Florence

All hotels in Florence Apartments & villas in Florence Florence where to stay guide

About Florence

A number of our Hotel Gurus name Florence as their favourite city, and its art, architecture, food and location make it easy to argue for. But unusually for such a gorgeously visitable city, the big hotel chains don’t really seem to have a foothold here. Maybe it’s the scale? Many of the best places to stay in Florence are converted palazzos, villas, or old family homes, which have limited space, and the majority of our Gurus’ favourite hotels in Florence, even the larger villas and purpose-built hotels, are independently run. Florence does have plenty of variety, though, and if your idea of the best places to stay in Florence is a contemporary-build hotel, or a very contemporary conversion, you’ll still find something to please you on our list. We also have some great picks for families.

Some of our Florence collections:

Visitors can opt to stay in the historic thick of things in one of the best hotels in Florence’s historic centre, or head for the best hotels in the hills of Florence, where, especially in summer, you’ll find relief from the heat and crowds.

Florence has a lovely rural-urban vibe, so some of the villas on the outskirts of town feel like they're deep in the Tuscan countryside, while still being only about a 30 minute stroll from the centre of town or 10 minutes on the local buses. And if your idea of the best places to stay in Florence includes space and a garden, then it’s likely you’ll find that in one of the villas on the outskirts of Florence, as well as fantastic views over the city itself!

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

For Florentine Grandeur

The Palazzo Niccollini al Duomo is a fabulous grand palazzo brimming with original features — like murals and frescoes, marble fireplaces, gilt, art and antiques — in an unbeatable location overlooking the Duomo. Family owned and run, its ten rooms are beautiful and very Florence.

For the Album

The Grand Hotel Villa Cora is a Baroque wonder, surrounded by landscaped gardens, but still only moments from the Boboli Gardens, which sit just behind the Ponte Vecchio. Inside it’s been lovingly restored to full splendour, but with contemporary comforts included. Each of the 46 rooms and suites is individually decorated, and everywhere you go the service is excellent. The Villa Cora also boasts a heated outdoor pool, set amongst rose gardens and classical sculptures.

For a Special Occasion

Right on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, The Place Firenze overlooks the church, its bar and restaurant spilling out onto the square. The Place was Florence’s original boutique hotel, and it’s still just as chic as ever. Its 20 rooms and suites are luxurious, but unfussy, making the gorgeous light and views the main features. The service is superb. This is a cosseting haven of sophistication where we’d all like to live.
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.

For the Views

The Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno, is a romantic choice, with wonderful views from its spot on the banks of the Arno. Its 73 rooms and suites make it one of the larger picks for the best hotels in Florence, but its location, and its vertical layout, make it feel quite intimate. Our favourite rooms have balconies over the river and wonderful views of the city beyond. The decor is unfussily traditional and luxurious, and each room has original artworks. The bar and restaurant are favourite haunts, with great views too.
The Grand Hotel Cavour is an elegant four-star hotel with roof terrace that spectacularly overlooks the Duomo. Inside are 100 rooms and suites, in a large range of styles, sizes and prices, but they all feel bright and comfortably contemporary. Our Gurus’ favourites have wood framed balconies overlooking the city. In a 100 room hotel you expect decent facilities and the Grand delivers; there’s a pool, spa and gym, and an excellent cocktail bar.

In the Historic Centre

Residenza d'Epoca in Piazza della Signoria, is the property to book if you want to be right on the piazza, inside and out guests are surrounded by history and art! Its ten rooms, which occupy the top floors of a private house, are decorated with frescoes and murals, beamed ceilings and antiques, stone walls and parquet floors. The very top floors provide three private apartments if you want space or privacy. Family-run and very friendly, there’s a charming breakfast room where they do a complimentary breakfast.
The Palazzo Vecchietti occupies a distinguished 15th Century palazzo right in the heart of Florence, just off the Piazza della Repubblica. Dante called it 'Paradiso'. It’s now divided into fourteen luxuriously decorated suites and apartments with stunning details like private terraces, high ceilings and amazing views.
Hidden in between the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio, the Hotel Brunelleschi is a 96 room hotel with chic rooms and its very own museum and Roman Baths. The design feels quite contemporary, but it’s built around an impressive old tower — actually the oldest structure in Florence.

