Florence's Hidden Gem: Residenza Johanna I - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Florentine tea on Residenza Johanna I – and trust me, it's a flavor you won't forget. Forget those cookie-cutter hotels with their sterile smiles and predictable routines. This place… this place is different. It's like stumbling upon a secret garden in the middle of a bustling city.
First Impressions: Access and That Whole Accessibility Thing (Messy, But Honest)
Alright, let’s be real. I'm no mobility guru, and I didn't personally test every single nook and cranny for wheelchair accessibility. But I did see the “Facilities for disabled guests” listed. And let’s be really real, Florence is a city of cobblestones. Cobblestones! They're charming, yes, but pure evil for anyone needing a smooth ride. That said, there's an elevator (thank the heavens!), and the website implies they've thought about accessibility. I'd definitely reach out directly to the hotel before booking if you have accessibility needs. Don't rely on a review – get the facts. This hotel chain? I have no prior experience.
Inside the Walls: The Stuff That Matters (and the Stuff That Doesn't)
Let's talk about the core of the experience. And I'm going to start by screaming about the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Seriously, in this day and age, it's a MUST. And Residenza Johanna I delivers. The Internet access as well as Internet [LAN]: Check. You can work, binge-watch your favorite shows, or just idly scroll through Instagram while pretending you're actually taking in the Renaissance. The Internet services in general are good. This is essential.
The Bedroom: My Own Little Florentine Fortress
Okay, my room? It was a haven. Air conditioning, thank sweet baby Jesus. Blackout curtains – crucial for those late-night gelato binges and early morning explorations. They even had a desk, a laptop workspace, and wi-fi [free]! I could actually work from my room, which is a rare and beautiful thing while traveling. Plus, a safe box, (always appreciated) and a refrigerator (hello, late-night wine and cheese!). The bed was ridiculously comfortable, because I have a "Extra Long Bed" in all rooms. The bathroom was a luxurious thing of beauty. Lots of towels, slippers and a hair dryer. I had a separate shower/bathtub, perfect for a quick refresh or a long soak after a day of museum hopping. And don't even get me started on the bathrobes. I basically lived in that thing.
The Amenities – Oh, The Amenities! (and My Obsession with the Pool)
This is where Residenza Johanna I really shines. Let's start with the obvious: the swimming pool [outdoor]. OMG. The pool with a view is something to behold. Imagine: you're in the middle of Florence, surrounded by history, art, and gelato…and then you jump into a sparkling pool overlooking the rooftops. Pure bliss. Pure, unadulterated, I-never-want-to-leave bliss. I spent practically half my trip there, just soaking up the sun, sipping on a cocktail from the poolside bar, and pretending I was a glamorous Italian socialite. Okay, maybe not a socialite. More like a slightly sunburnt, happy tourist.
The Fitness center and gym/fitness are available. I, however, am not a big gym person when I'm on holiday. I'm a history and culture and food person.
Now, they also mention a Spa. And they do really well with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I almost went for the massage. Almost. But more gelato beckoned.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Florentine Adventure
Okay, food. This is Florence. It’s sacrilege to even think of eating at the hotel all the time, but the on-site options are pretty solid for those lazy days. The Breakfast [buffet] was a serious spread. I am a big fan of breakfast. A la carte in restaurant is available. There's of course Restaurants where you can eat at. Also, I have read there are Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop for people who like some caffeine. A Bar is obviously available. A Snack bar too!
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, It Matters
Let's not skip over the important stuff. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. They take this seriously. There's Daily disinfection in common areas, including room sanitization opt-out available. I felt safe and secure. Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, Smoke alarms are available.
The Little Things That Make a Difference:
This place gets the details right. The concierge was incredibly helpful, the daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the luggage storage was a lifesaver. They even had a gift/souvenir shop (ideal for those last-minute panic purchases). The elevator made getting around much easier. Laundry service helps.
For the Kids (or Not):
I didn't have any kids with me, but they have Babysitting service. They are Family/child friendly.
