Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels in Florence, Italy
Finding Your Perfect Florentine Retreat
Florence, the breathtaking cradle of the Renaissance, captivates visitors with its artistic masterpieces, architectural marvels, and undeniable romantic charm. But after a day of exploring cobblestone streets and marveling at Michelangelo’s David, where should you rest your head? Finding the best hotels in Florence Italy can be as overwhelming as deciding which museums to visit in this cultural treasure trove.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion to help you discover your ideal Florentine accommodation—whether you’re seeking a luxury palazzo with Duomo views, a charming boutique hotel in an artisan quarter, or a family-friendly haven that won’t break the bank. We’ve analyzed hundreds of properties across every neighborhood to bring you authentic recommendations tailored to your travel style, budget, and preferences.
From opulent five-star establishments near the Uffizi Gallery to hidden gems in the less-touristy Oltrarno district, our carefully curated selections ensure you’ll find the perfect base for your Italian adventure. Let’s explore Florence’s diverse neighborhoods and discover which accommodations truly stand out in this magnificent city.
Understanding Florence’s Neighborhoods: A Guide to Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right neighborhood is perhaps the most crucial decision when booking accommodation in Florence. Each district offers a distinct atmosphere and unique advantages that can dramatically shape your experience of the city.
Centro Storico (Historic Center)
Atmosphere: The beating heart of Florence, where Renaissance wonders await around every corner.
Key Attractions: Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria
Best for First-Time Visitors: Hotel Savoy offers unparalleled luxury steps from the Duomo, while Hotel Brunelleschi incorporates a Byzantine tower into its elegant design.
Best for Art Lovers: Gallery Hotel Art provides contemporary style just steps from the Uffizi, making it the best luxury hotel near Uffizi Gallery for art enthusiasts.
Oltrarno
Atmosphere: Authentic, artistic neighborhood across the Arno River, filled with workshops, quieter piazzas, and local charm.
Key Attractions: Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Santo Spirito
Best for Families: Palazzo Guadagni offers spacious rooms and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the top family-friendly hotels in Oltrarno.
Best for Foodies: SoprArno Suites sits near some of the city’s most authentic trattorias and food markets.
San Lorenzo
Atmosphere: Bustling area with Florence’s largest market and a more local vibe.
Key Attractions: Mercato Centrale, Medici Chapels, Basilica di San Lorenzo
Best for Budget Travelers: Hotel Palazzo Vecchio offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices near the market.
Best for Foodies: Hotel Cerretani Firenze places you steps from the food paradise of Mercato Centrale.
Santa Maria Novella
Atmosphere: Convenient transportation hub with beautiful churches and piazzas.
Key Attractions: Santa Maria Novella Basilica, train station, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica
Best for Transit Convenience: Hotel Santa Maria Novella combines luxury with location just steps from the train station.
Best for Architecture Buffs: Hotel L’Orologio overlooks the magnificent facade of the basilica.
San Marco
Atmosphere: Scholarly district with museums, gardens, and a slightly more relaxed pace.
Key Attractions: Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David), San Marco Museum
Best for Museum Lovers: Relais Santa Croce provides elegant accommodations near multiple museums.
Best for Peace Seekers: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a garden oasis in the busy city.
The Best Hotels in Florence: Our Top Picks
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Borgo Pinti, 99
This 15th-century palazzo and former convent surrounds the city’s largest private garden. With frescoed suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and impeccable service, it represents Florentine luxury at its finest. Rooms feature Renaissance artwork, marble bathrooms, and views of either the gardens or the city’s iconic architecture.
Pricing: €550-€2,500 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most spectacular private gardens in Florence
Guest Review: “Like staying in a museum with all the comfort of a modern luxury hotel. The gardens transported us to another world entirely.”
Portrait Firenze
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4
Owned by the Ferragamo family, this riverside property offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. Designed like luxury apartments rather than hotel rooms, each suite features kitchenettes, living areas, and personalized service including custom itineraries.
Pricing: €500-€1,800 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best views of Ponte Vecchio
Guest Review: “The attention to detail is unmatched—from personalized stationery to a staff that remembers your coffee preferences from day one.”
Boutique Hotels
AdAstra Firenze
Via del Campuccio, 53
Set within Europe’s largest private garden in the city, this 14-room hotel occupies the upper floors of a noble Florentine residence. Each room is individually designed with vintage pieces, contemporary artwork, and freestanding bathtubs.
Pricing: €180-€350 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most charming terrace in Oltrarno
Guest Review: “Feels like staying at a stylish friend’s apartment—if your friend happened to be an Italian aristocrat with impeccable taste.”
SoprArno Suites
Via Maggio, 35
This 13-room boutique hotel in a 16th-century palazzo in Oltrarno features eclectic design by Francesco Maestrelli and Betty Soldi. Rooms blend original architectural features with contemporary design and unique artistic touches.
Pricing: €150-€280 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most artistic atmosphere
Guest Review: “Every corner reveals something fascinating—from antique typewriters to contemporary art installations.”
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Davanzati
Via Porta Rossa, 5
This family-run hotel occupies a 14th-century building in the heart of Florence. Known for its warm hospitality, including complimentary afternoon aperitivo for guests, it offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
Pricing: €120-€220 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best aperitivo hour
Guest Review: “The family owners make you feel like you’re staying with longtime friends. Their restaurant recommendations were perfect every time.”
