Vacation Rentals by Owner

SEMANA SANTA 2012

Guest: JUAN MANUEL SANCHEZ GARRIDO (-)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 05/08/12

Hemos disfrutado de 2 fantásticos días en Florencia pero francamente el alojamiento ha sido muy decepcionante. El apartamento está muy descuidado, y y no lo suficientemente limpio, sobre todo la cocina y los cuartos de baño que necesitaban una buena limpieza. No es nada moderno y la cama de una de las habitaciones tenía hasta un roto en las sábanas.No le comentamos nada a la propietaria porque sólo íbamos a pasar dos noches y porque es embarazoso tener que llamar la atención a alguien que se dedica a alquilar su apartamento. Calidad-precio:lamentable. Lo único positivo es la localización. Por supuesto no se lo voy a recomendar a ningún amigo mío. We have spent two unforgettable days in Florence but the accommodation has been utterly disappointing. The apartment lacked maintenance and was not as cleaned as you might expect, specially the kitchen and bathrooms which definitely wanted some thourough cleaning. It's far from modern and even the linen of one the beds was literally torn. The bedclothes in most of the beds was like a kind of patchwork made up of different sets (bottom sheet different from top sheet, different from pillow case and so on). We didn't say anything to the owner since we were staying only two nights and it's embarrassing having to tell people how keep their properties. The only positive point about this apartment is its location. I will definitely not recommend this apartament to any of my friends.

Owner response:Why don't ask for bed linen and sheest in the same colours? I know that there are people that like matches everything...anyway I'm sad that they don't say me nothing and write 40 days later a bad review..me and my husband are on the ground floor every day for anything or question and I say to all my guest to advise us for any request so please before leave ask for extra linen or extra cleaning this is an helping for me and for other guest.

Recommended for:

Perfect apartment - location, value and wonderful hostess

Guest: Michael (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/25/11 Review Submitted: 12/01/11

Mery, my apologies for the delay in writing this. My wife, her mother and her aunt stayed here for 3 days in late October. Just to be clear, we stayed in the apartment on the 3rd floor, which had 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The entire apartment was fantastic - clean and comfortable with everything working well (including wifi), plenty of room, and an elevator that was much appreciated by my mother-in-law. We thought it was an exceptional value and bragged a bit talking to some fellow tourists at Franco's bar (about 30 meters up the street towards Ponte Vecchio) - they were all in hotels. Took taxi from and to train station - dropped off pretty close and picked up right in front (had very early train on to Venice). Recommended restaurants nearby: Gusta Pizza and Casalinga (also, Marione across the river and a little North). Cannot say enough good things about Mery. Very pleasant hostess and takes a lot of pride in her apartments as well as her very nice ceramic shop. We will definitely stay here again every time we come back to Florence.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very happy visit to Florence!

Guest: Five adults (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 10/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

Four of us, including my elderly father, stayed in this apartment in late October, 2011. The location is absolutely perfect and the apartment was very comfortable and spacious. Mery and her husband were excellent hosts and very helpful with numerous details of our stay. There are wonderful restaurants and shops within steps of the apartment's front door, and even a decent supermarket just around the corner. And of course, it's close to most of the major tourist attractions. Our only quibble with the listing is that it says there are 2 bathrooms, but in fact there are only 1 1/2 baths. One bedroom had a large queen-sized bed and the other two bedrooms each had two twins. The kitchen was well-equipped, though we had some trouble with the burners on the stove. On the whole, a delightful visit and at a reasonable cost compared to many other apartments we considered. We would definitely recommend this place to others, especially if you have a group of 3 or more.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

great stay in Florence

Guest: Pat (California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/06/11

My husband and I stayed in Mery and Salvatore's apartment for 5 nights in mid October 2011. The apartment was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. The location was great. We walked everywhere. On arrival and departure we took the city bus from the train station to get to the apartment. Mery was very easy to work with and made the process of renting easy. She was always available to assist us if needed. I would highly recommend Mery and Salvatore's apartment. We hope to return some day.

