Grand noble apartment with space and views. There is room to entertain and to settle in for a long stay in beautiful Florence.

Conveniently located in the heart of the historical center of Florence, in Piazza Santa Croce, the palazzo is a landmark Renaissance Palazzo, and one of the few left in the historic center of Florence with a dramatic frescoed facade.

Many people passing through Piazza Santa Croce notice Giovanni di Ser Giovanni's 1620 frescoes on the overhanging facade this handsome building, but few realize they can actually stay here. The 16th-century palazzo is owned by the gracious Contessa Piccolomini, who rents out truly spacious apartments to anyone who has ever dreamed of lying in bed near a roaring fire under a 17th-century frescoed ceiling or sipping tea in a living room surrounded by trompe d'oeil Roman ruins with a 16th-century wood ceiling above.

The roomy and recently updated Giotto apartment is on the third floor (American designation) of the Palazzo. There are six steps down from the elevator landing.

The apartment centers of the large foyer.

From there you reach the master suite with its queen size bed that can be divided into twins. The bedroom adjoins a study/wardrobe followed by a bath with shower over tub. The suite overlooks historic Piazza Santa Croce.

The master bedroom and living room both have the original wood beam ceilings from the 1500s, the time of the Renaissance.

The large living room and dining room are separated visually by a working stone fireplace. The living room has ample seating. Original frescoes are preserved on the living room wall reminding you of the history of this building within the glorious history of Florence. The living room area overlooks the piazza.

The dining table will seat up to twelve. Across the foyer is the kitchen with lime green cabinets giving it a mid-20th century feel. But the appliances are all up to date. A narrow table adds preparation space or a spot for a casual breakfast or children's meal.

Two more bedrooms complete this roomy apartment. They both face the quiet, private inner courtyard. One has two twin beds and en-suite bathroom with shower. The third bedroom has a queen that can be divided into two twins and an adjoining bathroom with shower.

Facilities: Air conditioning, independently controlled heating, dishwasher, Washer, dryer, microwave oven, toaster, American coffee maker, satellite TV, stereo hi-fi, CD and DVD players, high speed wireless and standard internet connection (extra fee), telephone, answering machine, fax machine, hair dryer, iron + ironing board. Use of small Palazzo private gym.

Location	Santa Croce

Sleeps	6

Bedrooms	Three bedrooms: 2 with divisible king that can be made up as twins and twins.

Bathrooms	Three

Floor	2nd, 3rd American

Elevator	Yes

Size	1500 square feet, 150m2

Hair Dryer	Yes

Dining	Dining tables seats 12

Kitchen Equipment	A well equipped kitchenette

Laundry	Central laundry room shared by guests

Air Conditioning	Yes

Heat	Yes

Utilities	Charged against security deposit

Transportation	Several busses pass nearby. Taxis are available.

Crib	On request

Entertainment	Satellite TV, stereo, European standard DVD player

Telephone	Telephone

Internet	ADSL wireless internet extra fee

Linens	Included

Pets	No

Smoking	No

Family Suitability	Good for families and family get-togethers

Cleaning	There is a separate charge for final cleaning and the amount varies with the size of the apartment.

Gyms	Small onsite gym

Security Deposit	$500/week

Rates 2008 US Dollars
7 nights	$5223
8-14 nights	$5854
15-21 nights	$7188
22-31 nights	$8349
Minimum 7 nights
Plus final cleaning fee €100/$125 and utilities