Getting Around: The Florentine Tango
They offer Airport transfer, which is a huge bonus. They even have a car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge].
Services and Conveniences:
They have Cash withdrawal. They can also provide an Invoice provided as well. Also, the hotel, is Non-smoking rooms.
My Quirky Takeaway (and a Plea)
Look, Residenza Johanna I isn’t flawless. (What human thing is?) But what it is is a genuinely charming, well-run, and incredibly comfortable place to call home while exploring Florence. It's got soul. It’s got character. It’s got that pool! Okay, I'm obsessed with the pool. If you're looking for a sterile, generic hotel experience, then keep scrolling. But if you're looking for something special, something memorable, something that will make you want to return to Florence…then book Residenza Johanna I.
The Pitch: My Unfiltered Offer
Forget the generic hotels that treat you like a number. Residenza Johanna I offers an unforgettable Florentine experience. Imagine: waking up in a beautiful room, with free Wi-Fi to plan your day, and then relaxing in the pool after a day of sight-seeing. It is an escape, a hideaway, a chance to experience the magic of Florence in style and comfort.
Book now and get a free welcome drink at the poolside bar, and a complimentary bottle of local wine in your room! Plus, a chance to tell me all about your trip!
Escape to the Dolomites: Villa Martha's Vintage Charm Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your standard, antiseptic travel itinerary. This is the real story of my Florence adventure, warts and all, starting from my temporary base at Residenza Johanna. Prepare for whiplash, because I'm flying by the seat of my pants (mostly).
Florence Fiasco: A "Plan" (and Reality)
Day 1: Arrival & the (Probably Overhyped) Duomo
- Morning (aka "The Endless Flight and Jet Lag"): Landed at Florence Airport around…well, who knows? My brain was a hazy tapestry of mismatched time zones and stale airplane air. The Italian sun hit me like a warm, judgmental slap. Immigration was a blur of stressed-out faces, sweaty palms (mine), and the faint scent of expensive perfume. Found a taxi that didn't seem to try to rip me off. Victory!
- Afternoon: Residenza Johanna Check-In & "Where Am I Again?" Moment: Residenza Johanna. Cute. Tiny. Pictures don't lie (mostly). The air smelled vaguely of lemon and old wood. My room was… compact. Okay, let's be honest, it was itty-bitty. But, hey, it had a charming view of some rooftops, so I'm feeling optimistic. First impression: decent. Now, the unpacking commences a war that I'm not sure that I'm going to win.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: The Duomo Debacle: Okay, the Duomo. Everyone raves about it. Maybe I built it up too much? The line was insane. I probably spent more time queueing than actually seeing the damn thing. The sheer scale of it… it was impressive, sure, but I was mostly just hot, bothered, and wondering if I'd actually eaten anything besides a stale airline pretzel. My neck hurt from staring up. Found a gelato place nearby afterwards and made a mistake: I bought my favorite flavor: pistachio. I ate fast. It was amazing. I almost forgot how annoyed that I was.
- Evening: Dinner Disaster at a (Supposedly) Authentic Trattoria: Found a trattoria recommended by a blog (I know, I know…I'm susceptible). Looked promising! Cozy, packed with locals. I ordered the Florentine steak. It arrived. Gigantic. Under-seasoned. I struggled through half of it, mostly out of principle (and fear of wasting food). Left feeling stuffed, slightly disappointed, and regretting the small-sized pasta that I decided to skip.
Day 2: Art, Anxiety, and Accidental Culinary Adventures
- Morning: Uffizi Gallery – "Oh My God, There's So Much Art": The Uffizi. Lord have mercy. The crowds were worse than the Duomo. I swear, I saw more elbows than paintings at times. The Botticelli rooms were beautiful, obviously, but I was overwhelmed. I tried to focus. I really did. The Birth of Venus was stunning, but I couldn't linger. I was starting to feel claustrophobic. Felt like I should do a tour. I'm so glad I did. The tour guide, bless her heart, was named "Lucia" and she was an Italian woman who could speak the language of art to the core. Even a non-art person like myself could appreciate it. Thank god for Lucia.