Recommended for:

Fireza Apartment!

Guest: Travel Bug (Santa Monica, CA/USA)
Date of Stay: 09/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/31/11

This apartment was beautiful! My mother and I were very happy with the location! It was a simple 15 minute walk from the main train station and in the more "local" less touristy part of the city. We enjoyed that since a lot of mornings we were getting up early to tour the city or go on tours to wine country etc. The apartment was large and spacious with 1 and 1/2 bathrooms. It was actually very big for just my mother and I to be staying. The kitchen was fully stocked with pots/pans/refrigerator/washer/dryer to be able to cook and do laundry at your own delight. Towels to shower with were provided, as were linen for the beds. It was clean and just above the owners beautiful ceramic store. There is good lighting and plenty of delicious restaurants/cafes within minutes of walking. If on a budget you can definitely find plenty of reasonable priced meals/coffee and if enjoying a stay without concern of money it is easy to find finer dining as well. The apartment was more then reasonable priced and both my mother and I are looking forward to returning and staying here and would HIGHLY recommend it to out friends!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Large flat, excellent central location, secure, welcoming

Guest: CLP (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

Six of us stayed in this spacious, secure flat for one week in September, 2011. It served as a very affordable base for us in a very central location, and we definitely recommend it to others. We appreciated Mery and her husband's warm welcome, and because they have the pottery shop on the main floor, at least one of them is there most times to offer their suggestions and answer any questions we had. They directed us to some terrific restaurants, a great coffee shop, and an artisal gelateria all just around the corner from us, as well as a large supermarket with lots of great take-away food around another corner. There is 1 very large bedroom at the front with 3 single beds, and at the back, 1 large bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a smaller bedroom with a double bed. We didn't use the sofa beds in the living room. Having two full bathrooms was a definitely plus for six people. The two back bedrooms share a small balcony that has a couple of chairs and a small table - ideal to sit out with a coffee or a glass of wine, but not really suitable as a gathering spot. Nice to have the elevator! Thank you Mery for a wonderful stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Comfortable apartment, great location, accommodating hosts!

Guest: Jim (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

My family of five (age 16 and up) stayed at Machiavelli I° for 10 days in mid August 2011. We found the accommodations extremely comfortable and the location was excellent. The apartment is a very short walk to Ponte Vecchio and to the Uffizi. We also walked to the train station (about a 20 minute walk) for a number of day trips to ViaReggio, Pisa, Venice, and Asti. The apartment itself was clean, had ample space for our whole family as well as a sitting area off the kitchen which we used on a daily basis. We had some hot days while we there, but the ceiling fans (four of them) kept the air moving through the apartment. The internet connection was dependable and there is a small elevator that was a huge help in getting our bags to the apartment. We also used the kitchen to make a meal in the apartment and washed several loads of clothes during our stay. The street was closed to traffic and was quiet when we were there. Mery and her husband Salvatore were wonderful hosts. They helped us with reservations for the cab ride to the airport, recommendations for local restaurants, acted as translator when we had to call my wife’s Italian cousins, and they even helped us with storage of our luggage when we took a three day excursion to Rome during our stay. I can’t say enough about their hospitality. I would absolutely recommend this apartment to my friends and family.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect apartment

Guest: Anne (Spain)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

I have just read a negative review on this site and although its been a while since we stayed in Florence I feel I must write in defence of Mery and Salvatore. We rented an apartment from them last July and we're really delighted. The apartment slept 7 people perfectly and the kitchen, living area and dining area were more than adequate. The building couldn't be more perfectly situated and part of the pleasure of staying there was 'having to' cross the Ponte Vecchio every day! As for Mery and her husband,they were nothing but helpful. We had a couple of minor problems with a stubborn shutter and the dishwasher and Salvatore fixed them in no time at all. They are always ready to help. It is true that the room at the front of the house was noisy especially in the early morning when there are deliveries to nearby shops. My daughters and my niece solved the problem in two cases by actually getting used to the noise and sleeping anyway and in one case with ear plugs! But I really feel it would be impossible to find a quiet place in the centre of Florence in summer and it is a very small price to pay for all the other advantages. Future renters should not be put off the one negative review.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Location, location, location!

