Most people know Florence because of Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David. However, the Tuscan capital had more, much more! Wherever you look, this city is simply stunning. Art and sculpture are everywhere, some even call it an outdoor museum. There’s also the Florence Food market, one of the places in Italy to find the best Tuscan wines and enjoy local traditional delicacies. And don’t get us started about Giardino delle Rosse, a green space with 350 kinds of roses! So, are you ready to discover the best of Firenze? Come with us then, as we’ll embark on a journey to discover some of the best hotels in Florence Italy!
Where to Stay in Florence
No matter which part of the city you go to, there are plenty of interesting activities to do in the Tuscan capital. Most of them are part of the top 10 things to do in Florence. From immersing in the beauty of Piazzale Michelangelo, to tasting local delights at San Lorenzo’s Market, all guaranteed to give you a blast.
But since Florence has a lot to see, choosing a neighborhood to stay in is very important. Each region here has its own characteristics and advantages. We suggest making decisions according to your budget, preferences, and activities.
First time in Florence? Staying near the Piazza Della Signoria would be a great decision. The heart of the city is an unmissable spot. You’ll find the Duomo in Firenze, one of the 15 most famous domes in the world. There’s the gorgeous Uffizi Gallery and Battistero in San Giovanni. And this is also the area where you can find some of the best hotels in Florence Italy.
For solo travelers, San Lorenzo and San Marco would make a great base. This area is filled with tons of accommodations, including some of the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Florence Italy. Some local points of interest around here include San Marco Church, National Archeology Museum, and San Lorenzo Market.
Party animals, most Italy travel guides will recommend you stay at Santa Croce. This lovely neighborhood hosts dozens of bars, charming cafes, and artisan shops. And as you might expect, this area is also home to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the final resting place of Michelangelo himself.
Now, without further ado, here’s our recommended list of the best hotels in Florence Italy.
Hotel Paris
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Yes, you read that right. Despite its name, Hotel Paris is an accommodation that occupies a magnificent 17th-century building in Florence. In fact, it’s even one of the best places you can get a stay while in the Tuscan capital!
Like the rest of Florence, the Paris Hotel building itself is a work of art. The ceiling is filled with beautiful frescoes. Stunning stained glass is also featured. In terms of location, this accommodation is arguably superior. It’s only about 300 meters from Florence Cathedral, one of the city’s notable landmarks.
Have one of the best night’s rest while in Florence, as Hotel Paris provides spacious rooms decorated with red carpets and antique furniture. Standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV, safe, and minibar are all provided. Immerse yourself in luxury in their private marble bathroom. And with a window facing the Cathedral or the Medici Chapel, this is definitely one of the best hotels in Florence Italy.
Breakfast will also be an experience like no other in Paris hotels. Enjoy Italian buffet menus in a stylish 17th-century room. Wherever you look, renaissance charm in its various forms will be ready to amaze. Once done, take the time to stop by the hanging garden on the first floor. From there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the old town.
And don’t forget to take a walk around the Paris hotels, because there’s a lot to see around here. Personally we recommend stopping by the central market, aka Mercato Centrale. Find some of the finest Tuscan food and its legendary wines here.
Hotel Kraft
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Florence’s historical area never ceases to surprise us. Here you can find dozens of artisan shops, architectural heritage, and beautiful classic hotels. Speaking of which, we can’t help but mention Hotel Kraft.
This four-star hotel is arguably one of the best places to stay to soak up all the beauty that Florence has to offer. Located on Via Solferino street, it has a rooftop garden, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. The latter can even be used in winter, thanks to its heating system. It’s also conveniently located, just a five-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.
Take a deep breath and relax for a moment after a long journey, as Hotel Kraft provides air-conditioned rooms. Just like most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, amenities such as TV and minibar are also available. For daily breakfast, you can enjoy it every day in the restaurant area. They have Italian, English, and Irish menus here.
Located in a relatively quiet area with fewer tourists, Hotel Kraft would be perfect for those who don’t like crowds on vacation. The location is also ideal, as you only need a 15-minute walk to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. For quieter moments, head to River Arn or Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy a relaxing time around there and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Florence.
