Spectacular, stimulating Florence is surrounded on three sides by hills, planted with olive groves and vineyards, and dotted with beautiful villas. During Florence’s busiest, hottest months our Guru’s recommendations for the best hotels in the hills of Florence offer respite from the heat and the crowds - especially those with their own pools and spas. From many you can see the city - from a shaded terrace - and it's quite common for them to offer a shuttle service into town and back, so you can still put in a whole day sightseeing.

Some of our Guru’s recommendations are so close to the Centro Storico that you can walk to the Duomo in little more than half an hour. Though with their gardens and orchards they feel as if they’re deep in the Tuscan countryside.

The 10 Best Hotels in the Hills of Florence

The Best Hotels in the Hills of Florence for a Special Occasion

• The Villa San Michele, with its Michelangelo facade, started life in the 15th Century as a monastery, but is now a luxurious 46 room boutique hotel. The wonderful decor has an old world elegance, there’s a Michelin starred restaurant and the immaculate gardens offer views over Florence.
• Il Salviatino is an extremely romantic, extremely luxurious 15th Century palazzo conversion. The 45 rooms and suites are lavish, with vaulted ceilings and oak floors and there’s a spa, a choice of restaurants and some spectacular valley views.
• Or, if you’d prefer your historic villa just five minutes drive from the centre of Florence, then the Villa Tolomei may be for you. It’s a small five star hotel, set in 20 peaceful hectares of olive groves and vineyards, with wonderful gardens, a lovely pool and spa and a fantastic Tuscan restaurant.

Hotels with Spectacular Views of Florence

• The Villa Mangiacane is a five star villa with a collection of 27 romantic rooms and suites. Some of the rooms have four-poster beds, fireplaces and mezzanine levels. All of them have huge bathtubs, butler service and stunning views over the vineyards and grounds of the villa. There’s also a pampering spa a great restaurant.
• Once a private home, the Torre di Bellosguardo is a beautiful villa which overlooks Florence from its hilltop position. If you appreciate palatial rooms with wonderful frescoed ceilings and four poster beds then this might be the place for you.

Retreat to the Hills of Florence!

• The Marignolle Relais & Charme is a private retreat surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, but also only 15 minutes from central Florence. There are ten classically styled rooms with fine fabrics and antiques, plus a pool and beautiful gardens. There are wonderful walks all around and they run cooking classes for when you get bored of the culture in town!

The Best Value Hotels in the Hills of Florence

• The Villa Fiesole is a charming, traditional villa in the hills overlooking Florence. There are 32 rooms, all with parquet floors, and creamy, neutral decor, plus a restaurant, terraces and a swimming pool. With a room rate which starts from €99 per night including breakfast.

If you haven’t found your idea of the perfect place to stay in Florence on our Guru's list of the 10 best hotels in the Hills of Florence you could:

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Florence,
• or consider our Guru’s collection of the best hotels on Florence’s Oltrarno, the best hotels in Florence's Historic Centre, or the best hotels near the Piazza della Signoria, which is close to the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio
• Or you could refine your search by type and consider our recommendations for the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Florence, the 10 Best B&Bs in Florence or the best pet friendly hotels in Florence.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Villa San Michele, Florence Florence (Tuscany) 46 rooms from AU$1278

    
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    Romantic Break  -  A historic hotel oozing romance from every pore with deep soaking tubs, palatial fourposters and balconies overlooking the city.

    Historic  -  This beautiful property dates back to the 15th century when it was a monastery

    Artworks  -  The hotel's facade was designed by Michelangelo!