Guest: Dani (Scottsdale, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

If you like being in the heart of the action, walking distance to all major sites, grocery store and the train station then this is your apartment! It is literally on the Ponte Vecchio! My husband and two teenagers stayed here for 5 days and thoroughly enjoyed it. The kitchen is clean with new appliances. Two of the bedrooms have a nice walk out balcony. I recommend checking with Mery and her husband for a restaurant recommendation/reservation. They called ahead for us and we were treated like locals and had the best meal. Trattoria ZaZa is another great restaurant with maybe the best meat plate and Ribolitta soup in town!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a Disappointment!

Guest: Virgie (South Hills, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

We have rented from VRBO in Italy often. Our family of 4 rented apartment #145257 for 9 nights in June 2011. Although the apartment reviews were positive, staying in this apartment was not a pleasant experience! Other than the location, this apartment was a huge disappointment. We inquired before booking if the apartment had air conditioning, as we know how hot it becomes in Florence. The owner emailed us that there were “ceiling fans in each room and an air conditioning machine in the living area”. There are no ceiling fans and no air conditioning “machine” in the apartment. She also wrote that the apartment would be quiet. The noise at night on both sides of the apartment is incredibly loud. The front bedrooms are affected by the noise from the street and the back bedroom from restaurants and other apartments. Sleep is very difficult in this apartment due to heat, noise, and mosquitoes bites from keeping the windows open. The apartment does not have 2 bathrooms, but 1.5 bathrooms. One bathroom has a shower, toilet and sink. The other has a toilet and sink. The bathrooms are not updated and paint is peeling from the walls. The apartment is sparsely furnished and there is no place to sit and relax after sightseeing. There is no natural lighting in the living area, which makes the apartment dark. Although the kitchen is very small, it was well equipped and the wireless worked fine. The kitchen was not cleaned very well. Many of the reviews for this apartment were added by the owner for anonymous guests. This apartment is not a good choice for summers in Florence. In the future we will only rent apartments that have numerous photos of the apartment and not trust reviews added by the owner. I would not recommend renting this apartment. We learned an expensive lesson.

Owner response:This family is right ,this apartment doesn't have ceiling fan or air conditioning, as you can read in the description and amenities but when they ask me in their request I wrote yes because in the same building I have other apartments and I was thinking to stop for them one that supplies their request...but after that I forget to stop the right apartment for them..when we realize this we talk together and I offer them to change floor but they refuse the offer.As they wrote the apartment has a great location that means really ponte vecchio area and so million of people every day ...it is summer and peopel walk until late hours so if you want to sleep you need to rent an apartment out of the city.From june 24 the street is a limited area traffic so no more motorbike and cars and perhaps more quiet! I have done a mistake in 5 years ,I'm again mum with a boy of 4 months a ceramic shop ,many apartments , perhaps I can do a mistake after 35 great review it is time of a bad review and if you meet me you can real see that I will be there on the ground floor in my ceramic shop every where for anything or question this is my work ..The think that kill me in this review is that I have added reviews by my self ...hope that this can help you to the best choice of your vacation in florence,thank you

Recommended for:

Excellent apartment

Guest: Shami (Pennsylvania, US)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

We stayed at Mery's apartment for 2 days last week (May 2011). The location is excellent, just a couple of blocks away from the famous Ponte Vecchio, and close to the bus stop. The apartment was very well maintained. The kitchen was very well equipped, and the two baths plus the washing machine/dishwasher was everything we asked for. The owners were a pleasure to deal with. Their ceramics store at the ground level looks awesome. It remains pretty quiet even with the busy street downstairs. And don't forget to check out the Bakery in front of the apartment.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Good choice