Hotel Cellai
Via 27 Aprile, 14
This elegant hotel near San Lorenzo combines antiques with contemporary design. The reading room, rooftop terrace, and art gallery create spaces for relaxation after sightseeing.
Pricing: €110-€200 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most artistic common spaces
Guest Review: “Feels like a small art museum where you can also sleep. The breakfast room is particularly enchanting.”
Budget-Friendly Hotels & Guesthouses
Hotel Casci
Via Cavour, 13
This family-operated hotel within a 15th-century palazzo once housed composer Gioacchino Rossini. Simple but comfortable rooms, exceptional service, and a central location make it a standout budget option.
Pricing: €70-€130 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best budget location
Guest Review: “Spotlessly clean with the friendliest staff in Florence. The historic building adds character you rarely find at this price point.”
Hotel Dali
Via dell’Oriuolo, 17
This no-frills guesthouse offers clean, simple rooms just minutes from the Duomo. Some accommodations include kitchenettes, making this perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to save on dining expenses.
Pricing: €60-€110 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best value near Duomo
Guest Review: “Nothing fancy but has everything you need, and you can see the Duomo from some rooms.”
Family-Friendly Hotels
Palazzo Vecchietti
Via degli Strozzi, 4
This 16th-century noble residence offers spacious suites and apartments ideal for families. In-room kitchenettes, connecting rooms, and child-friendly staff make traveling with kids easier.
Pricing: €300-€600 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most apartment-like accommodations
Guest Review: “Having separate bedrooms and a kitchen saved our family trip. The staff arranged a wonderful kid-friendly cooking class.”
Residence Hilda
Via dei Servi, 40
These apartment-style accommodations near the Duomo offer full kitchens, washing machines, and plenty of space for families to spread out. The staff can arrange babysitting services and family-oriented activities.
Pricing: €160-€320 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best amenities for extended family stays
Guest Review: “Having a washing machine and kitchen when traveling with children was invaluable. The location made it easy to return for afternoon naps.”
Hotels with a View
Hotel Lungarno
Borgo San Jacopo, 14
Part of the Lungarno Collection (owned by the Ferragamo family), this elegant hotel directly overlooks the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. The nautical-inspired interiors house a remarkable art collection including works by Picasso and Cocteau.
Pricing: €350-€800 per night
Unique Selling Point: Most romantic river views
Guest Review: “Waking up to the view of the Ponte Vecchio was worth every euro. The riverside bar is magical at sunset.”
Grand Hotel Minerva
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16
This renovated historic hotel features a stunning rooftop pool and terrace offering panoramic views across Florence’s skyline to the Duomo and beyond. Modern rooms contrast beautifully with the historic setting.
Pricing: €200-€450 per night
Unique Selling Point: Best rooftop pool views
Guest Review: “Watching the sunset over Florence from the rooftop pool with a glass of Prosecco was a highlight of our trip.”
Beyond the Hotel: Enhancing Your Florentine Experience
Recommended Restaurants
- Osteria Santo Spirito: Authentic Tuscan cuisine in the charming Oltrarno district
- La Giostra: Family-run restaurant known for truffle dishes and celebrity sightings
- Mercato Centrale: Upstairs food court for casual dining among locals
- Il Latini: Traditional family-style dining with house wine and Florentine steak
Must-See Attractions
- The Vasari Corridor—the secret elevated passageway used by the Medici
- Bardini Gardens—less crowded than Boboli but equally stunning
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—housing original artworks from the cathedral
- San Miniato al Monte—for the best sunset views over Florence
Unique Experiences
- Morning cooking class at a historic palazzo
- Private after-hours tour of the Uffizi Gallery
- Artisan workshop visits in Oltrarno (leather, paper, mosaics)
- Wine tasting focusing on Super Tuscans and Chianti Classico
Practical Information for Your Stay
Best Time to Visit
- April-May and September-October: Ideal weather and slightly fewer crowds
- June-August: Hottest months with peak tourism
- November-March: Lower rates but variable weather and shorter opening hours
Transportation Options
- Florence Airport (FLR) is 30 minutes from the city center
- Taxis from the airport cost approximately €25
- The efficient tram system connects the airport to Santa Maria Novella station
- Most Florence attractions are walkable from central hotels
Useful Italian Phrases
- “Buongiorno/Buonasera” (Good morning/Good evening)
- “Grazie mille” (Thank you very much)
- “Dov’è il bagno?” (Where is the bathroom?)
- “Il conto, per favore” (The bill, please)
Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Florentine Adventure Awaits
Florence captivates with its unparalleled artistic heritage, culinary delights, and romantic atmosphere. Selecting the right hotel—whether it’s a luxury property near the Uffizi Gallery, a family-friendly accommodation in Oltrarno, or a boutique gem in a historic palazzo—creates the foundation for an extraordinary experience.
This renaissance city rewards those who linger, explore beyond the main attractions, and immerse themselves in the Florentine way of life. With the perfect hotel as your base, you’ll return from your travels with not just photographs but memories of magical moments that could only happen in Florence.
Book your Florence hotel today and prepare to fall in love with this timeless Italian masterpiece!
This guide is updated quarterly to ensure accuracy of information. Last updated: March 2025.