    Views  -  Extraordinary views over the valley to Florence

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Tablet

    A charming 15th Century monastery adorned with Michelangelo facade, turned luxurious hotel. The chic rooms exude old world elegance and style; the best boast private garden and pool. Enjoy fine dining at La Loggia restaurant or overlooking Florence from the immaculate gardens. Totally unique. See More

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  • Il Salviatino Florence (Fiesole) 41 rooms from AU$628

    
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    Romantic Break  -  An undeniably romantic stay, rooms have all the Renaissance decedance you could desire and there is a spoiling spa too

    Foodies  -  Feast on exceptional Tuscan dishes in the elegant candlelit restaurant

    Opulent  -  With 19th-century frescoes, antique bath tubs and valuable artworks

    Views  -  Stunning views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    Extremely luxurious and extremely romantic. A 15th-century palazzo set in the hills above Florence. Lavish bedrooms and suites with oak floors, vaulted ceilings, and artworks. A spa, restaurants, and spectacular valley views. See More

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  • Villa Tolomei Florence 31 rooms from AU$373

    
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    Country Escape  -  Set in the picturesque Tuscan countryside yet with easy access to Florence, this property gives the best of both worlds

    Foodies  -  The Il Conventino a Marignolle restaurant, offers exquisite Tuscan cuisine using fresh produce from the estate

    Views  -  Fantastic views over Florence and the Arno Valley

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool with terrace and plenty of loungers

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    14th century frescoed villa five minutes from the centre of Florence. Villa Tolomei is a five-star hotel set in a peaceful 20 hectares with olives groves and vineyards, a spa, outdoor pool, lovely gardens and a wonderful restaurant. Beautiful views overlooking the city. See More

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  • Villa Mangiacane San Casciano in Val di Pesa (San Casciano In Val di Pesa Firenze) 27 rooms from AU$275

    
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    Families  -  Though the decor might suggest otherwise with children's activities and nannying services this is a great option for families.

    Romantic Break  -  With in room baths, private dining and many acitivities couples would enjoy this property is perfect for a romantic break.

    Romantic  -  Superbly romantic bedrooms, decoration, and location.

    Views  -  Stunning valley views.

    

    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels

    A Five Star luxury villa just outside Florence. Romantic bedrooms and suites, a pampering spa, fantastic food and wine tasting. Guest rooms have four poster beds, fireplaces, mezzanine levels, big bath tubs and a butler service. Stunning views over vineyards below. Ideal for couples or honeymooners. See More

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  • Torre di Bellosguardo Florence 16 rooms from AU$571

    
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    Hideaway  -  Set in picturesque parkland just outside Florence this is a great base for those who want a tranquil base

    Families  -  The self-catering apartment which sleeps upto 5 is ideal for families

    Sights nearby  -  Spend a day visiting the Uffizi, the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, the San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels

    Great walks  -  Head out straight from the property on long walks through the Tuscan countryside

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Breathtakingly beautiful villa, previously a private home, overlooking Florence from its hilltop perch. Desperately romantic with a warm and informal atmosphere. Enormous rooms and suites with frescoed ceilings and four poster beds. See More

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  • Marignolle Relais & Charme Florence (Tuscany) 10 rooms from AU$269

    
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    Local exploring  -  Surrounded by charming countryside and just 15 minutes from Florence- you get access to the best of both worlds here

    Wine tasting  -  Manager and sommelier, Lorenzo, organises and guides wonderful vineyard tours in the local area

    Great walks  -  Take a post breakfast stroll around the fragrant gardens, or head out to explore the olive groves and rolling Tuscan hills

    Cooking classes  -  Paola runs fantastic Tuscan cooking lessons with daughter Silvia, learn to whip up your favourite dishes

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays

    A wonderfully private relaxed Tuscan retreat. Chic rooms, feature fine fabrics and antique furnishings. The outdoor pool and beautiful gardens make this a ideal spot for relaxation. Enjoy an expansive breakfast on the veranda, cooking classes from expert chefs and proximity to local medieval towns. See More

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  • Villa Fiesole Florence 32 rooms from AU$243

    
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    Active Holiday  -  With cycling, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities abound, this is a great choice for an active break

    Local exploring  -  Located on the hill of Fiesole, just five miles from Florence yet surrounded by beautiful countryside

    Cooking classes  -  Take a cooking class at the hotel to learn how to make Tuscan dishes

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool heated in September and October

    

    A lovely traditional villa in the hills overlooking Florence. Traditional rooms with parquet floors, fireplaces, creamy hues, and private balconies. Restaurant, meeting room, terraces and swimming pool. Great value, very romantic. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 15th August 2022