Guest: mvs (Italy)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

We have been there for 3 nights in winter. The position is very convenient and the property very collaborative and correct. The rooms are on a busy street but in winter this is not a problem. There is a good supermarket very close so that you can easily get what you need for cooking etc.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Perfect location, comfortable apartment, gracious hostess

Guest: durmnc (durham, nc)
Date of Stay: 12/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/18/11

Our family of four stayed in this apartment for a week around and during Christmas. It was warm, comfortable and just what we needed. The location is absolutely perfect, an easy walk over the Ponte Vecchio to all the major "tourist" areas, museums, etc., but away enough from the crowds to feel less harried. The new Conad grocery is a hop away; we found the most delicious and wonderful food there and ate in a number of evenings. The first night we arrived, we were able to easily shop to get all we needed. We enjoyed exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood, visiting the Brancacci Chapel and eating lunch in a wonderful little restaurant nearby--Il Chico di Caffe. There are beautiful shops all up and down the street of the apartment, as well. On Christmas eve and Christmas day, we heard beautiful church bells chiming from all around the apartment. On Christmas day, we had great pizza and pasta in a restaurant right down the street across from the Pitti Palace. Mery is a delightful and gracious hostess. The apartment is simple, not fancy, but quite clean, comfortable and very suitable for our family with two daughters ages 16 and 20.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Perfect apartment & location for our family of 5

Guest: Caroline (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

We stayed in the 3-bedroom Machiavelli apartment the week before Christmas 2010 and it was a wonderful experience for us. The apartment met all our expectations. Mery is so accommodating and was available to help with anything we needed. There was some noise from the street (those Vespas!) and occasionally from other apartments in the building, but nothing to really complain about. I would definitely recommend Mary's listings!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Two Couples on Italian Vacation

Guest: Ann D. (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/27/10 Review Submitted: 10/17/10

We spent three nights in late September, 2010 in the Machiavelli apartment. The apartment has everything that you could need to have an enjoyable stay in Florence from kitchen equipment and supplies to hair dryers! We used the two bedrooms in the back of the apartment to avoid the noise of the street in the front bedroom. There was a great supermarket a few blocks away where we bought snacks and breakfast supplies. We had plenty of hot water for all of us to shower in the morning. We enjoyed being a part of this neighborhood and the very typical apartment building and it was within easy walking distance of all of the sights in Florence. We ate at several great restaurants near by: 4 Leoni Trattoria right around the corner from the apartment, Gustav Pizza close to the Piti Palace and Trattoria La Casalinga also close to the Piti Palace. Mery was charming and always available to answer questions and give suggestions. This place was perfect for our visit in Florence.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Very comfortable.

Guest: SJ (Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/06/10

Myself and 3 friends stayed here 3 weeks ago, and found it very comfy, clean and convenient. The kitchen area is modern and has everything one needs to cook dinners; and there is a great Conad grocery store round the corner which you could spend hours in. Lots of hot water for the two bathrooms, and great to have a washing machine and drying racks. Our only problem ,esp. for the two of us sharing the front bedroom: was the endless street noise and shouting people every night, going on till 4 am some nights.However, it is a busy city, so we managed to sleep when we could! The bus to the train station is nearby which was great for us; and of course everything else is within easy walking distance. Very pretty bedspreads, by the way, Mery!!! I would recommend this apartment as very good value for the money; and would definitely stay here again; but I'm claiming a back bedroom next time!!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comfortable for all travelers

Guest: Patt (Sun City West, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 08/18/10 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

Stayed here for 2 weeks 8/10. Could not ask for a better location in Florence. It is within walking distance to major sites plus having convenient commercial transporation practically outside the door. The apartment is very clean & well maintained. Thank you Mery, you are a perfect hostess.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great apartment, great location- but Mery is the real treasure...

