Must-Stay Hotels in Florence, Italy
Florence is a city renowned for its rich history, exquisite art, and stunning architecture. Whether you’re wandering through its cobblestone streets, marveling at masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery, or savoring delectable Tuscan cuisine, where you stay can profoundly enhance your experience. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a list of the best hotels in Florence. These accommodations, ranging from luxurious five-star establishments to charming boutique inns, offer exceptional comfort, stunning views, and unparalleled service.
25Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
The vibrant 25Hours hotel is themed around Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” Designed by architect Paola Navone, the decor is colorful and elaborate, with rooms themed as heaven or hell. The main restaurant inside is set in a stunning glass-ceilinged atrium. The Companion Dolce Amaro Bar specializes in bittersweet amari, so order a negroni to try it out. The Alimentari, inspired by Florentine grocery stores, serves bread and pastries from the S. Forno bakery. There’s also a cinema, gym, sauna, and a shop selling books about Florence in the hotel.
Oltrarno Splendid
Oltrarno Splendid is an intimate B&B located in a historic palazzo in Oltrarno, across the river from Florence’s historic center. This area is known for its vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and great restaurants. Owned by calligrapher Betty Soldi and her husband Matteo Perduca, the B&B features 14 rooms with unique vintage decor. A buffet breakfast is included, and the concierge can arrange dinner reservations at nearby restaurants.
Grand Hotel Minerva
This four-star hotel, located in a 13th-century palazzo on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, offers suites with views of Brunelleschi’s Dome. Grand Hotel Minerva features a rooftop bar and pool, ideal for summer relaxation. Renovated by Carlo Scarpa in 1957, this hotel blends midcentury and historical elements. Known for high standards and thoughtful service, the restaurant also showcases some ancient frescoes.
Sina Villa Medici
Sina Villa Medici, housed in a luxurious 19th-century palace, epitomizes classic Florentine elegance. Its expansive gardens and large pool offer a serene retreat from the city. Conveniently, it’s one of the few hotels with a pool within walking distance of Florence’s biggest attractions. Harry’s Bar the Garden restaurant inside the hotel offers signature dishes like beef carpaccio and negroni variations. The spa features a sauna, Turkish bath, and fitness area, and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here.
Villa La Massa
This 13th-century estate, originally built for a noble Florentine family, offers a peaceful retreat from city life. Part of the Leading Hotels of the World group, it features iconic Renaissance decor. Highlights include the beautiful grounds, pool, and easy access to Florence’s center. Guests can explore the gardens, enjoy cocktails at the Medicean Bar, and savor local specialties at the estate’s restaurant and bistro.
THE PLACE Firenze
Luigi Fragola Architects recently redesigned this boutique hotel near Santa Maria Novella Station. With just 20 rooms, The Place offers a homely feel and unique touches like Ginori porcelain and cashmere throws. Its convenient yet peaceful location is ideal for enjoying outdoor drinks on the piazza. Managed by Claudio Meli, the staff excels in organizing exclusive experiences. The hotel also supports local artisans through workshops on traditional crafts like weaving and goldsmithing.
Hotel Lungarno
This five-star hotel, part of the Lungarno Collection by the Ferragamo family, is renowned for its sophisticated design and excellent restaurant. Designed by Michele Bonan, the Hotel Lungarno’s nautical-inspired interiors give it a luxurious, floating feel beside the Arno River. Guests can enjoy direct river views and proximity to Ponte Vecchio bridge. Start with drinks at Picteau Bistro & Bar, then dine at the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo, known for its romantic ambiance and creative tasting menus.
Brunelleschi Hotel
This hotel is located in a 6th-century Byzantine tower and medieval church, featuring original architectural details and modern, elegant interiors with a neutral color palette. Some rooms offer views of the city and the location is central yet peaceful. It hosts Santa Elisabetta, a two-Michelin-star seafood restaurant, and the more casual Osteria Pagliazza. The rooftop bar provides impressive views of the Duomo, making it appealing to history enthusiasts.
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze
Opened in 1885 and recently renovated, Helvetia & Bristol is a top Florence hotel. Near Piazza della Repubblica, the update added a spa, a restaurant, and a casual café by the Cibrèo restaurant group. Enjoy Italian specialties at the restaurant and the spa’s Roman baths. Suites feature a four-poster bed, velvet sofa, and hidden minibar.
Hotel Savoy, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Rocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy is celebrated for its exceptional service, central location, excellent cuisine, and classic yet modern design. The warm, friendly staff, and Laudomia Pucci’s bold textiles enhance its appeal. Highlights include a helpful concierge, rooms with beautiful design details, and dining at Irene, where chef Fulvio Pierangelini serves outstanding dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
This luxurious hotel in Palazzo della Gherardesca is consistently ranked among the top five hotels in Florence. It boasts extensive gardens, Michelin-starred cuisine, an outdoor pool, a luxurious spa, and the city’s largest private garden. The Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant offers contemporary Tuscan dishes and excellent wine pairings. The hotel also provides a top-notch breakfast, wellness treatments, aqua fitness classes, and guided garden walks for a complete retreat experience.
St. Regis Florence
This opulent Florentine hotel is situated in an aristocratic palazzo by the Arno River, offering easy access to the city’s main shopping areas. Rooms and suites feature canopied beds, crystal chandeliers, and custom furniture. The Winter Garden Bar is perfect for aperitivos, or pre-meal drinks. Guests can also enjoy the Winter Garden Restaurant’s Italian-focused international cuisine and St. Regis butler service for a touch of added luxury.
Il Tornabuoni
This luxurious hotel from Hyatt’s Unbound Collection is near designer stores like Ferragamo and Gucci on Florence’s upscale shopping street. Rooms and suites feature contemporary, colorful furniture, with unique touches like animal-painted roundels and blue velvet sofas. Some suites even have 17th-century frescoes. The rooftop Butterfly Terrace offers stunning city views and sunset drinks and the Il Magnifico restaurant offers local and international dishes.
What to Know Before You Go
When visiting Florence, Italy, pick the right location to suit your interests. Florence is walkable, but decide if you want to be in the city center, in a spacious area further out, or enjoy a local vibe in Oltrarno. Visiting in winter offers better prices, as spring brings crowds and higher rates, and many shops close in August. Hotel concierges can book tables and museum tickets, but remember to plan ahead during peak seasons.
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