Spectacular and stimulating, Florence can become busy during summer - as well as baking hot in those beautiful, but exposed, piazzas. So for many years seasoned travellers have chosen to stay outside the centre of town in one of our recommendations for the 10 best off-centre hotels in Florence.

Florencebrando.n via Flickr

As well as being your haven away from the crowds and the heat, many of the hotels on our Guru’s list of the best off-centre hotels in Florence have breathtaking views of the city. And because of this city’s lovely rural-urban feel, some of the properties on the list feel like they’re deep in the Tuscan countryside while really they’re only around 30minutes stroll from the Duomo.

Our Guru’s list of the 10 best off-centre hotels in Florence includes a monastery with a Michelin star, an artist’s retreat on the River Arno and several properties with frescoed ceilings and wonderful art upon the walls. Choosing one of these best off-centre hotels in Florence also means you’ll get a bit more for your euro, and there are some great value options both for couples and families.

The 10 Best Off-Centre Hotels in Florence

The Best Hotels in Florence if you want to Escape the Crowds

The Marignolle Relais & Charme is a private retreat surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, but also only 15minutes from Florence. There are ten chic 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!

Relais Marignolle and Charme

The Villa Antea is an elegant villa in a peaceful residential part of north Florence with winding lanes, historic villas and its own river. The rooms are spacious, with large windows, parquet floors and antique furniture.

The Riva Lofts offer views of the River Arno, but are sufficiently far out of the centre of town for it to feel like you’re staying in an urban retreat. Each of these chic lofts have been designed by Claudio Nardi in cutting edge style, and you’re welcome to relax by the pool, in the lounge or the gardens or throw a casual dinner party in your loft - it’s your home from home. Vintage-style bikes are on hand for visiting the centre of town.

Riva Lofts

The Best Off-Centre Hotels in 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 in the hills above Florence. 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.

The Most Luxurious Off-Centre Hotels in 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.

Villa Mangiacane

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.

The Best Value Off-Centre Hotels in 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 only €88 per night.

Still not sure which of our Guru’s recommendations for the best off-centre hotels in Florence might be perfect for you?

The Best Off-Centre Hotels in Florence

The 10 Best Off-Centre Hotels in Florence

Villa San Michele, Florence

Florence (Tuscany)

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.

  • 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
from CA$1156 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Marignolle Relais & Charme

Florence (Tuscany)

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.

  • 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
from CA$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Riva Lofts

Florence (Tuscany)

Claudio Nardi's artist studio turned laid-back urban retreat, overlooking the Arno River. The chic lofts exude comfort and bold contemporary design. Vintage-style bicycles are available for whizzing into Florence city centre. Designer chic, a tranquil haven from the hustle bustle.

  • Total relaxation - Chill by the pool, lounge in the gardens or throw a casual dinner party in your loft- a totally unique Florentine experience.
  • Value chic - Stunning lofts and suites by renowned desinger Claudio Nardi are the ultimate in cutting edge style, at an affordable price.
  • Great walks - The hotel is directly opposite the hisotric Parco delle Cascine, a 160 acre park along the River Arno.
  • Views - Views of the Arno River.
from CA$258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Il Salviatino

Florence (Fiesole)

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.

  • 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
from CA$568 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa Fiesole

Florence

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.

  • 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
from CA$220 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Torre di Bellosguardo

Florence

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.

  • 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
from CA$516 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa Tolomei

Florence

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.

  • 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
from CA$338 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa Mangiacane

San Casciano in Val di Pesa (San Casciano In Val di Pesa Firenze)

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.

  • 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.
from CA$249 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

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