Guest: Robert (Winter Springs, Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

I actually booked the one bedroom apartment for a three night stay for my son and I in late May 2010. Upon arrival we found that Mery, the wonderful owner, had upgraded us to this three bedroom apartment in the same building. VERY NICE!!! The apartment building is on the Oltrarno side just steps from the Ponte Vechio bridge and the wonderful Pitti Palace, with gelato shops, pastry shops, grocery store and parking all very convenient. Mery, who has a wonderful ceramics shop on the ground floor, was very helpful with museum arrangements, restaurant recommendations (4 Lions for Florentine steak), and suggestions that helped us feel like locals and really enjoy our stay. Thanks Mery- I feel like we found a home in Florence and will certainly recommend your apartments to others.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Location

Guest: wagonmaster (Mystic, CT)
Date of Stay: 05/18/10 Review Submitted: 08/06/10

My wife, daughter a family friend and I rented the 3 bedroom Condo back in May, for 5 days. We were completely satisfied with the looks, size and location of the condo. It was very clean and in a perfect location for getting around Florence. The kitchen is well appointed and the rooms are spacious by European standards. Shops, Markets, Great Restaurants and all the wonderful sights of Florence are all within a short walk. Mery and her Family were tremendous hosts and treated us all like old friends. We cannot thank them enough for making us feel so at home in Florence. I have recommended this spot to all our friends and we cannot wait to get back to Florence and stay at this location. Thank you Mery…

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Two Brothers and Their Wives for Nine Nights

Guest: Daylily Queen (Austin TX)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/05/10

Hi, Mery! We just watched your countrywoman win the French Open. She is amazing. I was certainly rooting for her. She reminds me of you... warm and friendly, beautiful smile, great gestures and way of speaking. The four of us enjoyed our stay in your wonderful apartment very much. It was attractive, comfortable and clean. You helped us with any and everything we needed.....and always in a charming way. The location in Florence cannot be beat for pedestrians. We went to the pastry shop across the street almost every morning........delicious! I also frequented several different gelato shops on your street. There really isn't much I can say that doesn't repeat all of the good things previous writers have said. Our favorite restaurants in the area were Casa Linga and The Four Lions. We frequented both several times. If we didn't want to wait in line, we went early or late. There is a new modern kitchen in the apartment (not the sofa which is pictured as the kitchen), which we enjoyed for light breakfasts and suppers. We usually went out for lunch. We shopped at the mini super market behind the apartment almost every day for our wine, bread, cheese and salami. I loved your courtyard and ceramics shop. Every time I look at my souvenir from your shop, it brings back wonderful memories. As for sightseeing, thank you, Mery, for recommending your friend, Penny, to arrange a private tour for us into the Chianti wine country. It was an amazing day with her and Filippo, our driver! Santo Spirito Church was a highlight for me. It is plain on the outside, but is beautiful on the inside...........with some incredible art. Mery, We hope to stay with you again some day. Thank you again for everything.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

March Madness (or I spent 3/2010 here as a getaway from my busy medical practice)

Guest: Gyenchiatrist (Mathiston MS)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

After a 1 week stay in Florence the year before, I knew that I wanted a longer visit. I had met Mery and she stated that she had apartmenta to rent. The location is great as are many on VRBO. This listing is very accurate. The apartment is very comfortable. My daughter and her friend stayed part of the month - my brother and his wife the rest. This apartment was clean, and cleaning in mid month (with linen change) was at a reasonable charge.The owner was very responsive to requests- she was more help than most concierge in fine hotels. Either she or her tech savy husband are there 7 days a week.She can help you book English speaking tours.I recommend her shop as she has the best shipping around! I do recommend thisapartment, and may return! It is a tense moment only when you hand her the cash for a month......it is all smiles and good frienship thereafter! I recommend exploring the Oltarno- prices are better and you will be made to feel at home!, For example- S. Agostino Legatoria di Libri"on Via S Agostino-(between Santo Spirito Piazza and the Carmine Convent-)-there you can see Florentine paper marbelization and find top quality albums, journals, picture frames made on site- for less. Do not skip going to San Miniato al Monte (a E14.taxi or walk) Best is 5 PM for the daily Gregorian chants by the Benedictines in this 11th century sound chamber! One of the highlights was the Piti Palace Galleries. I have been to the "great" galleries( NYC, Boston, Chicago, Munich, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam etc.). This one is more fun than the Ufizzi and the Modern is incredible- Italian Impressionism....who knew? All 100 meters away...closed on Mondays.With a great wine bar across the street and Elizabeth Browning's house around the corner.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Absolutely Perfect!

