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Customer Reviews
Overall:
Great.
Enjoyed Most:
Nice living room with American TV channels available. Master bedroom and 2nd bedroom are very nice!
Enjoyed Least:
Kitchen was small and 3rd bedroom upstairs wasn't great.
Surrounding Area:
GREAT location! Loved it!
Tips or Restaurants:
If traveling with 3 couples, the upstairs bedroom would not be acceptable. Also there a few steps in the apartment, so it would not be good for anyone with mobility issues.
Sally, November
Overall:
This was a wonderful apartment that was well appointed and with a great, central location just down the street from Il Duomo.
Enjoyed Most:
The spaciousness of the apartment was a real surprise. The bathrooms were large and the amenities in the apartment were wonderful.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing
Surrounding Area:
Very good location near just about everything.
Tips or Restaurants:
Found a wonderful restaurant called Tratorria Garga that was our best meal in Italy.
Directions:
Taxi driver knew exactly where to go. Dropped off right at the door
Christopher, July
Overall:
Our overall experience was very good. The apartment is perfectly located a block from the Duomo, with a nice view of the trees in the courtyard across the street from the living room. The apartment is even more attractive and brighter than the photos on the website.
Enjoyed Most:
Location, location, location--just a block from the Duomo in central Florence. Close to everything, and very comfortable--in a lovely and secure old palazzo.
Enjoyed Least:
The small kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is very crowded with two people in it, and the dining area is cramped for six people.
The hot water in the showers comes and goes, so you have to be careful adjusting the temperature of the water.
Surrounding Area:
The neighborhood is fantastic. Right in the center of Florence, with a restaurant and Internet cafe across the street. A supermercato four blocks down the street. Many excellent restaurants in the area. And a 10 minute walk to virtually every major museum and the Ponte Vecchio.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Giostra a few blocks away is a very special restaurant, both for food and ambiance. Not to be missed.
You will need to bring-buy laundry and dishwasher soap. Also a good idea to bring an Internet cable, which was not there when we arrived. Note that there is no wi-fi.
Directions:
The property is very easy to find.
Check In Out:
Sara was very helpful.
Gordon, July
Overall:
Good.
Enjoyed Most:
Great location, just one block from the Duomo. Within walking distance of everything. Good grocery store at the end of the block--going away from the Duomo. The nice sized living room had a lovely view of the garden across the street and you can open the window and watch the sun set behind the Duomo.
Enjoyed Least:
We had immediate problems with the hot water heater and getting hot water. It took 3 tries for the repairman to get the problem fixed. The third bedroom is a loft area that is up a steep staircase and has no door, so little privacy. Also that area gets quite warm each afternoon. We finally got the skylights open and were given permission to turn on the room air conditioner to cool it down each afternoon, which worked well for that problem. It did have a nice shower and bathroom. The kitchen is quite small and only one person at a time could work there. The dining area barely seated five people.
Surrounding Area:
This apartment is in a fabulous location. It's a five minute walk to the Duomo and
maybe a 10 to 15 minute walk to the Uffizi Gallery. Location, location , location is what this apartment has best.
Tips or Restaurants:
We found a good Chinese restaurant about one block from the Bargello museum on our way to the Uffizi Gallery. Be sure to bring a kitchen sponge. Bring some clothes washing soap to do small laundry in the sink, as the clothes washer is quite small. There is no clothes dryer, so be prepared to hang your clothes on a laundry rack inside.
Directions:
This is a well known street in Florence. We dropped our car off at the rental car agency and the taxi driver had no problem finding this address.
Tempe, May
Enjoyed Most:
Location is great and the apartment is roomy.
Enjoyed Least:
Mosquitoes.
Surrounding Area:
Central location...easy walk to almost anywhere
Tips or Restaurants:
Standa supermarket is just a 5 minute walk away.
Check In Out:
We called ahead and someone was there to meet us and show us around the apartment.
Carrie, September
Overall:
Obviously, we really like this property, since this was a return visit.
Enjoyed Most:
Location, location, location
Enjoyed Least:
We rented this property one year ago. It is now tired and worn. Hardly any hot water for showers. Master bathroom needs shower curtain. In addition, we did not feel well treated by the local agent; they were rude during check in.
Surrounding Area:
Convenient to everything. A friendly neighborhood.
Tips or Restaurants:
A flashlight when the fuse blows at night. Mosquito repellent.
Margot, September
Overall:
Great stay.
Enjoyed Most:
Accommodations were spacious and well furnished. Lots of towels, and bedding was good quality. Central location. Thank you for the books on Florence and Tuscany
Enjoyed Least:
Lack of hot water. for two days we had no hot water. We didn't have the time to call maintenance because of our busy schedule. The cold water showers were our only complaint
Surrounding Area:
Central location with plenty to see and do.
