What does the travertine finish mean here?

It is a printed or veneered surface styled to look like travertine stone, not a solid stone top. Expect a warm, mottled neutral look rather than the cool weight of real stone.

How do the two tables nest?

The smaller drum slides under the larger one, so the pair takes roughly the footprint of the big table. Pull the small one out when you need a side table.

Will the tables scratch wood or tile floors?

The non-slip feet are there to grip the floor and lift the base slightly. On very delicate finishes, felt pads under the feet are a sensible extra.

Is this set good for a small apartment?

Yes. One table serves as the coffee table and the second works as a side table or extra surface when people visit. The trade-off is that a drum base is bulky compared with a leg-and-top table.

How does it compare with a glass nesting table set?

Glass and metal sets look lighter and show more floor, while this set looks warmer and more solid. The drum design is sturdier for kids and pets but harder to move.