If ever there was a must-visit location in Italy, Florence it is and with so many areas and hotspots to choose from, choosing the best hotels in Florence can be a minefield. Luckily, we have collated a list of the top ones and reviewed them just for you.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of central Italy’s largest cities. A great centre of medieval Europe, it is considered by some to be the home of the Italian Renaissance. Its sights include the Duomo, with its famed terracotta dome, and its beautiful city centre, including the Piazza della Signoria. Views from the Piazzale Michelangelo are considered some of the best cityscapes in all of Italy.
Florence also hosts one of the world’s largest fashion fairs each year, meaning the city caters to every taste: you’ll find a mix of high-end 5-star hotels, modern design apartments, or smaller boutique hotels with pools and rooftop bars to liven up your visit. Our best luxury hotels in Florence have it all.
Our Guide to the Best Hotels in Florence
Hotel La Gemma
This brand-new hotel is set to be the BEST 5-star hotel in all of Florence. It has been a long time in the making for Hotel La Gemma, but now, within the historic walls of the 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, the legacy of the Cecchi family unfolds.
Offering 39 rooms and suites, the hotel is set over five floors and has a restaurant run by a Michelin-star chef, a full spa including a hammam and sauna, a swimming pool and a bistro for informal dining. The interior of La Gemma Hotel is a visual masterpiece. Its botanical-print silk-screen walls, bespoke furnishings with Art Deco influences, and a cosmopolitan lounge create an ambience that blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The luxurious stay is complete with accommodation that defines comfort and opulence. Whether you decide on a standard room or one of the signature rooms, you'll have every convenience at your fingertips.
“I cannot WAIT to visit the La Gemma again!”
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25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino
The perfect base for young travellers or seasoned sightseers. This modern hotel is the ideal spot for young couples or as a base for exploring the area. Beautifully elegant with a touch of Bohemian, it’s situated near the old town of Florence and is ideal for those looking for a luxurious night’s sleep.
It has a gym and small boutique on the ground floor, while the indie shops of Florence are just a short walk away.
“I love how the feel of this hotel vibes with my chilled approach to travelling.”
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Dimora Palanca
Aptly described as a Unique Art Experience Hotel, the Dimora Palanca oozes culture. This sympathetically restored 19th-century villa is home to countless pieces of artwork, both traditional and contemporary. Reflecting this in the interiors, the design of the rooms and lobbies is masterfully done.
The courtyard garden and Conservatory make for a beautiful backdrop to an al-fresco lunch.
“The artwork in our room was simply stunning. It felt exceptional to be able to share the space with something so splendid.”
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Torre a Cona Wine Estate
The imposing building on the family estate is a wine lovers’ dream destination. Set up high on the Florence hills is the Torre a Cona wine estate. The 18th-century villa is surrounded by chianti vineyards, olive groves and carefully manicured lawns.
The farmhouse is now an elegant hotel, although it’s clear the true love is still very much the winery. Both the rooms and the private villas offer outstanding views of the winery, and the restaurant has curated the entire menu around the pairings of the house wines.
“Taking a stroll around the winery in the dusk of a cool evening was the perfect way to finish the day.”
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Arte' Boutique Hotel
Overlooking the Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, The Arte Boutique Hotel has amazing views. With every room a unique design, the Arte Boutique Hotel is a homage to creative genius both in terms of interior design and architecture.
Filled with light colours and natural materials, each room has a different feel about it. Fully up to date with technology, each room has a smartphone which can be used to make free international calls and to search for local tourist information.
“The bed was so comfortable, and the furniture in our room was next-level opulent.”
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Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d'Epoca
The Palazzo Ridolfi stays true to the ancient heritage of Florentine history. Bringing a taste of 15th-century nobility to their interiors, the Palazzo Ridolfi blends modernity and heritage to create a truly luxurious setting.
The enormous rooms are fitted with parquet flooring, crisp linens and dark furniture. Take a champagne breakfast in your room, or a whole host of bistros are just a few minutes walk from the front entrance.
“I can’t get over how big the rooms are. Honestly, I could fit my whole family in there!”
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Alfieri Signature Suites – Alfieri Collezione
The Signature Suites by Alfieri are a mix of Florentine details on a backdrop of simple elegance. The Signature Suites pride themselves on giving their guests the most opulent ambience in Florence and cater solely for VIP guests.
With a jacuzzi in every room, parquet flooring made from local wood and sleek contemporary furniture, these rooms are as much a wonder of Florence as the tourist attractions.
“Treating ourselves to the VIP treatment whilst in a beautiful city is just the icing on the cake.”
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Palazzo Alfieri Residenza D'Epoca – Alfieri Collezione
The main hotel, which also houses Private Suites, is The Palazzo Alfieri Residenza D’Epoca. Overlooking the Arno River and embodying the heritage of the city, but with a contemporary flair, this hotel has a range of suites and rooms a short walk from some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Uffizi Museum, Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Ponte Vecchio.