Hotel Croce Di Malta
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Florence is known as one of the Italian cities with many religious centers. It seems like you’ll find a monastery, church, or chapel, at least traces of it, on every corner. And one of them can be seen at the Hotel Croce Di Malta.
Around the corner from the Santa Maria Novella church, Hotel Croce occupies a building that was once a monastery. Of course, the interior has been overhauled a lot now, but the atmosphere it offers has remained peaceful since hundreds of years ago. Enjoy your best time in Florence, as the hotel provides rooms with WiFi and satellite TV. All come with terracotta carpet or tiled floors. And like most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, a private bathroom with free toiletries is also available here.
Make sure not to get up too late as breakfast at Restaurant Croce Di Malta is highly recommended. They usually serve great classic Italian dishes. Everything feels authentic, not the kind you usually experience in Italian restaurants in urban areas. Oh, but please note that breakfast is only available until 10 am.
Once you’re ready, put on your travel shoes and hat as Hotel Croce Di Malta is only a stone’s throw to some of Florence’s must-see sights. Places such as Mercato Centrale, Piazza del Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio, are all only 0.4 miles from here. Meanwhile, for art enthusiasts, you definitely have to stop by the Uffizi Gallery. It’s one of the museums with the largest collection of priceless renaissance works in the world.
C-hotels Joy
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If you prefer something simple and effective, then C-Hotels Joy is one of your best hotels in Florence Italy. Located on Via Degli Orti Oricellari street, this four-star property offers rooms with modern décor. It features a large oval mirror, a soft bed, and a desk. Everything looks smooth, with a monochromatic feel throughout.
As for amenities, you’ll get air conditioning and a screen TV while staying at C-Hotels Joy. There won’t be any problem with the Internet because there’s free WiFi that can be accessed in all areas. If you need anything, the hotel’s 24-hour front desk will be ready to help. Meanwhile, for a little relaxing time before starting your adventure in Florence, you can have a seat at the on-site bar.
Save your guidebook and close your Google Map as C-Hotels Joy has easy access to several points of interest in Firenze. Piazza Della Signoria, the gateway to the famous Uffizi Gallery, is only 0.8 miles away. Meanwhile, Fortezza da Basso, the former fort which is now the center of various city events, can be found within 800 meters.
Hotel Alba Palace
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The touch of elegance immediately felt as soon as you set foot at the Hotel Alba Palace. This three-star accommodation is set in an old, beautifully renovated building. Each corner is decorated with paintings or sculptures. The floors use terracotta tiles, an unmistakable feature of classic Italian homes.
The rooms at Hotel Alba Palace are no less attractive. You’ll get a large bed with the finest linens. Almost all of the furniture is wood, leaving a warm handmade impression. Some parts of the wall were left unfinished, accentuating the red brick lining. And just like most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, standard amenities such as WiFi, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and private bathroom are all available.
The courtyard atrium is where you can get your daily breakfast. Enjoy your food, accompanied by a truly authentic Italian classic atmosphere. Meanwhile, for those who want to just relax a little, sit on the comfortable sofa in the lounge area.
If you’re not sure where to go, pay a visit to the hotel front desk. Alba Palace’s local staff will be ready to provide recommendations for some of the best restaurants and destinations, or even help arrange ticket bookings, car rentals, and more. We personally recommend stopping by the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River. Only 10 minutes walk from the hotel, this is one of the best places to admire the charm of Firenze from the past.
Rivoli Boutique Hotel
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Firenze might as well be called the city of the monastery. Dozens, if not hundreds, can be found in the Tuscan capital. Most of them have been converted into public spaces, such as hotels, museums, residences, or offices. One of them is the Rivoli Boutique Hotel.
Hotel Rivali is set in a Franciscan convent from the 14th century. Unfortunately, you won’t find many traces of that history, because now everything looks much more modern. Gone was the pile of bricks, replaced by a paper-lined wall. There are no more terracotta floors because everything has been replaced by parquet and tiles.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no classic nuance at all. Some of the furniture at Hotel Rivali is taken straight from the golden days of the 17th century. In addition, their rooms are equipped with standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV, minibar, and a private bathroom. As with most of the best hotels in Florence, WiFi is available in all areas. But please note that there are only a few rooms that feature a terrace.
