Traveler Reviews (16)
A Florentine Oasis
Guest: Al
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11
Review Submitted: 11/18/11
My wife and I stayed at the Solare apartment for 19 days in October 2011. Overall, we could not have been more pleased. The apartment was meticulously maintained and the owner was a cordial, delightful and accomodating host. She thought of everything including maps, a looseleaf binder explaining the operation of each applicance (first rate stove, washer, dishwasher), restaurant tips, and hours of area attractions. Although we did not need to call her, we felt that if it were necessary, Chiara would have been on site within minutes. For us, the location was ideal. We intended to do quite a bit of cooking while in Florence and the proximity of the wondereful central market (5 minute walk) was a big plus. We also chose Solare because of its location near (but not too near) to the S.M.N. (main) train station and the inter-city bus depot (about 10-15 minute walk). We used Solare and Florence as a "home base" from which to take 2-day trips to other Tuscan and Umbrian cities (like Assisi and Siena) as well as day trips to places like Lucca and San Gimignano. It was no problem to pull a small overnighter from apartment to station. That said, a few words of caution. If you have any heart, breathing, or physical health problems, the 4th floor location (without elevator) WILL be a problem for you, and a major one depending on how severe your condition. The steps were steep and hauling our large suitcases up at the beginning of our stay was a physical challenge. The street on which Solare is located is well trafficked and in the late evenings, especially towards the weekends, the students (the university is nearby) can be noisy and somewhat rowdy (nothing serious, but a light sleeper beware). It did not bother us but it might bother some. In short, there are more luxurious apartments (and more expensive!) and neighborhoods that might for some be a bit more attractive (we liked the feel of the Oltrano side of the Arno and San Niccolo neighborhood) but the combination of the nearby market and station as well as the overall central location made this a perfect choice for us and for someone who plans to use Florence as a hub for daytrip or overnight exploring of Tuscany.
Recommended for:
Comfort & Location = Fun in Florence
Guest: Donna
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/07/11
My husband and I stayed in the Solare apartment for 5 nights in September. It was perfect.The owner keeps the place immaculate and well equipped. It is the only time we have stayed in a VRBO rental that the owners photos actually don't convey how great the apartment is decorated and the space used. You feel like a resident of the city but as a visitor it is a great location for walking to museums,and all historical points of interest in the city center. Neighborhood markets, restaurants, bakeries all within a block or two yet the Solare offers privacy (4th floor) and comfort. The owner is terrific and very helpful.
Recommended for:
Guest: S.S.
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/21/11
Review Submitted: 08/02/11
I stayed here with my two daughters who are 11 and 15, and it worked perfectly. When we booked, Lisa was great and quick in responding. Chiara, our hostess in Florence was sweet, and great at going over the details of the apartment. Solare was very clean and well stocked to meet our needs while on holiday. Good location, short walk to all the attractions in the City centre, close to a small grocery. As noted in the property details, this is a top floor apartment, so it does have a lot of stairs, but this was not an issue for us. We did enjoy one day of shopping at the Centrale Mercati, which has lots of vendors with fresh foods and is almost just around the corner. We purchased pasta and Pesto from one of the merchants there, and had a wonderful pasta meal, probably the best Pesto I have ever had. Did also get a chance to eat at Za Za which is a very short walk, the food was excellent and service friendly. Would have no hesitation recommending Italy Perfect or Solare to anyone looking for a charming place to stay in Florence.
Recommended for:
Guest: Kathy
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
Back from our holidays, and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at the Solare apartment in Florence. Chiara was great, I called her when we arrived at the train station and she was all ready to meet us. Very thorough in explaining everything about the apartment. The location was great, very close to walk to all the sights and the apartment was nice and clean and very well equipped. Thanks again, next time we head out to Italy we will book with you again!
Recommended for:
Guest: Donna L.
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Date of Stay: 07/08/11
Review Submitted: 07/23/11
From the warm and cordial greeting to the cleanliness to the location, everything about the Solare apartment was perfect for us. The apartment is darling, so cute and well taken care of. We were so comfortable and happy, everything worked perfectly and was just what we had hoped for for our Florence stay. Despite the hot summer temperatures outside the Solare apartment was a cool retreat!
Recommended for:
Guest: Davian
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Date of Stay: 05/23/11
Review Submitted: 07/11/11
My senior mother and I stayed at Solare in late May. It was already quite hot and we were happy with the A/C. The apt is very clean and cozy and has a well equipped kitchen - we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay. I was expecting the second bed in the living room to be a fold-out couch but it turned out to be a very comfortable murphy bed with a proper mattress. So much better. Thanks to Chiara for being a wonderful hostess. She had left a gift basket, guide books and maps and there are good restaurant recommendations for the neighborhood from previous guests. The apt is in a good location - not too much street noise, fairly close to everything (we walked everywhere) and we never felt unsafe. Yes there are stairs but if you are reasonably fit and able, it is ok. My mother is 72 and managed just fine. You wouldn't want to forget something though. Of the other agenecies we looked at and another we booked with for a later leg of our trip, we found Italy Perfect to be just fabulous. They provided lots of information regarding the apt and arm guests with detailed general info about Florence/Italy and were quick to reply to any emails. Highly recommend Italy Perfect and Solare!
Recommended for:
Guest: Lori
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Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 07/10/11
We just returned home and wanted to thank you and Chiara for our wonderful stay.Chiara couldnot have been more helpful. We loved the apt it was in a perfect location. Thanks again.
Recommended for:
Guest: Clyde
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Date of Stay: 06/08/11
Review Submitted: 06/28/11
rom the first time we met our landlord we were impressed with accomodations. We were met at the front door, taken up the stairs, and were then briefed on every aspect of the apartment and surrounding area. Great location--nice appartment--wonderful host. We had a grand time using the apartment as our base. Easy walk to the train station and all points of interest in Florence. We would return in a heartbeat and will recommend to our friends. Only drawback is the 4 flights of steps to the top--be prepared but you do get used to it.
Recommended for:
Guest: Jody
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Date of Stay: 04/01/11
Review Submitted: 05/02/11
The Solare condo truly felt like a ray of Italian sunshine. My friend and I stayed for a week to visit my daughter at school. Solare was updated, charming and very clean. The welcome basket and information booklet really helped orient us after our long travel. The location was ideal because we could walk to every museum as well as the train/bus station. I did use the second bed which was a pull down and found it comfortable. Our greeter was sweet and helpful. I recommend looking in the guest book for restaurants because there are many tourist restaurants. The condo is on the 4th floor which helped us work off our daily gelato treat!
Recommended for:
Guest: Anne
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/21/10
Review Submitted: 01/08/11
Great location and perfect little apartment for our stay in Florence. Loved all the little touches. We shopped at the Mercato Centrale and ate several meals in.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #120738
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