With a buffet-style breakfast and several meeting room options, this hotel is useful for both sightseeing and for business travel.
“The building is magnificent. I felt exceptional, stepping out of it each day to see the sights of Florence.”
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Palazzo Guicciardini
The ideal location for sightseeing in Florence, the Palazzo Guicciardini is a great hotel on to base your trip on. Filled with elegant furnishings and Renaissance frescoes, the rooms at the Palazzo Guicciardini are also kitted out with some of the latest technology, too.
Tastefully furnished and in the centre of the Oltrarno district, this hotel is a great spot for those wanting to visit the Palazzo Pitti Basilica of Santo Spirito and the Uffizi Museum.
“We came with a particularly packed agenda planned, so I’m pleased we were able to have a haven to head back to after a busy day’s sightseeing.”
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Hotel Bernini Palace
The Hotel Bernini Palace is a regal delight behind a 15th-century façade. This hotel infuses noble elegance with contemporary comforts and combines both to create a masterful décor. With famous names and notable faces frequenting the Bernini, it’s no surprise that their customer service surpasses even the most regal of royal homes.
With rooms decorated to match that of the palace’s history and an ever-attentive team of staff, the Hotel Bernini Palace is an experience like no other.
“Nothing was too big an ask for the concierge service. They surpassed my expectations with every request.”
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Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Set just outside of the bustle of the city, the Four Seasons is a tranquil retreat. The Four Seasons has a certain standard to live up to, and at the Four Seasons Florence, this standard is exceeded time after time. Home to the city’s biggest private garden, where you will find statues, fountains and architectural details.
This hotel not only exudes grandeur but is also home to a Michelin-star restaurant and a city-renowned exclusive spa. Not only is this hotel an ideal base for sightseeing but it is also a perfect hideaway for those wanting a longer holiday.
“The gardens are stunning and not something I expected to see so close to the city centre.”
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Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione
Open since 1885, Helvetia & Bristol is one of the oldest running hotels in Florence. This small but perfectly formed hotel in the heart of Florence is home to 25 rooms and suites, which have all been designed by interior designer Anouska Hempel.
A range of internal courtyards and private terraces make this urban hotel a unique stay. The award-winning spa is top-class, and the eateries have a wide range of menus and cuisines to choose from.
“The interiors are just astonishing; I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this outside of an Interior Design magazine.”
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Ville Sull'Arno
Standing tall on the banks of the Arno, the Ville Sull’Arno is a 5-star marvel. Having been painstakingly renovated to create the elegant 5-star resort that we find today, the Ville Sull’Arno is a wonder for all the senses.
The rooms have been sympathetically decorated to create a traditional grandeur, and the grounds are beautifully manicured and staged. The Ristorante Flora e Fauno is managed by chef Kevin Mazzolin and uses only local and traditional ingredients.
“I cannot commend the staff highly enough. They were so helpful and really did help me when I was in a bind.”
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Relais Santa Croce, By Baglioni Hotels, Florence, Italy
This noble mansion stands head and shoulders above the rest in Santa Croce. The Santa Croce Hotel was built in the mid-1700s and has been impeccably renovated recently to create an intimate and lavish hotel. Famous for its creative guests and frequent visiting artists, this hotel takes the vibrancy of the area and brings it into every guest.
The Guelfi and Ghibellini restaurant is a favourite with locals, and the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri is a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
“We love the vibe of Santa Croce and so staying here was the obvious choice. It did not disappoint!”
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Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
Exemplifying the Renaissance feel of Florence, the Hotel Savoy is, as you would expect, a cut above the rest. In the true 5-star luxury that we have come to expect with The Savoy, this hotel does class on a different level from the rest. Sat alongside the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Via de Tornabuoni, The Savoy, in all its grandeur and nobility, reflects the Renaissance heritage that the area is known for.
The suites are tastefully furnished, while the lobbies are a more regal affair. The restaurant Irene and Irene Bar serves the most exquisite food, while the Spa allows you to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of Florence.
“The Hotel Savoy never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times I visit.”
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Villa Cora
The breathtaking epitome of Florentine splendour, this is Villa Cora. Gilded mirrors, frescoes and silk curtains adorn the interiors. You might also be impressed by the gardens with fountains, a white stone pool surrounded by marble statues and plush white lounge sofas.
The subterranean spa with hammam and the fine-dining restaurant, Il Pacha, are skillfully lined up, and a private chauffeur will drive you around Tuscany if you wish. Any other wishes?
“An impressive place to enjoy the magnificence of Florence. This hotel offers luxury in every sense of the word. Proof of this is the chauffeur who will be waiting to take you on a tour of the city.”
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The Place Firenze
More of a private town house than a hotel, the romantic The Place captivated us with details like a cosy library and freshly baked cakes for afternoon tea. The three rooms of the Lounge, a pink basement bar and the terrace, which extends onto the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, are the focus of the spacious house.
