Residenza Johanna I

The old house looks charming outside, but inside it badly needs maintenance and fresh paint. The walls were peeling, plaster was coming off, and the bathroom also needed renovation. The shower was awkwardly positioned, with a false step. Everything felt worn out, from the old mattress that kept me from resting to the single old chair in the room. We stayed only one night. There weren't many outlets, and some were hard to reach. We also had trouble with the WiFi. Breakfast was basic, just pastries and cold cereal, and the coffee tasted burnt.

Luca is an amazing host and gave us great guidance on what to do around the city. My wife and I have stayed in bigger hotels in other cities, but this is the only residence we still talk about. We spent three days here, and it gave us a very authentic feel for Florentine life, with a nice homely atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend it if that's what you're after. Breakfast is very light, so don't expect to leave full.

The pansion gave us the feel of staying in an old mansion where a big family might have lived in the early 1900s. Our clean room was about a 10-minute walk from the city center, and the bathtub was great for relaxing after a day on foot. Breakfast was tasty, though the selection wasn't large. The front door takes a bit of practice to open, and the air conditioning needs changing. It was set to 18°C but barely cooled the room. Still, we had a great stay in Firenze.

This residence is in the building just across from hotel Bonafice, but you still get the hotel's amenities. The staff were friendly and helpful, and spoke fluent English. The old-fashioned rooms are very nice, with a large bed and spacious bathroom with a bath and shower. It's well located near the city and parking outside the ZTL, or limited traffic zone. Breakfast was large and very well organized: you write down what you want, then staff bring it to your table in the morning. After check-out, the hotel lets you store your luggage and use the bathroom whenever needed before picking it up. Highly recommended!