Beverley , August
Overall:
The ladies that checked us in and out were very nice, very helpful, and spoke very good English. The apartment was a cozy place to come back to after a long day of walking through crowds of people!
Enjoyed Most:
The convenience to the center of Florence was so nice. We could walk to everything we wanted to see, or to the train station to get to other cities. It was also easy to get to groceries or find eating facilities.
Enjoyed Least:
The kitchen was a little small and underequipped. Things like salt and pepper or a toaster were things we missed. The elevator made it hard for the 6 of us to get up and down, someone always had to use the stairs.
Surrounding Area:
There were plenty of museums close by and the Duomo was right out the door. We also found plenty of shopping, a great terracotta store, and good food near as well. We appreciated the quiet street and how the apartment let you experience the real Italy.
Tips or Restaurants:
Everything we needed was provided in the apartment. It was also clean and comfortable. I would bring my own soap, shampoo and wash cloth but that is a usual practice for traveling. We found a couple of good places to eat. The Pizzeria down the street to the left had good food and reasonable prices. We enjoyed a Tex-Mex Cafe Caracol meal to break up the pizza-pasta thing. We are from Texas but are living in Moscow for a few years and it was a fun find for us. Our favorite place was Osteria Pepo - nice place and very good food! We did have a good time trying the different gelato stores all over the city!
Directions:
When given the address the taxi knew right where to go and so our arrival and departure ran smoothly.
Check In Out:
The service was prompt and helpful.
Marilee, December
Overall:
It was totally delightful and added much to our Italian experience.
Enjoyed Most:
We enjoyed the space, beautiful furnishings, and fabulous location.
Enjoyed Least:
Trying to operate the washing machine!
Surrounding Area:
Absolutely everything.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Giostra is a restaurant experience not to miss.
Nannette, November
Overall:
We loved it!
Enjoyed Most:
Very comfortable, attractive decor, and great location. It was spacious, clean and immediately felt like home or a home you wish you had! Tastefully decorated with adequate lighting. Via dell'Oriuolo is perfect Duomo down the block in one direction and food,wine, Internet cafe in the other.
Enjoyed Least:
The upstairs is like a loft. While it is the most charming bedroom, the lack of a door diminishes privacy. The master bath could use a shower curtain and a hook for the hand-held shower. And while window screens will probably never happen, at least some for the skylights upstairs to let in air and keep out nature. A bench or chairs in the courtyard garden would have made it a lovely place to sit.
Surrounding Area:
So close to the Duomo and everything, yet quiet and private. As already noted, everything we needed was very close. The trees in the museum's garden across the street provided a wonderful view.
Nearby Events or Locales:
If you consider the Oltrarno area a small town, close and walkable. Also San Miniato.
Margot, September
Overall:
We're very happy; this was the first time we've rented an apartment like this. I was nervous, but now I don't see how we could have had a successful trip without it. I would definitely recommend it.
Enjoyed Most:
The property exceeded our expectations. It was lovely. It was well maintained (with certain exceptions) and the location was ideal. The information provided by the greeter was complete and very helpful, as was the informational booklet in the apartment. This one had a car service that saved us when we were stressed about the taxi strike. We were very appreciative of the wine, water, pasta, dishwasher and washer soaps set out. A small point, but I really liked the "Margarita 2000 - the washer that also drys" - something to think about next time we're replacing our laundry equipment!
Enjoyed Least:
We were with our 84 year old mother, and she had her own downstairs room and bath, terrific, but there was no wall hook for the shower handle, and so she had so much difficulty that we had to take her up the stairs to the attic bedroom to use the stall shower. This added complexity and 'scheduling' that could have been eliminated with a slight adjustment to the downstairs bath. Also, we discovered on the last day that the air conditioner which worked terrifically throughout in the living area was leaking water.
Surrounding Area:
We knew we were in central Florence, at the busiest and hottest time of the year. But, we appreciated the guidance to go "the other direction" from the Duomo to find the real grocery store, wine shop, and restaurants.
Nearby Events or Locales:
No small town in walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
There were no coffee filters and no wash cloths. I'd recommend heading to the grocery Standa. It's close by, is open 7 days a week, and had it all.
Check In Out:
We would rate this very good or excellent, except the arrival required a call two hours ahead, but in transit, there isn't that much time to call. We could not get through on airport pay phones but did get through finally on one of the numbers on my international cell phone. She arrived fairly quickly, but we had 30 minutes outside on the street with luggage after an international trip. BUT, she was pleasant, thorough, informative, and generally terrific once we connected.