Guest: PG and Family (NC USA)
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/10

My family (7) of us spent Christmas 2009 in this apartment. It was perfect.We had plenty of room, we cooked 4 of the 5 nights of our stay. The location could not have been better! We walked everywhere and enjoyed all of the museums and other sights. There is a pastries shop right across the street, so every morning I would go get pastries and bring them back to the apt. Eating in the shop cost more and with 7 of us we needed more space than the shop really had, so eating at the apt. was great. Mery was a wonderful hostess and has a beautiful pottery shop just below the apartment. Honestly, the location could not be better... steps from Ponte Vecchio. I hope to return one day.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: A. Carter (Eufaula, AL )
Date of Stay: 12/14/09 Review Submitted: 12/14/09

This is a great apartment in a very convenient location. Mery is a wonderful hostess and very helpful. We felt like this was our home away from home. We hope to return to Florence and stay with Mery again one day!

Recommended for:

Guest: Wendy57 (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

We just returned from Italy and spent 5 fabulous nights in Mery's lovely apartment. It was perfect for the 6 of us (my husband, our 2 kids and my parents) and we couldn't have been more pleased with the location. It's just steps to Ponte Vecchio, the Piti Palace and just about anything else you could need or want in Florence. Mery is a gracious host and so helpful and kind. We would all highly recommend this apartment. It was home away from home and we miss it already. Don't leave without buying some of Mery's beautiful ceramics! I'm waiting for my box to arrive so I can show off my pieces! Grazie mille Mery!!

Recommended for:

4 ladies from Vancouver, Canada

Guest: Jeri (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/10

Myself and three friends stayed in this apartment for one week last fall. We found Mery, our host, most helpful and delightful to deal with prior to our trip and during our trip. Mery had pre-arranged museum tickets for us - a must in Florence. The apartment is very well located to walk to all of the sights of Florence. It quickly felt like home to us and we hated to leave. I look forward to a return to Florence and will definitely choose this apartment.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP

Guest: Mr College (Appleton, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/29/09

We could not have been happier with the apartment. The location is perfect and makes it easy to "live with the locals". The best part of having a apartment is being able to shop at the local markets and cook meals at home. the best feature is Mery who always seems to go out of her way to accommodate your needs. As a tip the Mini Market that is behind the apartment is much less expensive than the one on the same street as the apartment and has a fresh produce market next door. There are many great local restaurants in the are but one that we went back to several times was La Casalinga.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Perfect Location!

Guest: The Perry's (Aviano Air Base Italy / N.C. USA)
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/06/10

The apartment was very wonderful. we had a large family and friends. who stayed. i'd say it would fit around 8 or more if my memory serves me correctly, 3 rooms queen beds, pull out couch, two twin beds. TV, small kitchen. accross the street from the bridge and gardens/musem. we parked at a parking garage for the 2 nights and walked around the city. pay the 20 euro and take the tour bus. walking blindly wasnt the way to go but still enjoyable.if i had to go back this is problally where id stay. High recommend for large groups at a very good price.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Gemma2 (Miami, Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

My family of 7 recently stayed at the apt. The location if fabulous, one can walk everywhere. The apartment is very comfortable and well equipped. Mery is incredibly welcoming and with very good suggestions of where to eat. If you want to visit the Academia and Uffizi, ask Mery to make the reservations as you will save the internet fee. Great Place!!

Recommended for:

Great location!

Guest: Europe with kids (USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

This is a nice and clean apartment with enough space. We were there for three days in some of the hottest weather. They had fans in every room but no AC. That was our only complaint, really. Owners are great. Location so central. Thanks...

