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.
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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!
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.
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.
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