Priscilla , July
Overall:
Very, very nice. Would definitely stay here again.
Enjoyed Most:
It was very clean, spacious and comfortable.
Enjoyed Least:
The dryer didn't work.
Surrounding Area:
Great location for restaurants, shopping, grocery stores.
Tips or Restaurants:
A great restaurant just down the street is La Giostra. The food was great, the atmosphere was great and the cook himself was great! The address is Borgo Pinti, 10r, 50121 Firenze.
Check In Out:
The people that checked us in were very friendly and spoke very good English. They were also very thorough in their directions.
Dawn, June
Overall:
We loved the property and would definitely stay there again. RentVillas is a good match for us. You are very selective and so are we! We had a wonderful experience.
Enjoyed Most:
The apartment was spacious and elegant and easily accommodated our party of six. Each bedroom has it's own bathroom which gave us a lot of privacy and ease in preparing to go out each day. The property has an elevator which we didn't consider important until I broke my foot on the first day! The apartment building is a grand old European building that is perfectly maintained and added so much more character to our Italian vacation than a generic hotel would have - not to mention great family time sharing this wonderful space with plenty of room for privacy.
Enjoyed Least:
It would help to have some instructions in the kitchen for use of the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Also a list of nearby grocery stores. The master bath was cold in March and had no enclosure or curtain to hold some heat while bathing. The other 2 baths had enclosures.
Surrounding Area:
The location is great! Just walk up the street and you reach the Duomo in minutes - with a great view of it as soon as you step out your huge and beautiful wooden front door
It was a very quiet location but still centrally located and close to everything.
It is also a couple streets away from the hospital which was helpful when I broke my foot. We never heard any ambulance sirens though.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Trains and buses are excellent and make travel easy. Also taxis are summoned by a phone call and they usually come in just 2 minutes - at least in March.
Tips or Restaurants:
We never ate in a bad restaurant. The food in Italy is amazing!
We had "Sunny Tuscany Tours" take us around Florence and the surrounding area by van. They have all English speaking guides and we saw so much in the week we were there. They are the ones who procured the wheel chair for me to use after breaking my foot . for anyone with limitations. Also if you don't want to use a tour guide to get tickets to museums, you can go to www.goporta.com and order all your tickets before you even leave home.
Directions:
I can't imagine finding it without a taxi. Taxi drivers in Florence know the city like the back of their hand.
Check In Out:
It was fine.
Pam, March
Overall:
The apartment was very quiet and comfortable. However, the Duomo bells were loud quite early in the morning. Perhaps it was because we were on the top floor.
Enjoyed Most:
The spaciousness and comfort.
Enjoyed Least:
There was no outside seating area for our apartment. Also, there were no screens on the windows, so mosquitoes were a problem until we discovered the plug-in bug fighters in the supermarket. Baygon was one brand. We tried using netting on the windows, but they came through the front door when opened.
Surrounding Area:
Very centrally located.
Tips or Restaurants:
There's a new restaurant, Terrefinestre, on Piazza Santa Croce, which has excellent Mediterranean food and a beautiful outdoor area in back as well as beautiful indoor rooms. We also enjoyed Aqua al 2, which has a sister restaurant in San Diego, CA. Both are within a quarter of a mile of the apartment.
Check In Out:
Even on her first day on the job, our greeter was very knowledgeable and very helpful.
Linda, September
Enjoyed Most:
Location was excellent!
Enjoyed Least:
The upstair's shower didn't drain properly, and the dining room area smelled of cigarette smoke. We had hoped for a better view from the living room window. We could only see the Duomo is we hung out the 3rd story window.
Surrounding Area:
Florence at Christmas is magical.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Giostra was great fun for Christmas dinner.
Rebecca, December
Enjoyed Most:
The location was ideal. Everything was within walking distance, including shops, sights and restaurants. Each bedroom had its own bathroom which was very important for 3 adult couples.
Enjoyed Least:
No complaints. We would have liked to have the kitchen stocked with a few condiments such as salt, pepper, sugar and more coffee filters. The washerdryer could use a better explanation in English, especially the fact that the dryer seems to operate on the basis of steam drying instead of blow drying.
Tips or Restaurants:
Renters may wish to bring small amounts of sugar, salt, coffee filters etc. There is a great restaurant, GIGI, near by. Turn left, take the first street right. The waitress is named Anna and speaks good English. She is a stitch and the food is great and reasonable. The restaurant, Aqua a Due, is also great. The sample menu is huge and best shared by 2 people. We used Rick Steves' guide to Italy and found it excellent. Prices in San Gimignano are better for leather than in Florence.