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Lorie Cunningham (Wichita, KS)
Date of Stay: 06/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

We recently rented this apartment for three nights. We were very pleased. The location was perfect for our family of five. We had plenty of room and everything was very clean. I don't think you could find a better location in Florence. We were able to walk everywhere. Not only were the historical sights easy to get to but there were great restaurants and shopping all around us. The pastry shop directly across the street was fabulous. The food was delicious and the prices were reasonable. Mery, the owner of our apartment, was very sweet and helpful. She speaks excellent English and she made us feel very comfortable and was always available to help us with our many questions. We hope to return to Florence some day and this will definitely be the place we stay. We made an excellent choice when we chose this apartment!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Sharron4 (-)
Date of Stay: 05/17/09 Review Submitted: 05/17/09

May 15, 2009We, a family of five adults, traveled to Italy for a two week adventure! The last five days of our trip were spent in Florence, and when we arrived at Mery’s apartment, we felt like we had arrived home. Mery and her family treated us like family and made Florence the most memorable city of our adventure. Mery was always available to give directions or offer suggestions for good places to visit. The apartment was lovely with plenty of room for five adults to feel comfortable and stay out of each other’s way. The location is perfect to allow walking almost anywhere. We would highly recommend this apartment to anyone traveling to this area! We would also love to have a repeat visit in the future. Thank you Mery!--The Angolano Family

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/02/09

Our group of 4 adults was very happy in our clean, comfortable, and well-equipped Florence apartment. Mery was a wonderful hostess and was always available to answer our questions. The location of the apartment was great as well. I'll definitely stay there again when I'm back in Florence.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/24/09

This apartment is in the perfect location, was spotless, quiet and comfortable, and Mery is a gracious and kind host. We could not have been more pleased. It is located a block from the Ponte Vecchio so just a five minute walk to the Duomo, a couple of minutes to the Uffizi. There were many good and reasonable restaurants within four blocks. An espresso and pastry shop right across the street was a great morning start. The apartment was spotlessly clean. Very, very comfortable beds and pillows. The back two bedrooms are very quiet because they are above a courtyard. Wonderful. Mery doesn't show it in the pictures but there is a large dining table with six chairs. Mery is a sweetheart, kind, and gave us good recommendations for restaurants. Thank you, Mery, for a great stay.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/21/08

There is just not enough hours in Florence!!The apartment was perfect in every way.....a home away from home.It was lovely meeting Mery and her hospitality, she arrange our bookings for the museums,too.I'm sure we will came back again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/16/08

The flat had three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can easily accomodate 6 to 7 people. We only had it for 4 nights but would have preferred to stay a week or longer. Excellent location near Ponte Vecchio and jewelery stores. High recommend

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/10/08

After researching for an ideal location in Florence that was close to all the action, the shopping, the train station, but not on crowded streets, I found this fantastic location. It is perfectly situated just one block away on the same street of the Ponte Vecchio which has the most amazing jewelry shopping. On the other side of the bridge towards the Duomo and Uffizi are the great fashion stores of Florence, all the famous labels can be found. On the side of the bridge where the apartment is, one finds all the artisan/craftsman type stores, again, amazing shopping and I am not a shopper. Mery, the owner of the ceramic shop below, was a most gracious host, and had a nice gift waiting for the six of us upon arrival which we "shared" with her. She was very sweet, helpful, and made the required reservations for the museums, and taxi service. When we asked Mery "where would you eat?", Mery directed us to a great Tuscan restaurant where she takes her own family when in town to visit; it was a great restaurant, and value as well. Mery is a great ceramic artisan and designs and creates all the ceramics pieces in her shop below. The apartment itself was great, very clean and spacious, and fully functional. It felt like being at home away from home. It housed the six of us (all adults) nicely. It is so convenient that if a wife and husband went out shopping, the husband could take the bags from the wife and walk back to leave them in the flat, and return to the wife within minutes! There were cafes, restaurants and pastry shops down below on the street, as well as wine shops, and even pizza places that we utilized well. Also, we cooked a feast on our last night there, it was a fantastic meal that we will always remember. I would recommend this location to anyone, and we will definitely be back again, next time with the kids. Thank you Mery

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/10/08

It was a wonderful stay, excellent accommodations, very warm and helpful hostess, and a great location!

