Johlea & Johanna Residences

Five restored residenze offering a charming, affordable and welcoming sanctuary within walking distance of Florence's centre

If you’re looking for a welcoming, well-priced haven on the edge of the centre of fabulous Florence, then these guesthouses (4 in 19th-century palazzi, one in a garden villa) are for you. The two Johanna buildings are the ‘originals’, while the Johlea pair and Antica Firenze are more recent restorations, with a fair degree more comfort. All are situated in a quiet residential area about half a mile north of the duomo (though the garden villa is a bit further west) – within easy walking distance of the city’s main sites.

Friendly staff provide a warm welcome when you arrive, and are full of excellent advice. Tea, coffee, biscuits (and laptops!) are available all day, you can help yourself to drinks from the ‘honesty' fridge and, in Antica Johlea, relax on the roof terrace as the sun sets over the skyline. The bedrooms are bright, light and inviting, with polished antiques, good fabrics and homely touches. It’s like staying in a friend’s elegant yet comfortable home – and at very friendly rates.

Highs

• Peaceful location north of Piazza San Marco, yet near the sights
• Informal, comfortable atmosphere
• Unusually friendly and knowledgeable staff
• In Antica Johlea, a roof-top terrace with a view of the Duomo
• Cosy communal rooms in the 2 Antica Dimores
• The option of breakfast in your own room - or from the breakfast room buffet

Lows

• Lack of 24-hour service may not suit everyone
• Johanna II, the villa with garden, is further out, near Fortezza Basso
• The cheaper rooms have very compact shower rooms
• Some noise is inevitable on the street-side rooms (especially Johanna I)