Europe Italy Best Hotels in Florence Hotel Savoy, Rocco Forte Hotel is our top choice By Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Freelance Writer & Editor Instagram Twitter Columbia University Smith College Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. Her writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, and other publications. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/13/22 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The cradle of the Renaissance and capital of Tuscany, Florence is one of Italy’s top must-visit cities. And though it’s a small city, it has an impressive array of top-notch hotels ranging from five-star properties from internationally renowned brands to independent boutique hotels filled with character. Luckily, because the historic center is so compact, you’ll never be too far from the main sights. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find the right hotel for you on our expert list of the best hotels in Florence. 9 Best Hotels in Florence of 2023 Best Overall: Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel Best Budget: Oltrarno Splendid Best Luxury: Four Seasons Firenze Best for Families: Belmond Villa San Michele Best Boutique: IL Tornabuoni Best Design: 25Hours Piazza San Paolino Best Views: Hotel Lungarno Best Scene: Hotel Calimala Best B&B: AdAstra Best Hotels in Florence View All Best Hotels in Florence Our Top Picks Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel Oltrarno Splendid Four Seasons Firenze Belmond Villa San Michele IL Tornabuoni 25Hours Piazza San Paolino Hotel Lungarno Hotel Calimala AdAstra See More (6) Final Verdict Compare the Best Hotels in Florence Methodology Best Overall : Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It The super-central location on Piazza della Repubblica, lovely design, excellent restaurant, and superb service make this a standout. Notable Amenities Irene restaurant and bar, spa suite with facials by Officina Profumo Farmaceutico di Santa Maria Novella, fitness center with Technogym equipment Pros Central location in the heart of Florence Restaurant by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini Classic-meets-contemporary design Cons Pricey, especially in high season Small lobby without much space to sit 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. Best Budget : Oltrarno Splendid Oltrarno Splendid See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It This charming B&B has a quirky, vintage style in artsy Oltrarno across the river from the historic center. Notable Amenities Buffet breakfast included, honor bar, helpful concierge, clawfoot bathtub in some rooms Pros Design has a personal touch Location in a charming neighborhood removed from the crowds Walkable distance to attractions like Ponte Vecchio Cons No full-service restaurant Front desk only staffed until 7:30pm 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. Best Luxury : Four Seasons Firenze Four Seasons Firenze See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It This luxurious hotel occupies a Renaissance palace with extensive gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and much more. Notable Amenities 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 Pros Luxuriously appointed rooms and suites Guests have full access to the extensive gardens 4 restaurants and bars, including a Michelin-starred restaurant White glove service Cons Everything is very expensive 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. Best for Families : Belmond Villa San Michele Belmond Villa San Michele See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It Just outside of Florence in the hills of Fiesole, this luxurious hotel has plenty of space for families and activities for kids. Notable Amenities 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 Pros Tranquil location with fantastic views of Florence Lots of outdoor space for families to roam La Limonaia can house up to 9 people Four restaurants and bars offer variety Cons Very expensive Closes in the winter Bathrooms could use a renovation 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. Best Boutique : IL Tornabuoni IL Tornabuoni See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It This beautiful new hotel is a chic retreat on Florence’s most upscale shopping street. Notable Amenities Il Magnifico restaurant, Butterfly Terrace, well equipped gym, wine fridge in all rooms Pros Great location surrounded by designer boutiques Gorgeous design with original frescoes in some suites Excellent food and drinks Friendly, helpful staff Cons Gourmet restaurant currently only open for private events $100 fee for pets 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. Best Design : 25Hours Piazza San Paolino 25Hours Piazza San Paolino See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It A colorful, kitschy design, central location, and buzzy restaurant are the main reasons to stay, but there are lots of fun surprises too. Notable Amenities 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 Pros Instagrammable aesthetic by renowned designer Paola Navone Good location near the main sights Lots of convivial public spaces Cons Restaurant is a bit hit or miss Decor in the red rooms isn’t for everyone 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. Best Views : Hotel Lungarno Hotel Lungarno See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It For classic luxury and incredible views of the Arno River, this five-star hotel owned by the Ferragamo family is a solid choice. Notable Amenities Borgo San Jacopo, Picteau Bistrot & Bar Pros Many rooms have fantastic views of the Arno Two restaurants offer casual and gourmet cuisine Tasteful, nautical-inspired design Incredible art collection includes a Picasso Guests get a discount at the Ferragamo boutique and privileged access to the Ferragamo Museum Cons No spa or gym on-site Some guests complain about noise Not all rooms have great views 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. Best Scene : Hotel Calimala Hotel Calimala See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It The hotel’s rooftop bar draws hip locals and travelers for cocktails and Israeli-influenced Italian cuisine with fantastic views. Notable Amenities ANGEL Roofbar & Dining, fitness center, small pool Pros Great location in the center of it all Fabulous rooftop bar/restaurant Cool modern design Cons Some rooms are quite small It can be noisy at night 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. Best B&B : AdAstra AdAstra See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It You’ll feel like a local in this lovely B&B inside a noble palazzo tucked away in Oltrarno. Notable Amenities Breakfast room/lounge open all day, honor bar, parking spots with advance reservation Pros Quiet location far from the crowds Inside a noble palazzo flanked by gardens Eclectic design Cons No on-site restaurant Front desk not staffed after 7:30pm No pets allowed 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. Final Verdict Choosing the right hotel in Florence depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. Ready to splurge on one of the city’s most luxurious properties? Hotel Savoy, the Four Seasons, and Hotel Lungarno are fabulous options. Looking for an intimate property with character and charm in spades? Oltrarno Splendid and its sister hotel AdAstra offer style with personal touches. Want a tranquil retreat for the whole family? Consider staying outside the city limits at Belmond Villa San Michele. Compare the Best Hotels in Florence Property Resort Fee Rates Number of Rooms Free WiFi Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel Best Overall No $$$$ 79 rooms and suites Yes Oltrarno Splendid Best Budget No $$ 14 rooms Yes Four Seasons Firenze Best Luxury No $$$$ 45 rooms and suites Yes Belmond Villa San Michele Best for Families No $$$ 62 rooms and suites Yes I L Tornabuoni Best Boutique No $$ 66 rooms and suites Yes 25Hours Piazza San Paolino Best Design No $$$$ 116 rooms and suites Yes Hotel Lungarno Best Views No $$$$ 65 rooms and suites Yes Hotel Calimala Best Scene No $$ 38 rooms and suites Yes AdAstra Best B&B No $$$ 14 rooms and suites Yes Methodology We evaluated about two dozen hotels in Florence before settling on the best one for each category. We considered each hotel’s overall reputation, guest reviews, location, quality of service, design, and dining and drinking options. Additionally, amenities such as kids’ clubs, excursions, spa and fitness facilities, concierge services, and free Wifi were taken into account. We also assessed whether the hotel is new or if it has undergone a recent renovation or update. We relied heavily on our expert’s first-hand experience, but also consulted dozens of guest reviews and considered whether the property has won any awards in recent years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies