Reviews of Tuscany Holiday Apartment
Palazzo Santa Croce - Giorgione
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Customer Reviews
Overall:
The apartment was a blessing. After staying in a hotel on a busy street in Rome, a nice quiet apartment was so welcomed. The location was perfect, so close to everything! We enjoyed the roof top terrace, it was much larger than the pictures gave credit.
Enjoyed Most:
Location and the terrace. We were only one block away from Santa Croce and about two blocks from Piazza Della Signoria. We were able to come back to our apartment with some wine, cheese and bread and enjoy a relaxing evening after a busy day.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We traveled in mid-late September and we still got visited by the mosquitoes if we left the windows opened at night. The kitchen could have had more wine glasses and a larger pot for boiling pasta. We did a load of wash and couldn't figure out how to dry the clothes in the machine and ended up letting them air dry.
Surrounding Area:
We made friends with Pino, a local deli owner. His shop was only a couple of blocks away and he made the best focaccia bread sandwiches! He also owned another shop and offered wine tasting. And of course, Vivoli was just around the corner. There was a great Martini bar around the corner, Oibo, that we enjoyed a couple of nights, and of course my favorite was Piazza della Signoria. That's Florence to me! Right next to the Ufizzi gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. That was my favorite place.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We had family staying about 11 miles out of town at one of your other properties that we had to drive to. It was located in Montagnana. We also took a train trip to Lucca for the day.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in. Not brand new shoes. A couple of people in our group went through many bandages due to multiple blisters.
Directions:
After stepping out of the train station we caught a taxi. It took less than 10 minutes to reach our destination.
Dianna, September, 2009
Overall:
We were extremely pleased with the experience. A wonderful way to immerse yourself in the heart of Florence while having a comfortable, well-appointed apartment with five star terrace view as your base. Surrounding area is one of the best parts of the historic center, with key sites and fantastic restaurants all within 10 minutes walk. Exactly what we had envisioned when we dreamed of this trip and selected this property.
Enjoyed Most:
The location is simply outstanding. Restaurants, key sites, and transportation are all within walking distance. The rooftop terrace is very spacious and well furnished. A great place to spend time relaxing, taking in the sites and sounds of Florence. Operated by a very professional and responsive property manager.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The master bedroom can get a share of noise in the evening when people gather at the piazza across from the building. Not bad and also seemed isolated to a few nights.
Surrounding Area:
If your objective is to live in the heart of Florence, this location will do. We could walk nearly everywhere and the bus stops are nearby. The immediate area was not overrun with tourists as it is slightly off the main path of the sites.
Nearby Events or Locales:
In the heart of historic Florence, between the Duomo and Santa Croce - 10 minutes to Duomo, 5 minutes to San Croce.
Tips or Restaurants:
Acqua al 2 is 100m from the apartment and outstanding. The fillet with blueberry sauce is a must. Pizzeria Teatro is about 100m east on Ghibillina. Great place to take the kids for pizza while still enjoying a fun atmosphere and glass of wine. The kitchen in the apartment was appointed with all the basic items.
Mike, June, 2009
Overall:
Our stay was 4 weeks, and in that time we were able to see and experience Florence from a spacious, comfortable apartment, with all the conveniences of modern life, contained within aformer Palazzo---over 600 years old, a medieval stone fortress that was the birthplace of Cosimo I, and part of the history of Florence. It was a wonderful experience.
Enjoyed Most:
The terrace! How could you not be enchanted with a 300 degree view of Florence, with the towers of Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello, Badia, the Campanile and Duomo, Santa Croce, San Miniato al Monte, the Boboli Gardens AND the hills of Tuscany surrounding you. All of that history and beauty. Amazing!
Unpleasant Surprises:
Two things, and they are relatively minor. The clothes washer-dryer is a problem. The written directions are inadequate, and the help we got from the property manager and assistants was well intentioned but not successful. The drum of the machine left grid marks, caused by heat, on our clothes even when the drying cycle was not used. It probably needs to be repaired or replaced. And the area rug in the living room should be replaced. It is not worthy of that apartment.
Surrounding Area:
Just 50 steps from the main door is Vivoli's---convenient for a morning cappaccino or a 10 pm gelato. A tiny grocery is just across the street for emergencies. Just 3 blocks away are some small produce markets, a Standa large grocery chain, and a Nine-T-Nine cent store where odds and ends can be found inexpensively. The apartment is well located, and we walked everywhere in Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
There is so much to see in Florence that all your time could be spent there. We took a bus to Fiesole to see Roman and Etruscan ruins. We also took trains to explore Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Ravenna.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant on the first floor of the building was very good. We also tried Acqua 2 down the street, and enjoyed their "sampler" dishes. Try the food in both mercatos---the sandwiches made to order were great. Be sure to shop for food in both markets the produce, cheeses, and meats are wonderful, and the experience is lovely. In May the tiny wild strawberries were in season---not to be missed. The kitchen is supplied with basics. Bring a few sponges with scrubby sides, and maybe 2 dishtowels. You may want to use the portable folding drying rack that is provided for drying clothes.
Check In Out:
Check in was efficient. However, after traveling 16 hours, instructions can pass through and out of your brain without full absorption. It helps to have the apartment manual handy, even though some directions could be more detailed.
Nancy, May, 2008
Enjoyed Most:
The rooftop patio, location, comfortable living room.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Having to go through a bedroom to get to the rooftop terrace.
Surrounding Area:
Central to everything, lots of shops.
Bruce, April, 2006
Overall:
The property was large, clean and just a wonderful suprise. There was a lovely roof garden.
Enjoyed Most:
The the people were great; everthing fell right into place. It was a wonderful trip.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing.
Surrounding Area:
We could walk everwhere.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The shopping was great and the locales were helpful and kind in providing directions.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just be open to the experience! The local finds were wonderful and the food at any restaurant is just great.
