Best Hotels in Florence

Irene restaurant and bar, spa suite with facials by Officina Profumo Farmaceutico di Santa Maria Novella, fitness center with Technogym equipment

It’s hard to beat this five-star hotel right in the center of the action on Piazza della Repubblica. The restaurant, Irene, serves Tuscan cuisine by acclaimed chef Fulvio Pierangelini with tables on the terrace overlooking the piazza. Rooms and suites boast a lovely classic-meets-contemporary design that the Rocco Forte brand is known for, with botanical wallpaper, marble bathrooms, and colorful textiles by Laudomia Pucci. But what keeps guests coming back is the attentive service by the welcoming staff, especially the in-the-know concierge team.

Buffet breakfast included, honor bar, helpful concierge, clawfoot bathtub in some rooms

Just across the river from Florence’s historic center is Oltrarno, a neighborhood where locals go to escape the crowds. That’s where you’ll find this beautiful B&B, on the top two floors of an 18th-century building. Calligrapher Betty Soldi, designers Matteo and Marco Perduca, and architect Francesco Maestrelli infused the place with eclectic style, featuring vintage furniture, antique chandeliers, old maps, and neon signs. There’s no restaurant, but the concierge can suggest some great spots in the neighborhood or book you a table at Regina Bistecca, run by Soldi and her partners, which serves fantastic bistecca fiorentina or Florentine style beefsteak.

Il Palagio, Atrium Bar, Magnolia Bistro, Al Fresco and Pool Tree Bar, a picturesque outdoor pool and whirlpool, a spa with steam room, and 11-acre park

Occupying the Palazzo della Gherardesca, this opulent hotel dazzles with original frescoes and architectural details that date back to the Renaissance. About a 15-minute walk from the main sights, it’s set in an 11-acre park with a modern swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and lovely gardens. Il Palagio, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is the place to indulge in a romantic dinner. The concierge can also set up exclusive experiences like a hot air balloon ride and picnic, vineyard visits, and even a private dinner in a 15th-century palazzo where Leonardo Da Vinci lived.

La Loggia gourmet restaurant, Ristorante San Michele, Bar San Michele, Pool Grill, wine cellar, outdoor pool, lovely gardens, complimentary shuttle to Florence, activities for kids

Housed in a Renaissance monastery designed by an architect inspired by Michelangelo, this five-star hotel is a favorite for multi-generation family reunions. Perched in the hills of Fiesole, about 20 minutes from the center of Florence, it’s a good choice for a tranquil escape in a bucolic setting. There are 22 rooms in the main building and larger suites surrounding the gardens. La Limonaia—the old lemon tree house—comprises three suites that, if booked together, can accommodate up to nine people. There are plenty of activities for kids, both on and off the property, including a pizza-making class and treasure hunt at Palazzo Vecchio.

Il Magnifico restaurant, Butterfly Terrace, well equipped gym, wine fridge in all rooms

Housed in the 13th-century Palazzo Minerbetti on Florence’s most upscale shopping street, this intimate new hotel boasts a stunning design with playful touches like roundels featuring screenprinted animals and insects. Each floor has rooms and suites with a different color scheme and some suites boast original frescoes. You might also have two queen beds in a room — quite unusual in Italy — and with a comfortable sofa bed can sleep up to five people. For now, only the ground-floor restaurant and bar are open, but you can order a drink downstairs and bring it up to the tranquil rooftop terrace. 

San Paolino restaurant, Companion cocktail bar, Alimentari casual cafe, billiards room, 25Hours things shop, cinema, Finnish sauna, on-site parking, free minibar, bikes available for rent

From the moment you enter, this hotel is full of eye candy at every turn. The design by renowned designer Paola Navone was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, so you can stay in heaven (white rooms) or hell (red rooms). If you have a preference, be sure to note it. The main restaurant has a funky greenhouse vibe, with enormous plants and terrazzo tables, and there are comfy sofas for lounging both inside and in the courtyard garden. Be sure to explore thoroughly: there’s a billiard room with a pool table and lots of books, a cinema with plush armchairs, a spa area with a Finnish sauna, and a shop with unique souvenirs. 

Borgo San Jacopo, Picteau Bistrot & Bar

Of the four hotels in Florence owned by the Ferragamo family, this one feels the most classic. The navy blue and white color scheme gives it a bit of a nautical vibe, like a yacht floating on the Arno. You’ll have to pay a premium for river views, but if cost is no concern, book the Rooftop Terrace Suite, which has 360-degree panoramic vistas that stretch from the Duomo to Palazzo Pitti. You’ll also enjoy Arno views at Picteau Bistrot & Bar, which has a great selection of creative and classic cocktails. The tasting menus at the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo are perfect for a romantic dinner. 

ANGEL Roofbar & Dining, fitness center, small pool

This intimate boutique hotel has 38 stylish rooms with original stone walls, Art Deco influences, and pops of color. The bathrooms are especially eye-catching thanks to the herringbone tiles. But perhaps its biggest selling point is the fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant. In the morning, guests get the rooftop all to themselves for breakfast with a view, while in the evening it becomes animated with locals who flock there for creative cocktails and Italian cuisine amped up with Israeli flavors. 

Breakfast room/lounge open all day, honor bar, parking spots with advance reservation

Run by Betty Soldi and the team behind Oltrarno Splendid, this lovely B&B is a great choice for a quiet, romantic stay in Florence if you don’t mind a bit of a walk. Tucked away on the first and second floors of a noble palazzo in Oltrarno, it has an authentic, local feel and overlooks the splendid Giardino Torrigiani. Surrounded by original frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, and vintage finds, you’ll feel like guests of the marquis who still live on the ground floor of the palace.