http://www.hotelchatter.com/ Hotel Reviews, Hotel Ratings, Hotel Openings en-us Copyright 2008 - SFO Media 2009-11-25T06:49:08Z HotelChatter HotelChatter http://www.hotelchatter.com/images/hcwhite.jpg http://www.hotelhotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/local/1184 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/4/8/22256/83067 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/johlea.jpg" class="imgborder"><p><i>[Antica Johlea]</i><p>We warned you that the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/Florence%20Hotel%20Guide">Florence hotel scene</a> is pricey, whatever you do and wherever you stay. Blame the tourists and the forces of economics.<p> <p>Your best bet for a budget stay in style and comfort near the centre of town is probably a <em>residenza</em>, a B&amp;B-style hotel run by private owners. Don't sniff - it's a great way (the only way) to get a friendly welcome, super service and a reasonable bill at the end of the trip.<p> One of the best, or rather five of the best, of the <em>residenze</em> is the <a href="http://www.johanna.it"><b>Johanna &amp; Johlea</b></a> chain of mini-hotels owned by Lea Gulmanelli and Johanan Vitta, a Florentine couple who've been in the business femmefatale 2008-04-14T12:55:01-05:00 Search HotelChatter string http://www.hotelchatter.com/search/