Directions:
We used a cab from the Florence train station.
Heinz And Judy, October
Overall:
Great!
Enjoyed Most:
Location was outstanding. Apartment is beautiful! Exceptional value for 6 people. The elevator is a real plus after having to climb stairs for other city apartments. The unit had all the amenities necessary to enjoy our stay.
Enjoyed Least:
It was a little difficult to get there with our van. The parking in the garage up the street was very expensive, 50 euros per night. It is better to park further away on Borgo Ogni Santi for 28 euros.
Surrounding Area:
we were in close proximity to everything, museums, restaurants, Piazza della Republica, Ponte Vecchio, Tornabuoni, etc.
Tips or Restaurants:
ENJOY! Restaurant Marione, via della Spada, Il Latini, Il Camminetto
John, September
Overall:
I can't wait to rent this again!!!!! Thank you so much!
Enjoyed Most:
Location, location, location! Not only was this close to everything, but it was on a really quiet street, so there was virtually NO traffic noise! We also found out that for emergencies, there was a hospital only 1 block away! The property was immaculate and well stocked with almost anything one could want.
Enjoyed Least:
NOTHING!!!!!!!
Surrounding Area:
The neighborhood was very quiet and safe. We had access to a nice supermarket several blocks down the street and also 2 internet cafes.
Tips or Restaurants:
Don't believe the pictures....... they DON'T do the place justice. It was by far nicer than any hotel room that I've stayed in while in Florence! It was perfect for a family, as there was plenty of room for the kids to move around.
There's a trattoria just around the block that is very good, but the best restaurant was La Giostra, 1 block away. It was absolutely fabulous!
Holly, December
Enjoyed Most:
The privacy, and because we went in the summer, having a washing machine.
Enjoyed Least:
The air conditioning was not sufficient.
Surrounding Area:
Near the markets, Duomo, resteraunts, everything.
Tips or Restaurants:
Mama Gina
Joan, July
Overall:
We spent a wonderful month in this apartment. Everything was exactly as specified on the Website. In addition, the local keyholders were extremely pleasant, helpful and easy to deal with. The location is outstanding.
Ruth, April
Overall:
The property was fabulous. The location could not have been better - 2 minutes from the Duomo, nearby wonderful restaurants, and convenient to local shops and bakeries. There was even an outdoor fruit and vegetable market around the corner each morning! The apartment itself was attractively furnished, quite comfortable, and best of all, the beds were firm. The bathrooms were also completely remodeled - beautiful and functional.
Enjoyed Most:
The location.
Enjoyed Least:
We were absolutely attacked by mosquitoes! However, when we called local management to address the situation, they sent someone over right away with some anti-mosquito gadgets, which seemed to actually work.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you are interested in seeing Vasario's "Secret" Corridor, know that it's no longer a secret! Book at least 2 months in advance.
Carol, October
Enjoyed Most:
We liked the location in Florence - just down the street from the Duomo. We also liked the feeling of being in a real Florentine apartment/palazzo; not a hotel room. The apartment was furnished like a home, not like a vacation condo.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing.
Surrounding Area:
The property is within walking distance of everything: museums, shopping, restaurants.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were able to rent a car and drive to the village of Panzano on the "Chianti Road" Route S222 to Siena. Totally lovely town. Find the last restaurant, park off the road and walk to it; a real treat.
Tips or Restaurants:
Trattoria Anita, behind the Piazza Signoria, hidden down a side street; directions on walls of streets off Via de Leoni.
Henry, August
Overall:
The apartment was beautiful. The floor plan was great for the family and the location was ideal. It was very quiet and the bedroom opening to the garden was very pleasent.
Enjoyed Most:
The location was excellent. We walked everywhere. The floor plan was ideal for the family, the quality of the furnishings was pleasent, and the peace and quite was very nice.
Enjoyed Least:
Screens on the windows would be nice so that people can enjoy fresh air sometimes. Providing the basic spices like salt, sugar, pepper and tea and coffee would have been helpful. It is easier to enjoy the new place if some basic things are supplied for.
Surrounding Area:
Everything. The property is next to the Duomo and everything else was nearby. We walked to the fresh food market every morning and to the river every evening. Everything Florence has to offer was within the walking area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The Duomo is wonderful. The open market and the street shops were within walking distance and so was the very upscale areas, river front and all the street fairs that happen every evening.
Tips or Restaurants:
Walk to the open air food market and get anything you need. All very fresh and delicious. It opens at 6am. We walked towards the Vecchio Ponte every evening. Found lots of street carnivals and great restaurants with food and music.
