I'm helping some family members and trying to decide betwen these two places for a late June-early July stay. On the main Fodor's website, under the Johlea, there are 3 sort of negative comments. I'd chosen it initially because I'd read good things in two books, Karen Brown and Sandra Gustafson. But I don't know how recently they've been updated.
The Domus looks very nice, and the owner Perla was charming on the phone.
Anyone stayed at either? Know the areas? The Johlea is near Piazza San Marco, and the Domus a little bit away from the Medici Chapel.
I'd looked at the Hotel Piazza Della Signoria as well; it's a tiny bit too pricey for one of the couples but if you have any input on that I'd be glad to hear it as well - especially regarding noise.

Thanks very much!

Have you checked for comments at tripadvisor.com?

Yes, I have, thanks. That's what got me worried about the Johlea.

We stayed at Johlea in May 2004 and were happy with it. Our room was large and included a loft area and large bathroom. There is a terrace on the roof deck and a sitting room off the deck that has a refrigerator stocked with bottled water which guests are welcome to take as much as they need. There is not a full breakfast but prepackaged items, yogurt,fruit, coffee/tea making are provided. A small refrig is also in the room. I think the cost in 2004 was only about $100 per night. We have never been disappointed in any Karen Brown accommodations.

Thank you for the reply, nini. We've also used KB extensively and been very happy with those choices. Most of the negative comments on TripAdvisor have been more recent than your stay.

Stayed at InPiazzadellasignoria in May 2005. We found the hotel wonderful. The breakfast was full complete with whatever you care to ask for. Omelet, bacon, poached eggs on toast. The rooms were very well appointed, clean, great bathroom and the service tops.

Definitely recommend it. It was fairly pricey, but I have stayed at other hotels in Florence before and been very disappointed that price doesn't always mean clean and updated. This B&B has flat screen TV (we didn't watch it, but it was there). It has an excellent location. We were two couples, so we got the adjoining rooms, though we didn't open the door between rooms. The prices is cheaper when you book both rooms.

Forgot to add, it wasn't the least bit noisy.