Le Fate Holiday Homes

UPDATE March 2019: We came back to Le Fate for six nights during our second three-week trip around Italy in less than a year. We stayed in the Morgana again, and it felt like coming home to Florence. Everything was in perfect order. Niccoló was happy to see us, and because we arrived a little late, he sent us to Sasso di Dante, a restaurant he likes just steps from the apartments, right behind but in front of the Duomo. We’ll keep coming back to this gem. The location is one of the best in Florence: a block south of the Duomo and a block north of Via del Corso, with its shops and fine restaurants. You can walk everywhere from here. We caught a bad case of influenza on the flight from the U.S., but if you have to be sick, this is a good place to be. The neighborhood took us in and went out of its way to help. We lost two weeks to illness, but if you have to be sick, Italy isn’t bad at all. Thank you again, Niccoló. We’ll always come back to see you, Darling! ORIGINAL REVIEW: The apartments had been newly renovated and were lovely, just steps from the Duomo and minutes from everything. The morning bells were beautiful to hear. We stayed in the spacious, modern, super clean Morgana, with a lovely view of the Bell Tower of the Duomo. There was a reliable elevator to every floor, a large bathroom and a wonderful shower. The bathroom also had a washing machine with laundry pods and a drying rack, which came in very handy. The mattress had an odd feel and was hard to move around on. It sat on a very low platform. We would have preferred a quality, standard innerspring mattress. We’re in our 60s, so it might be excellent for younger people. The kitchen was well designed and had what you’d need to prepare any meal, though you might want to ask Niccoló about cleaning products for the dishwasher and such. Downstairs, the gourmet food store had quality deli items, a great selection of other foods and candies, and sundries. You could nearly do your souvenir shopping there, and guests of La Fate Apartments get a 10% discount. The whole area is great for shopping and restaurants, and feels very safe. Niccoló Querci is a charming owner and host. We had to leave unexpectedly very early on our last morning to catch a train to Milan, so I couldn’t see him before we left. I tried calling the night before, then sent an email. Make sure you get the number of a Florence taxi company. Taxis don’t just turn up on the street very early on a Sunday morning, but I found a number and they arrived within minutes. We hoped to return the following April for my birthday and wanted details about a longer stay, perhaps a month. Yes, it’s that nice!