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6 Women from Oregon and Washington

Guest: I Love Italy (Baker City, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/04/08 Review Submitted: 10/23/08

I and 5 of my best girlfriends just spent a fabulous 2 weeks in this apartment. The front of the apartment is on Guicciardini Street and is quite noisy (Florence never seems to sleep), the back bedrooms are much quieter. Just be sure and bring some earplugs! Mery, our host, was very helpful with any questions we had and made us feel very welcome. She gave us 3 sets of keys which was appreciated. The apartment was clean and all the beds were comfortable. The kitchen had all the comforts of home. Be prepared to buy all your own paper products (coffee filters, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins). We also bought dishwasher soap while there. We brought our own coffee and filters (cone type) with us. The location of this apartment is excellent for getting to all the major areas of the city on foot. The train station was about a 20 minute walk. The Pitti Palace was about a half block away. We flew into the Florence airport and took a taxi to the apartment (about 23 euro) and Mery called and arranged for a taxi to pick us up for our return to the airport (about 28 euro). Don't know why it cost more to leave except that it was awfully early. We had to leave for the airport at 5:45AM and the taxi was right on time. The airport was very crowded, so if you fly out around 7:30am, plan on getting to the airport 2 hours early! There is a close neighborhood grocery ran by a very friendly old man and his wife. They don't speak english but our limited Italian worked ok. There was an internet cafe and pay phone close by also. We had a bit of a search for a SIM card for our cell phone, across the bridge and past the covered market, two blocks then go left (I think) was a cell phone store (TIM). We just returned to them every time we wanted to buy more minutes. They do not speak English! Mery also recommended a nearby restaurant (4 Lions) that was very good. Great art in the Pitti Palace! If you need a 3 bedroom place, this is it! Have a great vacation.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: KazooSharon (Portage, MI 49002)
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/25/08

Bob, Irene John and I have enjoyed your roomy apartment. It is so convenient to everything! We walked to the market and puchased fruits and vegetables.Thank you ,Mery, for all your advice about florence,you are delightful and so your husband! If we come back to florence, we will want to stay here again. Sharon

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/01/08

We very much enjoyed our stay in this apartment. We will recommend them to friends and family traveling to Firenze. Thanks to Mery for her hospitality and her friendly welcome. Sincerely,Lindon and Family

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/16/08

Although I haven't stayed in this particular apartment, I have recently stayed in the building and the apartment is supposedly similar to the one I stayed in. It is a quiet building just off a courtyard and I found it a lovely respite from the hectic pace of Florence. Mery, the owner, is a delight! She owns the ceramic shop and is friendly, very helpful and dependable. Her husband is great too. I would recommend her place or the other flat she manages anytime! Large, clean, and quiet.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: janny_HAC116986 (olanda)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/12/07

"Tout était pour le mieux. Il y avait un problème avec l'eau pour l'appartement loué, que Mme B. a résolu à merveille. Chapeau! Séjour parfait!"

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/12/07

"La habitacion que da a la calle es con mucho ruido. Todo lo demas bien."

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: carmen gonzales_HAC116988 (spagna)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/12/07

"El apartamento está excelentemente situado junto al puente Vecchio, lo cual permite ir a pie a cualquiera de los lugares de interés de Florencia. El edificio es antiguo pero el piso está bien acondicionado, es espacioso y confortable, sólo se echa de menos algo más de luz eléctrica en la zona de la cocina. La propietaria es sumamente amable y ayuda a hacer la estancia agradable. En definitiva, muy recomendable para una familia de hasta 5-6 personas y a un precio no demasiado alto. Si vuelvo a Florencia repetiría con gusto."

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: carmen lazaro guillamon_HAC116989 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/12/07

"La ubicación del apartamento es estupenda, está bien equipado y bien amueblado."

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