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 Florence Hotels
Florence is one of the most expensive cities in Italy in which to lay your head, but this is compensated for by the sheer variety of what is on offer. There is also a merciful lack of the chain hotels present in so many tourist-orientated destinations these days. We have divided the best of the city's accommodation into two lists: Hotels and Guest Houses/B&Bs. If you require full facilities and services (porters, 24-hour room service, a bar and maybe a restaurant, laundry and so on), you are probably better off in a hotel and you can choose between small, family-run outfits, elegant, traditional-style luxury, and chic designer hotels. The centro storico of Florence is small and easy to get around on foot. You can opt to be in the thick of things (and most of the places listed here are, indeed, centrally located) 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. Whatever your choice, it pays to shop around; many hotels offer significant discounts in low season. The hotels are listed alphabetically and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Nicky Swallow |
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| Luxury: Old-style luxury with a hint of hip |
| Location: In the city centre between Piazza della Repubblica and Via Tornabuoni |
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| This historic hotel opened for business in the late 1800s. Energetic new management has recently breathed fresh life into the old girl and while the atmosphere of old-fashioned luxury remains, there’s a distinctly hip edge to the place now. So next to the fine antiques, paintings and fabrics, you’ll find cool jazz on the sound system and fluffy duvets and flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms. The lovely belle-époque Winter Garden hasn’t changed; breakfast is served here in cool weather. |
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| Luxury: Luxurious hotel in the heart of the city |
| Location: Piazza della Repubblica, close to the duomo |
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| Once the Savoy emerged, sparkling, from a comprehensive refurbishment, its rooms became pale havens of luxury with exquisite bedlinen, furnishings, art and the latest technology. A range of Italian and classic dishes are on offer at its first-class restaurant, L’Incontro, whose tables spill out into lively Piazza della Repubblica in summer. And its location - near all the major sights, best shops and a choice of bars and cafés - is unrivalled. |
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| Luxury: Elegant and traditional with terrific views of the river |
| Location: on the south bank of the Arno, just west of the Ponte Vecchio |
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| The most coveted rooms in this stylish, Ferragamo-owned hotel have terraces overlooking the Arno; public rooms, too, have marvellous river views. Antique pieces and a fine collection of prints lend a traditional touch to the smart cream and navy blue colour scheme. There's a sophisticated bar, an excellent restaurant and a consistent buzz amongst the glossy guests. Above all, it's position on the river, within easy reach of all the major sights, is hard to beat. |
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| Luxury: Luxurious suites and a stunning roof terrace in a grand palazzo |
| Location: Just south of the river near Santa Maria del Carmine |
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| This grand palazzo situated in the Bohemian Oltrarno area was the owner’s family home until recently. Now it is a luxurious, suite-only hotel offering top-class service and facilities to go with the atmosphere. All but one of the spacious suites have sitting rooms furnished with antiques, squashy sofas and armchairs. The smallest – and most romantic – room is entirely frescoed and has a little private garden. The fabulous roof terrace offers views of the whole city. |
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| Luxury: Stylish boutique hotel with a surprisingly friendly feel |
| Location: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, close to the station, west of the Duomo |
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| This intimate boutique hotel is regularly cited as being one of Florence’s best, and rightly so. It combines neo-classical designer panache, understated luxury and a cool vibe with professional yet genuinely friendly service. Its 20 rooms vary from cosy dens to the spacious rooftop suite which has amazing 360° views. There's also a rooftop terrace more reminiscent of Capri (where sister hotel JK Capri has recently opened) than Florence. A truly chic, sexy hotel. |
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| Luxury: Understated luxury in a 15th-century monastery |
| Location: Just below Fiesole with unrivalled views of Florence |
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| Occupying a 15th-century monastery that nestles in a spectacular terraced garden with unrivalled views of Florence, this is one of Italy’s most famous (and expensive) hotels. The style throughout is of understated, luxurious elegance which enhances rather than interferes with the intoxicating aura of the past. The views down to the city are splendid: dinner under the loggia at sunset is an unforgettable experience. Immaculate service completes the picture. |
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| Mid Price: Two floors of a converted 15th-century palazzo with an Edwardian feel |
| Location: corner of Via Tornabuoni and Piazza Santa Trinita |
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| Occupying the top two floors of a 15th-century palazzo, this special hotel, with its creaky floors and antique furniture, has an Edwardian feel to it – fans of E.M. Foster's Room with a View will find it a close approximation of the guesthouse described in the novel – in spite of being located in designer shop-land. Many of the rooms have a view, but none so great as the lovely roof terrace where meals are served in summer. |
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| Mid Price: Delightful, beautifully decorated hotel in a former convent |
| Location: Piazza SS Annunziata, north of the duomo |
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| This is our favourite three-star hotel in central Florence, in an exceptionally memorable location. Occupying an ex-convent in one porticoed corner of the Piazza SS Annunziata, it has views across the square to Brunelleschi's famous Ospedale degli Innocenti and is filled with lovely antiques and gorgeous fabrics. Charm, class and character by the bucketful. |
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| Mid Price: Medieval palazzo with a rooftop bar |
| Location: between Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinità |
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| This pleasant, vaguely arty three-star hotel enjoys a great location near the chic, designer shops of Via Tornabuoni. It occupies a Medieval palazzo that boasts the tallest privately-owned tower in Florence; there’s a bar up top for sunset aperitivi. The bedrooms are done out in pastel colours; some have wrought iron four posters. Our favourite is no 15, a romantic little den with its own roof garden. First floor rooms are simpler and a little cheaper, but some are quite dark. |
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| Mid Price: Fabulous views over the top of the Ponte Vecchio |
| Location: On the north bank of the Arno by the Ponte Vecchio |
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| The Hermitage enjoys a fantastic location practically on top of the Ponte Vecchio. The reception and public rooms are at the top of the building; the flower-filled roof terrace (where breakfast is served in summer) commands unrivalled views of the city while the sitting room and bar look directly down onto Italy’s most famous bridge. The 28 bedrooms are all elegant and comfortable although some are small. Those at the back are quieter but are without 'The View'. |
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| Mid Price: Endearing, traditional and full of character and antiques |
| Location: just south of Fiesole, 5km outside Florence |
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| If you want the benefit of Florence’s art treasures without the traffic and crowds, the old-fashioned, family-run Bencistà is a good choice. Situated just under Fiesole in beautiful terraced gardens overlooking Florence, it is filled with antiques and quirky corners. No two bedrooms are alike; try and book one with a view. A long time favourite of ours...long may it continue in just the same vein. |
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