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The 10 Best Hotels in Florence’s Historic Centre

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Florence’s Historic Centre, or Centro Storico, is the city’s medieval heart, the part of Florence which lay within the 14th century walls. And this is where much of Florence’s grandeur and its treasures are located. The Duomo is the heart of the Centro Storico, but it’s just one of many, many great churches - there are several on the same square as the Duomo. You might argue that the centre of Florence’s art world is here too, in the Uffizi, and the Academia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David. So if you want to wake up in amidst the best Florence has to offer then you should plan to stay in one of the best hotels in Florence’s Historic Centre. And preferably one of the 10 best hotels in Florence's Historic Centre, as recommended by our Gurus?

Our Guru’s have divided the Historic Centre into two, their recommendations for the best hotels near the Piazza della Signoria, and for the best hotels near the Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo. this is because these areas have their own characters: the area around the Piazza della Signoria probably packs a bigger punch when it comes to proximity to great art, but the area around the church of Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo is close to the railway station and markets, and the cafes and bars here are poplar with Florentines as well as visitors.

The Best Hotels in Florence's Historic Centre if you want to Sleep like a Medici

Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo

  • Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is a fabulous property choc-a-block with original features and furniture, in an unbeatable location. Family owned and run, it is a spectacular residence overlooking the Duomo.
  • Firenze Number Nine is a beautifully restored 17th century palazzo simply exuding glamour and luxury. The 42 rooms are decorated in warm, golden hues, harking back to the building’s regal past, and there are some marvellous frescoed ceilings. There’s also an expansive spa.

For a romantic stay

  • Casa Howard is a chic B&B guesthouse converted from a Florentine palazzo. Owned by textile designers, their forte is very much in evidence in all of the individually designed rooms. With fresh flowers everywhere and honesty bars on each floor.

For superb location

Garibaldi Blu

  • Garibaldi Blu is a designer, 22 room hotel in a great location overlooking the church of Santa Maria Novella, five minutes from the Duomo and close to the station as well. The rooms are large and uncluttered, with some whimsical design features, and the best of them have views over the piazza.
  • JK Place Firenze is a chic, sophisticated, 20 room hotel - small enough for there to be a lovely, personalised element to your stay. The decor and vibe is boutique-y, and the comfort level is high. There’s also a rooftop bar and a courtyard dining room.

For a modern hotel

Gallery Hotel Art

  • The Gallery Hotel Art is a fabulous design hotel in central Florence with chic rooms and suites with contemporary art and private terraces with views over Florence.
  • The Continentale is modern and fashionable, yet still very romantic, with light open spaces, outdoor sitting areas with magnificent views, and a luxurious spa.

For great value

Hotel Rosso 23

  • The Hotel Rosso 23 is a beautiful old building carefully renovated into a 45 room contemporary style hotel. The now modern rooms and living areas are in reds, blacks and greys and there’s a lovely inner courtyard and breakfast room. A short walk from the Duomo. Room rates start from under €90 per night.

For families

Residenza d'Epoca in Piazza Della Signoria

  • The Residenza d’Epoca in Piazza Della Signoria has just ten rooms - but they’re quite something, with frescoed ceilings and parquet floors. The communal breakfast is highly regarded and this is a great option for families or groups.

The Best B&Bs in Florence's Historic Centre

Hermitage

  • The Hermitage is a perfectly located boutique B&B with rooftop views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and across the Centro Storico. There are 28 compact, yet elegant rooms, are with antiques, plus a charming sitting room with a fully stocked bar for guests and a fantastic roof terrace where you can take breakfast and plan your day on a life sized map of Florence's historic centre.

If you haven’t found your idea of the 10 best hotels in Florence's Centro Storico on our Guru’s list you could:

The 10 Best Hotels in Florence's Centro Storico

The 10 Best Hotels in Florence’s Historic Centre

The Place Firenze
The Place Firenze

Florence (Tuscany)

A chic luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Florence. Personal touches and thoughtful details ensure a homely feel. The rooftop terrace with its stunning views should not be missed! An exceptional haven, more like a sophisticated home than a hotel.

