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 Florence Bed and Breakfast 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; if however you prefer something less hard on the pocket and more personal, homely and in many cases atmospheric, then there are a handful of extremely charming guesthouses or b&bs from which to choose. There are many others, of course, but you should beware of many of them: sparsely furnished rooms and formica topped tables are often the order of the day. Take our advice and stick to these tried and tested gems. The hotels are listed alphabetically and their order bears no reflection on our preference. |
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| Luxury: Atmospheric private palazzo overlooking the Duomo |
| Location: in Via dei Servi, on the corner of Piazza Duomo |
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| The stunning home of the Niccolini di Camugliano family, complete with fine furniture and frescoes on walls and ceilings, has been transformed into a very special ten-room hotel. Two suites have breathtaking views of the Duomo, others have high ceilings and fine beds, while the beautiful salon on the piano nobile makes the perfect setting for drinks before dinner (in the family's restaurant next door if you wish) and a memorable breakfast. A great find. |
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| Mid Price: Upmarket, traditionally furnished guesthouse in the city's best-known square |
| Location: just north of the Uffizi |
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| This upmarket guesthouse occupies the upper floors of a private house on the edge of Florence’s most famous piazza; several of the ten elegant rooms have views of the square, as well as the three apartments at the top of the building. Rooms are traditional and unfussy, with canopied beds or four posters, antiques and attractive fabrics, and lovely bathrooms. An excellent breakfast is served at a large table with views of the Piazza. A charming place, with owners, Sonia and Alessandro, to match. |
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| Mid Price: Handsome villa with five elegant rooms outside Florence |
| Location: south of Porta Romana, 10 minutes drive from the centre |
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| This mellow old villa and its gorgeous gardens, shaded by tall cypress trees, sit in the hills just south of the Arno, overlooking Florence. The five bedrooms are each different but all are furnished with taste and style; one has a spacious terrace with views of the city. There’s also a small pool. Owners Livia (descended from a distinguished family of originally Swiss hoteliers) and Lorenzo run their inherited house-turned-hotel with care. |
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| Mid Price: Stylish guest house near the Duomo |
| Location: close to Palazzo Pandolfini, 10 minutes walk south to the Duomo |
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| This absolutely charming guest house is located ten minutes walk from the Duomo and offers six airy rooms done out in pastel shades, two of which have four posters dressed in flowing fabrics. There are oriental rugs on old tiled floors and beautiful linen fabrics and antiques. Real care has gone into the furnishing of the rooms, which fresh and well cared for, as well as exceptionally pretty and homely. |
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| Mid Price: Chic, intimate B&B in an elegant Florentine mansion |
| Location: Near the Uffizi, Duomo and Via Tornabuoni |
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| Massimiliano Leonardi and Jennifer Howard’s latest venture opened in 2005 after two years of extensive renovation and joins their two B&Bs in Rome to complete a trio of heavenly guestouses. Hidden behind vast wooden doors, this one in Florence occupies a beautiful old palazzo. Inside, Jennifer’s talent as an interior designer is evident: each room is different, each equally stunning. There are fresh flowers in all and honesty bars on every floor. A real and very stylish home away from home. |
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| Mid Price: Country living within spitting distance of Florence’s sights |
| Location: In ample grounds on hillside three miles south of Porta Romana |
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| The Bulleri’s civilised guest house has the feel of a country house yet is in easy reach of the sights. Sun pours into the large living room where sofas, an open fire and an honesty bar encourage lingering while the nine bedrooms are decorated with stylish country fabrics, pristine white paintwork and dark parquet floors. Breakfast and light meals are served on a veranda, glassed in for colder weather. The attractive pool is a big asset. |
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| Mid Price: Hip, contemporary riverside suites |
| Location: On south bank of Arno, a 20 minute walk west of the Ponte Vecchio |
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| Cool, contemporary Riva Lofts which is nudging the 'luxury' price band, occupies a small complex of 19th-century artisan workshops on the Arno. The heart of the place is the big, open plan living room with its huge stone fireplace where the furniture is an eclectic mix of modern classics and vintage pieces. All but one of the nine suites have kitchens; the best rooms are two enormous, light-infused lofts. There’s a garden with pool, walks along the river and bikes for trips into town. |
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| Inexpensive: Charming, homely B&B with very pretty bedrooms |
| Location: Close to Accademia, 10 minutes walk from station, 5 to the Duomo |
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| The young owners of this delightful little B&B welcome guests as if into their own home. Rooms are all carefully and prettily decorated with taste and imagination; those on the ground floor, with access to the flowery patio, are quite luxurious: try the ’Theatre Suite’ occupying a tiny ex-playhouse complete with stage and several rows of seats, or the romantic Mirrors Suite. On the first floor, there are three bedrooms done out with antiques, majolica tiles and attractive fabrics. |
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| Inexpensive: Airy, homely B&B overlooking San Lorenzo |
| Location: Piazza San Lorenzo, five minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella station and 10 minutes to Accademia & Duomo. |
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| Don’t let the scruffy entrance, nor the (two) steep flights of steps put you off. Immaculate Canto de Nelli is haven of peace, far removed from the bustling leather market below. Owner Faride is a cultured, generous hostess and her breakfasts in the welcoming, homely kitchen/breakfast room or on the roof terrace are delicious. Light, airy bedrooms (with ensuite bathrooms) are simply yet attractively furnished, with crisp bedlinen and stunning views of the Basilica San Lorenzo. High standards and kind prices. |
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| Inexpensive: Great value for money in an elegant palazzo |
| Location: On busy street just east of the Duomo |
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| Palazzo Galletti occupies the first floor of an 18th century mansion. The weathered old cotto floors, lofty arched ceilings, elegant paintwork in soothing pastels, frescoes, the odd chandelier; all smack of a grand palazzo. But carefully chosen ethnic and contemporary design details add an alternative element. All but two of the nine lovely, spacious bedrooms face onto a quiet cortile and have a tiny terrace. The best rooms are the two vast, entirely frescoed suites. Great value. |
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| Inexpensive: Designer style and keen prices in a super central location |
| Location: On busy street between the Duomo and the Bargello |
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| The owners of this new, chic-yet-cheap accommodation set out to offer centrally-located stylish design, a personalised welcome and honest prices. If you want TV in your room, this place is 'Not 4 You', but the six eclectic, colour-themed rooms are comfortable, spacious and deliciously quirky. All have views of the historic centre of Florence and a private bathroom, equipped with a rain effect shower, towel warmer and hairdryer. Breakfast is served in your room at no extra charge. A charming and easy-going place to stay. |
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