- Midday: A Misguided Attempt at Perfection: I decided to try to be a "cultured traveler" and buy a fancy book. I failed. I ended up buying a children's book. I was so overwhelmed by the selection and the price that I just grabbed one.
- Afternoon: Lunchtime Liberation: Okay, I needed a break. I stumbled upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place – no tourists in sight! – and ordered whatever the guy behind the counter seemed to be eating. It was a pasta with a simple tomato sauce. It was phenomenal. Simple. Delicious. Perfect. This is the kind of experience that makes travel worth it.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Ponte Vecchio - and the Question of Jewelry: Walked across the Ponte Vecchio. Beautiful, yes. Overcrowded, yes. The jewelry was shiny, very shiny. I stared at the jewelry at the shops. I wasn't sure what I was looking at. I considered buying a trinket, decided against it. I don't need more things!
- Evening: Dinner (Attempt #2) - The Pizza Paradigm: Found a pizzeria. I was craving something simple and familiar. The pizza was… good. But it didn't sing. It was just… pizza. I guess you can't win 'em all.
Day 3: Delving Deeper (Into Gelato and My Sanity)
- Morning: Boboli Gardens – A Glimmer of Sanity: Escaped the city crowds for the expansive Boboli Gardens. Glorious! Lost myself wandering through the statues and fountains. Found a hidden grotto. Sat in the sun for an hour just existing. Needed that. Needed it desperately.
- Midday: Accademia Gallery & David - "He's…Big": The Accademia, mostly for David. Oh, David. I mean, he’s… impressive. Bigger than I expected. And, okay fine, Michelangelo knew what he was doing. But the crowds… ugh. The crowds.
- Afternoon: The "I Love Gelato" Incident: Remember that pistachio gelato from the first day? Well, I kept thinking about it. So, I decided I needed more. I went back to the same gelateria, ordered another pistachio (of course!), and proceeded to eat it while people-watching in a piazza. I'm starting to develop a gelato-based lifestyle.
- Evening: Cooking Class - "I Almost Burned the Kitchen Down": Took a cooking class. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it was… until I almost set the kitchen on fire while flambéing something (I honestly can't remember what). I'll spare you the gory details, but let's just say I mostly made a good meal, thanks to the patient instructor, and the others.
- Evening: A little bit of drinking: I met some new friends that I met at the cooking class. We had a few glasses of wine. I went back to Residenza Johanna. Fell asleep instantly.
Day 4: The "Oh, Italy, I Love You/Hate You" Rollercoaster
- Morning: A Day Trip Fiasco: I considered a day trip to Siena. Then I looked at the train schedules. And the thought of more crowds. I'm staying put. It's a rest day.
- Midday: Just chilling. Reading. Relaxing. Listening to the sounds of the old city. I'm probably enjoying this too much.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Going to the same Gelateria. Ordered the pistachio gelato. The same. The same taste. Amazing. The best. Life is good. But, sadly, it will end soon.
- Evening: Going out for dinner with my friends.
Reflections:
Florence is… a lot. It's beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and utterly captivating. I've experienced moments of pure joy, moments of pure frustration, and a lot of gelato. It's a messy adventure, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go find some more gelato before I leave. I'm starting to think I need it to survive. Cheers!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Corallo, Albinia, Italy - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Residenza Johanna I: FAQs (and Me Rambling About It!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Residenza Johanna I? Buckle up, buttercup. My experience was... something. Let's get into it.
1. Is Residenza Johanna I Actually a “Hidden Gem”? Because, honestly, I read that everywhere.
Ugh, "hidden gem." It's *said* to be. And, well, yes and no. It IS tucked away. Finding the entrance the first time was a glorious comedy of errors. I practically ran amok down some tiny side street, flailing my arms and yelling, "Is THIS it?! Is THIS the hidden gem?! Is it going to be behind a *secret* door?" And the answer, eventually, was yes. There *was* a secret-ish door. More like a slightly unassuming, heavy wooden one. So, yeah, hidden-ish. But gem? That depends on your definition. I wouldn't exactly say it's a flawless diamond... more like a particularly sparkly rock I found on the beach, maybe. Still pretty, though!
