BREATHTAKING VIEW ROOF TOP APARTMENT

This is a truly exquisite apartment, in an ideal location in Florence. It is in a beautiful old building on a lovely, very quiet street, but just around the corner from wonderful shops, restaurants, handmade pasta, and one of the best gelateria's in Florence. Everything you could possibly need for daily existence is just around the corner. It is also a 5 minute walk from the Uffizi, Santa Croce, and the Duomo. The apartment itself is extremely beautifully appointed -- it is very elegantly and tastefully decorated, but also comfortable enough for my family of 4 (including a 9 and 11 year old), to stay in it without constantly worrying about messing it up --a difficult combination to find! The apartment is on two levels, with the bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs (there is nice light in both bedrooms from the windows, and beautiful views over the rooftops). The living / dining / kitchen area is upstairs, and is all one lovely, bright, open space, with many windows and great views. In other words, the apartment is not cut up into many small rooms like many apartments in older buildings in Italy. The upstairs has two terraces -- one which is essentially a balcony, but is literally on top of the roof of the building, overlooking other rooftops and the dome of the Duomo. This balcony is spacious enough to seat four comfortably, and we loved sitting there and having drinks while looking over the city. The second terrace is larger, and is walled, so the views are a little more limited, but it is a still a beautiful, sunny space, and has a large table that could seat 8 easily. The kitchen was very easy to use and was well appointed for bringing home wonderous foods from the nearby markets and cooking them. We at dinner at home a lot in the evenings. The wireless connection worked perfectly. The owner could not have been nicer. We were greeted very cordially when we arrived; the apartment includes a terrific book compiled by the owner with information about things to see and do and nearby conveniences; and she checked in after we had settled in by email to make sure that everything was okay. We even locked ourselves out on a Saturday night by accident, and she had someone drive over an hour into town to let us in -- without complaint, and at no charge. (I don't recommend locking yourself out, but she could not have been nicer.) We have stayed in many VRBO apartments, in Italy and elsewhere, but this one was a real find. We hope to come back!

This charming apartment was home for my husband and I and our teenage daughter for a wonderful week in Florence during the heat wave last summer. It could not have been more perfect - a cool haven from the heat during the hottest hours - and yet we could look out over the city and still feel very much a part of it! Situated in easy walking distance to all the most important tourist sites but in a neighborhood that has all the little shops (fresh pasta, veggies/fruits,bread, delicious gelato, wine shop) you need to feel at home, plus a restaurant just around the corner that is a favorite haunt for locals and tourists alike. The balconies are fantastic for looking out over the city and enjoying a glass of wine in the magic late afternoon sunlight before dinner or watching the twinkling lights of the city after dark. Donatella's excellent taste is evident in the furnishings which are magazine spread lovely yet completely comfortable - even nicer than the photos can show. Her warm hospitality made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived at this spotless apartment and meant that we had everything we could possibly need. Yes, there are many steps to get to this heaven but we didn't mind them at all. You are amply rewarded each and every time you reach the top! Absolutely fantastic!! Highly recommended!!!

We had a wonderful, romantic short vacation in Florence, thanks mostly to the charms of this classic apartment nestled among the rooftops of the old city. We were so content here that there was little need for us to venture further. When hunger calls, the neighborhood has ample choices of quality restaurants, pizzerie, wine shops, etc. For a particularly romantic dinner we purchased salumi, pasta, and vegetables in the shops and, cooked dinner in the well equipped kitchen, and ate dinner outside on the patio amid the rooftops & Duomo in the distance. In another life we will live here la dolce vita.