But the jewel in the crown, we think, is the rooftop terrace with its loungers. Newlyweds and romantics appreciate this place for its legendary sunsets with a view of the impressive cathedral – and now, we do too. Fancy a sundowner?
“Ideal setting for a romantic getaway. Beautifully designed interiors lend themselves to honeymooners' trips. Sunset views from the terrace are not to be missed.”
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Soprarno Suites
With only 10 suites, the Soprarno is known for its contemporary style. Whimsical works of art adorn the rooms. While the classic floors are convincing, the designer furniture and freestanding bathtubs are all the more exclusive. The modern painted ceilings and the original frescoes on the walls blend together.
An extensive breakfast awaits you, and its location – away from the tourist crowds, close to the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens – allows for relaxed days in Florence. Who doesn't dream of that?
“Exclusive residence for a quiet and peaceful stay in Florence. Away from the tourists but with an unbeatable location, it invites travellers who are looking for relaxation during their visit.”
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Gallery Hotel Art
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the cradle of art and design. The Gallery Hotel Art embraces this, with contemporary black-and-white photographs of the city. New artists are always featured in the guest rooms and lobby, with changing exhibitions of modern art.
We recommend a visit to the in-house Fusion Bar and Restaurant. Here, Peruvian and Japanese Nikkei cuisine are combined, a rather rare concept in Florence and the creative cocktails also border on a fusion between the arts – our favourite is the Fusion 75, a mix of gin, lemongrass, lime juice and champagne. Delicious!
“This hotel is for the demanding taste connoisseur. Its cocktails and fusion menu offers an extra point for visiting this great Italian city.”
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The St. Regis Florence
Extraordinary stays are yours at the St. Regis Florence Hotel, housed in a 15th-century palace designed by Brunelleschi himself. Everything here is pure opulence. Stained-glass ceilings, hand-carved woodwork and antique furniture, adorn the spacious guest rooms and suites, which are decorated in Renaissance Medici style. Coffered ceilings, massive frescoes and burgundy brocades tell the tale.
Our tip: enjoy the 24-hour butler service and Bentley fleet at your disposal for a truly royal flair.
“The Florence experience doubles its bet if you choose to stay in this Renaissance-style hotel. Stay like a royal family with 24-hour butler service. Highly recommended.”
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Continentale
The cool retro-design hotel Continentale is first class. Period. The lobby, inspired by the 1950s, with photos of Audrey Hepburn and accents of powder pink, exudes Hollywood glamour.
The Relax Room, with comfortable daybeds, offers grand views of the Ponte Vecchio for those seeking retreat. The oversized elevator, stocked with sofas, feels more like a living room, and the lively rooftop bar attracts both locals and guests, but especially lovers of impeccable style. Need we say more?
“An inviting refuge for relaxation and the chance to mingle with the locals in its spectacularly designed bar. Hollywood glamour of the 1950s offers a different perspective about Florence.”
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Portrait Firenze
Fresh flowers, lovely details, free bikes to explore the area, a chic restaurant with a direct view of the Ponte Vecchio. This is the boutique hotel Portrait Firenze, located directly on the Arno River.
To us, it looks like a private designer house. The interior is expectedly elegant with silver, gold, cream and grey tones, Danish Modern chairs, cashmere blankets and framed fashion prints. The excellent brunch at Caffe dell'Oro gets an extra star from us.
“Excellent location, clean design and the view of the Arno river make this hotel a place to stay.”
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UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze
A classic Tuscan façade houses the extraordinary UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze in Florence. Postmodern design is the theme. Walls covered and panelled with black leather and fuchsia felt await you. The bathrooms beguile with black and white tiles, purple washbasins and doors.
Life-size silkscreen portraits of the most prominent personalities of the Renaissance are emblazoned everywhere. It’s an aesthetic continued in the in-house restaurant, whose eye-catcher is a cool S-shaped communal table. The more, the merrier.
“This hotel is for the adventurous. Vibrant colours everywhere and a rebellious design invite you to an extravagant stay. A place to be surprised.”
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Hotel Lungarno
The Hotel Lungarno is one of Florence's most sophisticated establishments. With classic décor and stunning views from the room balconies, the house offers unique comfort. Fresh coffee is served in the bright living room lounge. The walls are lined with over 400 original works from Cocteau, to Picasso, to Bueno.
The Michelin-starred restaurant Borgo San Jacopo offers pure excellence, and if you get a seat on the terrace along the river, you've hit the jackpot.
“Breathtaking views to enjoy the freshly brewed coffee as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant. This hotel is for the most discerning guests.”
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The Best Hotels in Florence: a Short Sum-up
If you are planning to visit Florence soon and are looking for a little touch of luxury to enjoy your holiday that little bit more, then why not explore further some of our best hotels in Florence, Italy, picks?
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Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Editorial Team