  • City Style - Right in the heart of Florence, with impeccable service and undeniable style
  • Hotel Entertainment - Start your night with a drink on the Terrace in Piazza Santa Maria Novella
  • Ebook Inclusion - Lulu agreed to include for free
  • Sights nearby - Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Museo Marino Marini are both an easy walk from THE PLACE.
from $600 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa Howard, Florence
Casa Howard, Florence

Florence

Casa Howard is a unique place to stay in an elegant historical palace in the heart of Florence. Family-friendly base within easy reach of some of the best shops and restaurants. Each room is as unique as the guests. Centrally located and great value. The perfect alternative to a boutique hotel.

  • Romantic Break - With beautiful suites, charming terraces and plenty of sites within walking distance this is the perfect romantic hideaway.
  • Families - Large family rooms are available making this a great choice for those travelling with young children.
  • Ebook Inclusion - Italy edition
  • Cooking classes - The hotel can organise Tuscan cooking classes by an expert chef, with genuine ingredients and traditional recipes.
from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo
Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo

Florence

Exceptional and historic private palazzo overlooking the Duomo. Rooms and suites feature antiques, family portraits and stunning frescos. Marble bathrooms are large and impressive. Recently renovated yet authentic and full of character. A spectacular residence.

  • Honeymoons - Take the Dome Suite with views of the Duomo, literally across the road, not to mention the hot tub and damask drapes.
  • Sights nearby - Across the road from the Duomo, and only five minutes from the 13 century Palazzo Vecchio.
  • Views - Spectacular views of the Duomo from suites
  • Outstanding location
from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Continentale
Continentale

Florence

A chic design hotel (owned by Lungarno so expect nothing less than some serious style) overlooking the Arno River. Smart suites have an air of sophistication. The spa is set up by the renowned Daniela Steiner and although there is no restaurant next-door's one will send dinner straight to your door.

  • City Style - An architectural gem, mixing traditional style with suave modern design in the heart of the city
  • Spa breaks - The superb spa is created by the renowned Daniela Steiner
  • Sights nearby - You're right in the heart of Florence, so all its glorious highlights are easily accessible
  • Views - Celestial views of Florence's skyline
from $421 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Gallery Hotel Art
Gallery Hotel Art

Florence

Fabulous design hotel in central Florence. Contemporary art, high couture, and the comforts of a luxury hotel. Chic bedrooms and suites with views over Florence from private terraces. City style and art combined.

  • Families - With both a kids club and family friendly outlook this is a great choice for those travelling with children
  • City Style - Chic contemporary style in the heart of the city, expect minimalist design and modern artworks
  • Sights nearby - Close to the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Strozzi
  • Restaurant - Asian fusion restaurant
from $295 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Garibaldi Blu
Garibaldi Blu

Florence

Designer-hotel in great location, close to the station, overlooking the striking church of Santa Maria Novella, and only five minutes from the Duomo. Rooms are large and uncluttered, the best overlooking the piazza, and corridors are dotted with whimsical design features.

  • Boutique - A chic boutique hotel set in a converted palace offering hip contemporary design and a superb central location
  • Sights nearby - 10-minute walk from Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery and 450 yards from Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Local markets - Browse the neabry Mercato Centrale
  • Lively area
from $247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Firenze Number Nine
Firenze Number Nine

Florence

A chic restored 17th-century palazzo exuding glamour and luxury. Rich golden hues throughout harp back to the building's regal past. Large rooms feature sash windows, feather soft beds and ceiling frescoes. An expansive spa is the ultimate in indulgence. Well located to explore the city. Superb.

  • Total relaxation - With a fabulous Ayurvedic day spa, a chic restaurant and a happening bar it's the ideal spot to unwind.
  • Local exploring - Right in the heart of the city, well located to explore Florence's architectural and cultural delights.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the cities impressive Cathedral, just a few minutes away.
  • Spa
from $362 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

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