2. What's the Vibe Like? Is It Romantic? Instagrammable? Awkward?
Okay, the vibe... it depends. It *leans* romantic. Think old, maybe a little creaky, with a touch of faded elegance. Instagrammable? Absolutely. Every time I looked at my camera, I felt like I was in the middle of a photoshoot! But "romantic?" *Cue side-eye*. I was *alone*! So, less *romantic* and more "eating gelato in my pyjamas while staring at a Renaissance print on the wall." (Which, for the record, was also a brilliant experience. See? It's all about perspective.) Awkward? It wasn’t. Mostly, I felt quite good. Good as a human. Alone, in a beautiful place.
3. The Rooms: What's the Deal? Small? Big? Quirky?
The rooms truly are quirky! Mine was a little on the smaller side. The walls were thick, the windows massive, and the view, glorious. One thing that stood out was the furniture, which wasn't exactly *modern*. Think antiques... and maybe a slightly lopsided writing desk. I spent more time staring at its wobbliness than I should admit. It was endearing, though! Kind of like an elderly relative. I can still feel the faint smell of something old books that hit my nostrils when I entered the room. That's a good memory.
4. Breakfast: Fantastic or Forgettable? (I am always obsessed with breakfast).
Breakfast...OH. MY. GOD. This is where Residenza Johanna I *really* shines. Forgettable? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I still dream about it. No, seriously. I had a dream last week that I was back there, wrestling for the last brioche. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a *little*. But the breakfast was incredible. Fresh pastries, delicious coffee (the real stuff, not that instant nonsense), and a spread that looked suspiciously like something you'd find in a painting of a Renaissance feast. They had fresh fruit, too. It had to be the very best parts of the best day of my life!
5. The Location: Is It Actually Convenient? Or Do You Spend All Day Tripping Over Cobblestones?
The location is fantastic. Yes, there are cobblestones. Embrace them! But you are right in the beating heart of Florence. I did a 'hop-on, hop-off' for a day, and I was practically *at* the Duomo in minutes. Literally. I spent almost a week there, and still didn't feel like I saw it all. So, short answer: absolutely convenient. Maybe a little too convenient, because I spent way too long at that gelato place just down the street...
*Rambling alert!* I walked everywhere! And yes, my feet *did* ache by the end of it, but I had the BEST time getting lost and stumbling upon hidden squares and tiny artisan shops. It's the kind of place where you trip over a breathtaking view, then immediately trip over your own feet. The sheer *walkability* of the place is amazing.
6. The Staff: Friendly? Helpful? Did They Judge My Terrible Italian?
The staff were lovely. Really, genuinely lovely. Did they judge my atrocious Italian? Probably. But they were far too polite to show it! They were helpful, always offering recommendations and directions. (Thank goodness, because I would have been lost forever.) They also had this quiet, calm air about them that I really appreciated. It's nice, really, to be surrounded by kind-hearted people.
7. Would You Go Back? Honestly?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Even with a lopsided desk and the potential for having my Italian judged. The breakfast alone is worth it. Besides, I have unfinished business with that gelato place. I need *closure*, you know? So, yeah... I'm already planning my return. Don’t tell anyone.
8. One Thing You’ll *Never* Forget? (Hit Me With The Juiciest Detail!)
Okay, prepare yourself. This is embarrassing, but here goes: I woke up one morning, early, like, *really* early. The sun was just peeking over the rooftops. I had a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. I threw open the windows, and there, RIGHT THERE, was a cat. Just sitting on a nearby balcony, looking absolutely regal. We locked eyes. I swear, that cat judged me. We sat there, just watching each other for a moment. It was the most ridiculously perfect, unexpected moment. That cat. That perfect, judgemental Florentine cat. I'll never forget it.
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