Florence
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One of the most expensive cities in Italy in which to lay your head, the city compensates for this by the huge variety of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and hostels. Thankfully the chain hotels, present in so many tourist-orientated destinations, do not seem to have got a foothold here, and an increasing number of the best places to stay in Florence are independently run, many converted from large old family homes and palazzos.
Florence is a mecca for culture vultures and art lovers, and some of the best places to stay are ideally located for those who want to reach their chosen masterpiece in the blink of an eye, so that they can beat the queues.
For those who are less fussy, many of our picks for the best places to stay in Florence display their own art. Frescoes abound in the old palazzos and many are stuffed with antique furniture, creating an aura in which you can almost see yourself dining with the Medicis, or plotting alongside Machiavelli.
The centro storico of Florence is small and easy to get around on foot. Dubbed by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
As well as stunning art and architecture, there is plenty of retail therapy to be enjoyed too. Stroll down the Via de' Tornabuoni if designer labels are your thing or visit the mercato centrale and soak up the local atmosphere.
You can opt to be in the thick of things (and most of the best places to stay in Florence listed here are) or head for the hills that fringe the city where, especially in summer, you will find relief from the heat and dust (and maybe even a swimming pool) but remain within a pigeon's spit of the sights.
The Best Places to stay in Florence - Town Centre
Casa Howard is a chic B&B guesthouse also situated in 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 definitely has the feel of a home from home.
Palazzo Niccollini al Duomo is a fabulous property choc a block with original features and furniture, in an unbeatable location. Family owned and run, it is a spectacular residence overlooking the Duomo. There is no restaurant on site, but the family also own a restaurant, which happens to be next door.
The Best Places to stay in Florence – Outskirts
For families, the Marignolle Relais & Charm is a ten minute cab journey from central Florence and has an outside pool in a lush garden to plunge into when you return hot and dusty from the city.
Other top choices in the outskirts include the Pensione Bencista, a family run property in Fiesole. It offers stunning views over the city, lovely gardens and a brand new spa.
For a spot of understated luxury in the outskirts, book a room at the Villa San Michele. Converted from a 15th century monastery, it boasts glorious terraced gardens with breathtaking views over the city and a large pool.
Best Places to stay in Florence – Luxury
The Four Seasons Hotel housed in a Renaissance palazzo has got the lot - frescoes, elaborate stucco work, sculptures and grand public spaces. Deep pockets and the ability to walk the short distance back from the centre are essential.
For a lovely riverside location the Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno is perfect with elegant modern interiors.
For something with more of a boutique feel the JK Place Hotel with its excellent rooftop terrace would fit the bill. where all rooms are spacious suites.
Best Places to stay in Florence – B&Bs and Guesthouses
For our full list of the best B&Bs and guest houses in Florence see our separate collection.
The hip Riva Lofts located by the river, outside the central zone, offer guests bicycles to make the journey into the city.
The three star Loggiato dei Serviti has great value 'Room With A View' type bedrooms in a former convent.
The Antica Dimora is suitable for families and nearer the centre of town. The Villa Antea is a good value, quiet family run B & B in the North of the city.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Florence and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact
The best hotels in Florence
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Villa San Michele
Florence
Understated luxury in a 15th-century monastery, one of Italy's best hotels. Elegant, in superb grounds with views of Florence, fine dining and a panoramic pool.
46 rooms from $1127Views - Lovely views of Florence in the valley.Swimming Pool - 25m panoramic pool.Restaurant - Recommended.Cooking classes - Check for timings. -
Four Seasons Firenze
Florence
Unique frescoed palazzo in stunning gardens with a pool. Four Seasons luxury, off centre but pampering with a spa and fine dining. A haven.
116 rooms from $773Restaurant - Recommended.Swimming Pool - Outdoor with views of the gardensRomantic - Good for couples.SpaRecommended by - Kiwi Collection, Travel Intelligence -
Hotel Savoy
Florence
Luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, with stylish and contemporary rooms in an historic palazzo. Super central, fine dining, good for families.
102 rooms from $524Elegant - Styled by Olga PolizziRestaurant - Recommended.Sights nearby - Close to the Duomo, a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte VecchioViews - Great views from hotel -
Hotel Lungarno
Florence
Elegant and stylish riverside hotel with terrific views. The best rooms have terraces overlooking the Arno. Smart interior design and a lively bar and restaurant.
73 rooms from $472Views - Views of the river and the Ponte Vecchio.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
JK Place Hotel
Florence
Intimate and stylish boutique hotel with the feeling of a private house - understated luxury, discreet service, in a good position, quiet. Lovely rooftop terrace and suite.
20 rooms from $458Views - From the roof terrace.ChicRomantic - Good for couples.Full of characterRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Fodors, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels, Travel Intelligence -
Helvetia & Bristol
Florence
Old-style luxury with a hint of hip. Traditional grand dame, with belle epoque elegance, heavy in chintz and drapes. Excellent for families and close to designer shopping.
67 rooms from $417Designer Shopping - Via Tournabuoni steps away.Cooking classes - Special cookery packages availableSights nearby - A stone's throw from the DuomoFull of character -
Palazzo Magnani Feroni
Florence
Huge, luxurious suites with sitting rooms and frescos, and a stunning roof terrace in a magnificent palazzo south of the river. Elegant, historic, full of art - super romantic.