Saroj, June
Overall:
The apartment is first class. Wonderful location, lovely furnishings, a bathroom to fit everyone's needs. Warm and comfortable sitting area.
Enjoyed Most:
Location and comfort.
Enjoyed Least:
Kitchen could stand to be better equipped with cooking utensils: pots, pans, etc.
Surrounding Area:
It is in Florence, what more needs to be said.
Tips or Restaurants:
We always love the restaurant Cammillo. Puntoro is a wonderful jeweler in Florence, located off Santo Spirito.
Mary Joe M., October
Overall:
Attractive and clean apartment
Enjoyed Most:
centrally located
Surrounding Area:
Nice because it's near the Duomo!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Everything is close.
Tips or Restaurants:
Get the michellin guide and follow the stars.
Julie, October
Overall:
As usual the flat was even nicer than the photos! It was lovely and bright and very comfortable.
Enjoyed Most:
Quiet street and bedrooms facing inner courtyard. Great location. Gorgeous ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom. Lots of cupboard space and hangers for clothes.
Enjoyed Least:
The flat wasn't as clean as it could have been. Also, although the garden is lovely, I think one is discouraged from using it as there was no garden furniture available or anywhere to sit.
Surrounding Area:
It very close to walk to all the central sites and had everything one could wish for within reach.
Tips or Restaurants:
Great bakery for breakfast down the road (turn left through the rather seedy arch and it's on your right). Best pastries in Florence.
Sierra, October
Overall:
It was a wonderful location, it seemed that it was just a few minutes walk to all of the major spots in Florence; about 3 minutes to the Duomo.
Enjoyed Most:
Probably the location, although the amenities were great. The air conditioning worked very well, and the convenience of having the washer meant that we could really pack light.
Enjoyed Least:
I honestly can't think of anything...on a very minor note,perhaps there could have been slightly better kitchen utensils (a can opener that worked, larger pot holders.)
Surrounding Area:
The apartment faces the Museo Firenze Com' Era, which means that your view from the front window is a beautiful green park (a rarity in Florence.) And being an 8 minute walk to Santa Croce and 3 minutes to the Duomo was also great. Also, it's located very near a good grocery store and the central post office.
Tips or Restaurants:
We found 2 restaurants we frequented. One was Lo Scudo, right on via dell'Oriuolo, near the corner of Proconsolo. We got to know the owner, chef, and two of the wait staff. The food was excellent and they were very warm.
Elena, August
Overall:
The apartment was more spacious and grand than we expected.
Enjoyed Most:
Our grandchild loved the 2 person elevator! The location was perfect, convenient to everything. Everyone had their own bath, a plus when you are traveling with adults, children, and teenagers.
Tips or Restaurants:
We enjoyed trying different gelato shops each day. Our favorites included Vivola and Caribe. Be sure and try the granita at Caribe!
Francis, July
Overall:
Beautiful, centrally located yet quiet.
Enjoyed Most:
The decor and facilities were excellent, as was the location.
Enjoyed Least:
The view. Also, the kitchen was poorly equipped with cooking equipment.
Surrounding Area:
Everything in historic Florence was nearby. The apartment is just down the street from the Duomo.
Tips or Restaurants:
Antico Noe, just down Via Oriuolo away from the Duomo. Fabulous people.
Harry, June
Overall:
Very comfortable and plenty of room for 4 people.
Enjoyed Most:
Location was
quiet in the evenings. Close to many good restaurants.
Enjoyed Least:
Variable water temperature in all showers in Italy;
need shower curtains in some of the bathrooms.
Surrounding Area:
Close to the Duomo and the center of the historic district.
Rodney, June
Overall:
We found the property roomy, cheery and quite pleasant. The rental agent was most helpful and responsive. The baths were modern and spacious.
Enjoyed Most:
Its roominess.
Enjoyed Least:
The kitchen could have been better equipped. No frying pans, tea kettle, or saucepan. The air conditioning system was confusing. The washing machine took approximately 4 hours per load.
Surrounding Area:
What's not to enjoy about Florence?!
Robert, May
Overall:
We were very pleased with the apartment.
Enjoyed Most:
The apartment was extremely attractive, clean, and was all about location, location, location! It was better than most hotels.
Enjoyed Least:
The fact that there were no screens, since the mosquito population of
Florence is a problem. However, this apartment does have air conditioning.
Surrounding Area:
Everything! The restaurants nearby were friendly and not terribly expensive considering the prime tourist area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
All the major museums are within walking
distance. It was only a couple of blocks from the Duomo and Baptistry.
Tips or Restaurants:
We liked the sidewalk cafes nearby which
stay open late. Also a cafe next door to the Medici Chapel.
Donald, May