Joanne, August, 2002
Overall:
The accommodations and location were much better than expected.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything about the apartment was to our liking. Impressive characteristics were very tall (perhaps 20Ft ceilings), and an exquisitely carved entrance door which looked like a 16th century vintage. Tasteful furnishings with some period pieces and a magnificent terrace view overlooking the city of Firenze and the mountains of Fiesole made our time in Florence truly memorable. If you are an aspiring artist or just enjoy drawing as a hobby, this is a perfect location where you can capture the old world charm of this beautiful city.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There were none to speak of, other than the lift is very narrow, only room for 2 people with luggage!
Surrounding Area:
Everything was within walking distance.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cultural reflections were visits to every museum and church in the area. The architecture is unbelievable with its intricate carvings and painted mural ceilings, but the most magnificent work of art, in my opinion, was by far Michelangelo's David. This is a must see! On a musical note, the Opera "under the stars" in Fiesole is quite an experience for any age.
Tips or Restaurants:
While I can't think of one particular restaurant of finest quality, I can recommend to enjoy the pasta dishes primarily. Florence is known more for these dishes as opposed to fish or meat. The pizza, by the way, is wonderful.
Diane, July, 2002
Overall:
Beautiful, spacious. Great location. Loved the rooftop. Beyond all expectations. Easy check in and check out. Helpful local staff.
Enjoyed Most:
Beautiful accomodations--made it feel like our home away from home. Great place to visit with family. It was quiet despite the noisy streets of Firenze.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We did not find the restaurant downstairs to be accomodating for our special needs (one room is very noisy).The lock was difficult and no matches where available to light the gas stove.
Surrounding Area:
It was nice being away from the crowds but close enough to all the conveniences.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Piazza Santa Croce and its market. Walking distance to most Florence attractions.
Tips or Restaurants:
Trattoria Sostanza, Via del Porcellana, for inexpensive and delicious Bistecca Fiorentina. Il Barroccio, Via della Vigna Vecchia, (down the street) is perfect for friendly service and good food.
Allen, March, 2002
Overall:
The accommodations in the Fiesole apartment in Florence were superb. The location was perfect, the air conditioning was wonderful, the
ambiance was delightful, and the view from the private roof terrace was breathtaking. My family was mightly impressed with my having found Rentvillas and the property!
Enjoyed Most:
The location and view was great.
Unpleasant Surprises:
None!
Oswald, July, 2001
Overall:
Great location, good accommodations, and beautiful views. Highly recommend the villa!!!
Enjoyed Most:
View from the rooftop!
Unpleasant Surprises:
Not enough instructions on appliance use (i.e. washing machine).
Surrounding Area:
Centrally located and near the best gelato!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Duomo, Academia, Pitti Palace, Ponte vecchio . . . too many to list.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant on the ground floor of apartment building!!! Best gelato, just around the corner!
Ross, June, 2001
Overall:
Excellent location. Adequate sleeping space for the six of us. Clean; well furnished. needed to request extra towels but they were furnished.
Enjoyed Most:
Combination of location and pleasant interior plus the rooftop patio with view of the city. We used that for an evening winetasting, sunning, doing laundry and as an extra room!'The apartment was furnished with kitchen and laundry facilities so we were able to function as we needed to and save money as well. We had four keys or so, so our family could come and go as they pleased according to their own interests and schedule.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The upstairs bedroom was not air conditioned which was needed in June at night. When we left the windows open in that room, the mosquitoes were unbearable and we heard the noise from the street. Also, a door to make that bedroom more private would be ideal. The keys to the door of the property both on the outside but particularly to the inside of the apartment were difficult to use. The kitchen supplies/pans, etc were just a bit meager. More than one day of dishwashing soap or a little starter bottle of wash by hand dish soap would have helped as it took a day or so to get oriented and find the grocery stores etc.
Surrounding Area:
We enjoyed the proximity to the gelato store, a visit to which became our nightly routine. The closeness to the sights we wanted to see - Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, jogging along the Arno, the Bargello, the Duomo, and to a great leather store! The area felt safe.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Included in above answer plus some sights not so near, but the walk was not very far even to Pitti Palace, etc. We also took day trips to Rome, Venice and Chianti country/Siena by van and train.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring mosquito repellant. Do shop the local markets and make some meals with their fresh ingredients--we had great home made meals. The Italian spices starter kit in the kitchen was a nice touch. Be sure to enjoy the rooftop patio. Great for drying clothes. The sun is deceivingly hot and close--don't be fooled or you will get burned as I did!
Pat, June, 2001
Overall:
The apartment was beautiful. It was well located for all our walking and sight-seeing. It was well maintained and very clean. We enjoyed our stay.
Enjoyed Most:
It was very spacious, and we loved the roof top terrace.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The water pressure in the bathrooms was a bit low.
Surrounding Area:
We enjoyed the many corner and family markets in the vicinity.
Nearby Events or Locales:
All of Florence's main sites were within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Remember that the refrigerator is not really cold.
The best restaurants we have found in two trips are the Trattoria Il Caminetto and Il Cavallino.
Kenneth, March, 2001
Overall:
Apartment and location were outstanding.
Enjoyed Most:
The location, view, bedrooms, living room, and fully equiped kitchen.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Some noise from restaurant clean up very early every morning.
Surrounding Area:
Museums, walking distance to other areas, upscale location, very close to city center, great shops and restaurants!
Tips or Restaurants:
Mama Gina, Pandamonio.
Jeffrey, March, 2001
Overall:
It was excellent!
Enjoyed Most:
Recently "refreshed" and beautiful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing!
Surrounding Area:
Who cannot enjoy Florence and the surrounding area?!
Sara, March, 2001