12 rooms from $367Roof terrace - With panoramic views across the city.Views - Great views from hotelSights nearby - 5 minutes walk from the Ponte VecchioRomantic - Good for couples. -
Continentale
Florence
A romantically decorated hotel. And yet, it is also a catwalk for the fashionable and the desired in the heart of Florence. Light open spaces, outdoor sitting areas with magnificent views, and a luxurious spa.
43 rooms from 279Elegant - Florentine architect Michele Bönan evokes harmony, simplicity, and fantasy.Views - Celestial views of Florence's skyline.Roof terrace - Magnificent Sky Lounge Bar.Chic -
Residenza d’Epoca in Piazza della Signoria
Florence
Upmarket, traditionally furnished guesthouse in the city's best-known square, with self catering apartments to rent as well. Great position, highly popular, with great bathrooms.
11 rooms from $327 -
Riva Lofts
Florence
Hip, contemporary riverside suites with an outdoor pool and bicycles for getting to the centre (30 mins walk). Many suites have kitchens. Designer chic, a tranquil haven from the bustle.
8 rooms from $275Bicycles available - Collection of cycles for guests' useViews - Views of the Arno.Swimming Pool - Outdoor.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors. -
Loggiato dei Serviti
Florence
Delightful, antique filled hotel in a former convent. Great value, romantic 'room with a view' bedrooms, spacious and full of character.
43 rooms from $269Views - Views across to Brunelleschi's Ospedale degli InnocentiFull of characterRomantic - Good for couples.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Frommers -
Grand Hotel Villa Cora
Florence
Exclusive Baroque splendour in Florence with beautiful pool and landscaped gardens. Luxurious bedrooms and starred restaurant.
46 rooms from $322Bar - Popular with locals.Four poster beds - For romantics.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Kiwi Collection, Mr & Mrs Smith -
Pensione Bencistà
Florence
Endearing, traditional and full of character and antiques, this family run pensione is out of town in Fiesole, but a great choice in the heat of summer, with charming gardens and a new spa.
40 rooms from $207Garden - Beautiful terraced gardens overlooking Florence.Views - Great views from hotelRomantic - Good for couples.SpaRecommended by - Frommers -
Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo
Florence
Exceptional and historic private palazzo overlooking the Duomo. Antiques, family portraits and frescos, authentic and full of character. A spectacular residence.
10 rooms from $196Exclusive offer - Maximise your stayAntiques - Stuffed full of antiques with wall and ceiling frescoes and family portraits galoreViews - Spectacular views of the Duomo from suites.ElegantFull of characterRecommended by - Sawdays -
Marignolle Relais & Charme
Florence
Relaxed country retreat with pool 10 minutes by cab from central Florence, a great choice for families and in summer. Pretty country house feel, lovely gardens.
9 rooms from $170 -
Palazzo Galletti
Florence
Great value for money in an elegant palazzo, with two lovely frescoed suites, the rest semi contemporary. Spacious rooms, quiet, away from the bustle.
11 rooms from $157Artworks - Contemporary art is exhibited throughout the PalazzoSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Local markets - Good for local colour.Recommended by - Travel Intelligence -
Casa Howard
Florence
Super chic and intimate B&B in an elegant Florentine palazzo, run by textile designers. Each room different, some small, but all stylish. Central location, a magical stay.
13 rooms from $147Exclusive offer - Florentine break - Save 50%Designer - Uniquely designed interiors.Full of characterSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - I Escape, Travel Intelligence -
Villa Antea
Florence
Tranquil bed and breakfast in a lovely villa with elegant interiors in the north of the city, great value with spacious rooms. Charming and family run, with parking.
6 rooms from $144Owner managed - Been in the same family since 1887Off centre - 15 minute walk to the centre.Full of characterRecommended by - Sawdays -
Villa Rucellai
Florence
Family run bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Florence, in an 18th century villa, with its own vines and olive groves. Full of family antiques and pictures. Simple comforts, full of character. A wonderful countryside spot from which to explore the region.
11 rooms from $131Full of characterSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci
Florence
Two floors of a converted 15th-century palazzo with an Edwardian feel, just off the main centre. Creaky floors, antiques, traditional rooms with views, surrounded by designer shops.
50 rooms from 100 -
Antica Dimora Firenze
Florence
Charming and stylish guest house in a great location near the Duomo, with antiques, four posters and pretty decorative details. Homely, good value and suitable for families.
6 rooms from $131 -
Relais Grand Tour & Suites
Florence
Charming, homely B&B with pretty bedrooms attached to an old 18th century theatre. Family pictures/antiques. Central position for sights. Breakfast in a cafe close by.
65 rooms from $126Local markets - Close to San Lorenzo Market.Sights nearby - Next to the Accademia.Recommended by - Sawdays -
N4U
Florence City Center
Brightly styled with keen prices in a super central b+b. Art deco touches with eclectic antiques add character. Spacious, quirky and good value, with some large frescoed rooms.
5 rooms from $88Designer Shopping - Steps from the Via Roma and Via dei CalzaiuoliSights nearby - One minute from the DuomoFour poster beds - For romantics.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Hermitage
Florence
Fabulous views over the top of the Ponte Vecchio and across the 'Centro storico'. Compact elegant rooms, filled with antiques. Lovely sitting room and roof terrace breakfasts.
Roof terrace - With spectacular views.Views - From most of the rooms.Sights nearby - Could not be more central.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Frommers