In the Hills Above Florence

The Villa Tolomei is a small, five star, hotel converted from a beautiful 14th century villa, set in 20 peaceful hectares of olive groves and vineyards. Some of the 20 hectares are wonderful gardens, and the hotel has a lovely pool and terrace, with incredible views of Florence. Inside the hotel has retained some of its frescoes, and a sense of calm. Many of the rooms have a view too, as does the fantastic Tuscan restaurant.
The Torre di Bellosguardo is a another beautiful villa in a hilltop spot overlooking Florence. Once a private residence, this charming building retains many of its luxurious features, like frescoes, domed ceilings and fancy carved wood, but it’s been comfortably converted into a 16 room hotel, and now also features all the mod cons. It’s also seriously romantic, if sunlit terraces, lily ponds, cavernous conservatories and incredible views of Florence are your cup of tea!

For Romantics

For a romantic stay in a superbly central location, Antica Torre de Via Tornabuoni is the place to book. Discreetly tucked away on Florence's most fashionable shopping street, this 24 room hotel has been crafted from two medieval towers and rooms and suites now boast luxurious interiors in a classic, unfussy style. There's also a fine dining restaurant and roof terrace with a view!
Firenze Number Nine is a beautifully restored 17th century palazzo simply exuding glamour and luxury — the perfect place to stay if you want to play Medicis. 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 Families

The Gallery Hotel Art is a fabulous design hotel in central Florence with chic rooms and suites that feature the art (contemporary) from the name, and private terraces with views over Florence. Amongst its 74 rooms and suites are plenty of family-friendly configurations, but the Gallery Hotel Art also welcomes families with a kids club and a family-friendly menu.
In Piazza della Signorina is a sophisticated townhouse hotel with a selection of ten rooms, suites and apartments (the apartments can sleep up to four and are ideal for small families). All come with beautiful, boutique-style interiors, and some with four-poster beds and views over the square. There’s also a small gym, sauna and spa.

For Contemporary Chic

Garibaldi Blu is a designer, 22 room hotel in a great location overlooking the church of Santa Maria Novella, just five minutes from the Duomo and close to the station. It occupies a stripped back 18th century palazzo Our favourite rooms have views over the piazza, but if you’ve had enough of history for the day you can close the French windows and enjoy this hotel’s contemporary Florentine design style. Whimsical and fun, the bar buzzes, as does the inner courtyard at breakfast.
The Hotel Savoy is a luxurious pick in the very heart of the centre, close to the Duomo, and with Duomo views. It’s one of the largest hotels on this list, with 102 rooms and suites, and, styled beautifully by Olga Polizzi, it’s very much a chic, international hotel.

For Great Value

The Palazzo Galletti has an enviable location, occupying the first floor of an elegant, 1930s built mansion-with-a-view. It has eleven rooms, nine of which have elegant, semi-contemporary decor and tiny terraces, and two which are spectacular — vast, with wonderful frescos. Breakfast is served in the rooms.

Florence’s Best B&Bs

Le Stanze de Santa Croce is a cheerful, four room B&B (or you can book out the whole place). Brightly coloured rooms, one of which sleeps three, and a lovely breakfast terrace make this a warm, comfortable place to stay. The Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and the Cathedral are all less than ten minutes walk away.
Casa Howard is a chic B&B 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, it's definitely amongst the best places to stay in Florence if you're looking for a home from home feel.

Prefer an Apartment or Villa?

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you check out our list of specialist holiday rentals providers.

Travel Information

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport is only 15 minutes from the centre of town by bus or taxi, but it might also be worth considering travelling via Pisa Airport, which is well connected to Florence too.
If you want to hire a car — which we strongly advise if you’re staying in Florence and you want to see more of Tuscany — we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
The huge number of hotels and guest houses means that in the cooler, quieter months there are some excellent accommodation deals to be found. There's always something on here. A thousand and one events are packed in from late spring through early autumn — this is when there are outdoor events as well — but Florence is also a wonderful place to visit in December, January and February too. August is popular, but as far as the weather is concerned it’s one of the worst times to visit the city — it bakes at this time of year!

Still not sure?

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The best hotels in Florence

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Velona's Jungle

Florence

Velona's Jungle offers just four luxurious suites all designed with a wildlife theme. The decor is bold with animal prints aplenty, complemented by vintage objets d'art and antique furnishings. Located in an elegant residential neighbourhood, yet close to all the sights. Perfect for romantics.

Local exploring - You're well placed to have easy access to all of Florence's main highlights
Sights nearby - Close to the Opera House, the Leopolda and Fortezza da Basso exhibition centers
Full of character - With its quirky jungle designs, this property oozes with character
Restrictions on children - This is an adults only property

from $265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Florence

About Florence

Some of our Florence collections:

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

For Florentine Grandeur

For the Album

For a Special Occasion

For the Views

In the Historic Centre

In the Hills Above Florence

For Romantics

For Families

For Contemporary Chic

For Great Value

Florence’s Best B&Bs

Prefer an Apartment or Villa?

Travel Information

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Florence

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The best hotels in Florence