A buffet breakfast is available each morning in the dining room, while the fitness center is free to use at no additional charge by all guests. Once you’re ready to head out, it won’t take long before you discover one of Firenze’s finest landmarks. We’re talking about the famous Florence Cathedral. The world’s largest brick dome can be reached from the hotel in just a 10-minute walk.
Villa Royal
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Elegante, as Italians put it, is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the building of the Villa Royal. This four-star accommodation is set in a classic building from the 18th century. Inside you’ll find a garden and a swimming pool.
The history of the Villa Royal began in 1700 when a noble family built the villa. It was home to them and their descendants for more than two centuries, before the building was eventually converted into a hotel. It’s conveniently located in the green area of Florence, not far from Fortezza da Basso and only 0.62 miles to Florence Cathedral.
The rooms at Villa Royal exude a classic luxurious feel. The decor is really well thought out. The furniture looks like it’s taken straight from classic Italian films. Everything looks different and memorable. On top of that, you still get standard amenities such as a TV, comfortable bed, desk, and private bathroom. As with most of the best hotels in Florence, free WiFi is available in all areas.
Daily breakfast is served in the dining area. They usually provide buffet menus with Continental, Italian, or American dishes. But if you want, you can also have options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.
While being spoiled in the hotel facilities is delightful, we highly recommend you to venture around while at Villa Royal. That’s because this area offers so much to see. The San Marco Museum, home to hundreds of collections of Fra Angelico’s brilliant work, and Palazzo Medici, a renaissance palace that’s now a museum, are less than a mile from here. And don’t forget to stop by the Mercato Centrale, where you can find some of Firenze’s best food and wine.
Firenze Camping in Town
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If you’re looking for something different, Firenze Camping in Town is the place to be. It’s more like a camper site than a hotel. But make no mistake, because you can still enjoy excellent service while here.
Located on Via Generale C.A. Firenze Camping in Town is one of the most popular accommodations in the city. Apart from the fact that it is significantly cheaper than conventional hotels, the services offered are also almost the same as full-fledged accommodation. It features two outdoor pools, a restaurant, and free WiFi. Guests will also have access to a free on-site parking area.
Each unit at Firenze Camping in Town comes with air conditioning, a patio, and a private bathroom. Bed linen and towels are also featured. As for breakfast, enjoy continental dishes every morning at the on-site bar. If you want, you can also order some Italian dishes at the hotel restaurant.
Like most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, Firenze Camping In Town also offers an ideal location for travelers. It only takes a 15-minute drive to get to Piazza Michelangelo, where you can admire the famous Statue of David. For football fans, the Artemio Franchi Stadium – the home of the legendary Fiorentina side, is only about 2 miles away. A little further and you’ll find Giardino delle Rosse, a garden park in the Oltrano district that offers commanding views of the city.
NH Firenze
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Admire the historical charm of the Town of Lilies, as NH Firenze is located in the Porta al Prato area. It’s close to one of the gates of the ancient Wall of Florence. For those who prefer natural charm, Cascine Park, aka the largest green space in town, is right in front of the hotel. More interested in shopping and eating? You just need to walk 20 minutes to the Duomo and San Lorenzo.
NH Firenze features no less than 152 rooms. All of them are modernly decorated and equipped with air conditioning. As with most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, standard amenities such as free WiFi, a large flat-screen TV, and a minibar are also available. Some even feature terraces with panoramic views of the city.
Breakfast is served daily in the on-site restaurant. Taste some of the Tuscan specialties made with the finest local ingredients. To keep you entertained, the hotel also has Narciso, a bar with fresh drinks. During the summer, they’ll open a lounge area on the roof of the hotel, so you can relax while enjoying the beauty of Florence from above.
The hotel’s rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Feel the freshness of the water while enjoying your favorite cocktail, accompanied by the beauty of Brunelleschi’s dome in the distance. And did you know that the dome covering the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was the largest in the world when it was designed? It’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in Florence.
