Yome - Your Home in Florence

Your home in Florence was an educational experience for us, as we learned what BEDBUG bites look like, from first hand. Poor hygiene dominated the apartment, which we found out immediately when we entered: The walls were dirty and the couch (also used as a 2nd bed) had some gross white stains on it. Nevertheless, we did not mind that. We did not mind the noise from the street as it was a nice commercial location with shops. We did not mind the narrow stairs, which we had to walk to almost climb at the 2nd floor, nor the smell of smoke in the apartment– even though it was prohibited. We did not even mind the tenant who arrived in the morning going nuts and waking us all up at 7am, furiously knocking all ring bells plus the panic button in the entrance, as she was waiting for the host who was obviously late. We did not mind the floors being sticky and we soon realized that the only cleaning done after each rental, solely consisted of bedsheets changing, trash disposal and bathroom cleaning. However, we DO MIND finding out that the bites all over our bodies were not mosquitos as we first thought, but by BEDBUGS!! The bed apparently never gets cleaned after all those guests who daily rent the flat and God knows how many previous tenants also thought they had mosquito bites, instead of bedbug bites. 3 days later, we are still itching like crazy and filled with BEDBUG bites which take 2 weeks to disappear!!!! Apart from the prominent lack of hygiene, there is also a lack of even the slightest sign of moral code from the owner’s side. When we reported the issue to them, asking for a refund, they called us liars and thought we wanted a free stay. They replied that these things happen and that it’s part of the game. Sure mate, if you live in a dungeon I guess those things might happen, right? So, they admit that you might get bitten and even get an infection by not sterilizing as they are supposed to do and that’s totally cool with them!! This is a total lack of respect towards hygiene standards and to the people who pay you for your service. We do not need your refund, even though there were expenses on our cost for doctors, medication, and a full STERILIZATION on our home (as bedbugs can be carried with you once in contact) – you know, just like the one you were supposed to do in the flat every now and then. We need you to start respecting people’s health standards. Thankfully, they are sorry for the situation – how touching. AVOID THIS DISGUSTING PLACE.

The Pros: Very cute apartment in a historic building. Location is perfect. Our apartment #4 had a small rooftop terrace with view of the top of the the nearby Duomo. We loved hearing the church bells. Our hostess Patrizia was very accommodating during check in and check out. no issues with communication. We stayed in December and heating was good. For me the bed very comfortable but my partner felt mattress a bit too firm. The cons: You’ve read about the stairs. About 75 very steep steps to access the #4 apartment on top floor. Wi-Fi is very spotty and weak. Cell signal isn’t great either. The shower is tiny, and very large people may not fit in it. But worse than this, the complaints about the shower either being scalding hot or freezing cold are accurate. Maybe an issue with the faucet in the shower not capable of mixing the hot and cold water lines (but I am not a plumber lol). This is why I can not leave higher than a 3 star rating. It is important to have a decent shower. They do have a bidet.