Hotel Monna Lisa
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No, you won’t find the lady with the mystic smile here. Even so, the Hotel Monna Lisa is just as beautiful as Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. Set in a 15th-century building that was once a merchant home, this four-star accommodation is surrounded by peaceful landscaped gardens. To get to the Florence Cathedral and the Duomo, you only need to walk for about 15 minutes.
The rooms at the Hotel Monna Lisa exude classic charm. The walls are covered with patterned wallpaper, blending nicely with antique furniture. The beds are in the finest linens, while renaissance prints are displayed in several corners. They also come with a TV, minibar, and private bathroom. Depending on your request, you can get a room with a spa bath. And just like most of the best hotels in Florence Italy, free WiFi can be accessed in all areas.
Some of the paintings and artworks here are the work of Giovanni Dupre, an ancestor of the hotel owner. But if you really have a passion for art, Accademia Gallery is only 600 meters away from Hotel Monna Lisa. While it’s better known for the statue of David by Michelangelo, this museum actually houses a large collection of Florence artist paintings, mostly from between the 1300s and 1600s. Make sure to come here if you want to see the art side of the city of lilies.
Plus Florence
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Most of the best hotels in Florence offer spacious rooms and that is exactly what you’ll get at Plus Florence. Even better, this hostel is offering it at an affordable price! Rest your body on their soft bed, after a day exploring the Tuscan capital. If that’s not enough, indulge yourself in communal amenities such as the swimming pool and sauna. After that, you can relax for a bit in one of the outdoor areas, take in the sights and life of Florence.
Plus Florence provides options for rooms and dormitories. They all come with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and air conditioning. Some even offer gorgeous views of the cathedral. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information regarding the availability of a WiFi or a wired internet connection. So it looks like it would be a good idea if you brought a modem or something like that if you’re planning to stay here.
Full English breakfast is available in the restaurant area until 11 pm. Craving for ice cream and some Italian snacks? There’s a cafe ready to serve you. As for pizza and other traditional Italian food, we recommend making your way to the hotel restaurant.
Those coming to Florence for business or events will probably appreciate the fact that the Fortezza da Basso exhibition center is only 600 meters from the hostel. As for local destinations, the famous Uffizi Gallery can be found within a 12-minute walk. For a more complete experience, we recommend signing up for the Uffizi Gallery Private Tour with 5 Stars Guide. For no less than an hour and 40 minutes, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide to explore the two floors and more than fifty rooms in one of the world-famous art museums.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Florence:
- Il Teatro del Sale – Located inside an old theater, chef Fabio Picchi’s playground has successfully captured the attention of local foodies with his brilliant dishes. Enjoy every bite, accompanied by a live performance of drama, music, or comedy by Maria Cassi, an artistic director who’s also the chef’s wife. Spoiler alert, be prepared to be surprised by their amazing pasta and desserts!
- Essenziale – Headed by chef Simone Cipriani, this is one of the best places in Florence to sample modern Tuscan cuisine. If you visit at the right time, the chef himself will deliver the food to the table. If we had to pick one of the brilliant menus here, we’d go with Fior d’Evo. It’s a great dessert that includes kale and artichokes.
- #Raw – As the name suggests, everything here is served raw and fresh. Expect innovative dishes like the aloe vera shot and the raw vegan burger. All created by Caroline, a charismatic and knowledgeable Swedish chef. Make sure to stop by if you are on Via Sant ‘Agostino.
Recommended Activities in Florence:
- Florence: Uffizi Museum Fast-Track Ticket – Skip the long lines and admire the magnificent works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Venus. See for yourself how great these famous sculptures are in one of Europe’s oldest museums.
- Florence: Entrance Ticket to Pitti Palace – Set in the former home of the famous Medici family, the Pitti Palace now hosts hundreds of extraordinary collections of art. Raphael’s sculptures and Titian’s paintings are just a few of the amazing works you can see here. Not to mention that the museum building itself is a work of art. You’ll find elegant rooms, gorgeous frescoes, and gorgeous arches here.
- Florence: Eco Tour by Electric Cart – Explore the unmissable spots of Florence while contributing to environmental preservation. For approximately one hour, enjoy an exciting journey on an electric vehicle. Visit famous places like the Palazio Vecchio, Ufizzi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and many more.
