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In planning your vacation to Florence, you might be asking yourself: which area of Florence should you stay in, and what hotel you should book for your trip to Florence?
As far as where to stay, you essentially have 3 choices: the historical center, outside of the center but still within the city, and outside of Florence in the surrounding countryside.
Which one you choose depends on your preferences, so let’s start by looking at each and when we would recommend each one.
You have booked your flight and packed your bags for your vacation to Florence, Italy, and the only thing left to figure out is what are the best hotels in Florence, Italy.
Strolling the streets of Florence is like stepping into a dream from the elegant villas, historic churches, and piazzas – Florence has something to offer around every corner for every age, ethnicity, and background.
Some of the best 5-star hotels in Florence offer the same incredible sights that you will experience getting lost in the city itself.
Most of the hotels in Florence were once churches, art galleries, and even bakeries.
Italy is one of those destinations where location means everything and is better explored by foot so there is no need to rent a car to get from point A to point B.
Picking the right hotel in Florence is paramount.
The best area to stay in Florence will be within walking distance of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.
If you are like me and you want to escape the tourist traps while still staying close to the vibrant nightlife I have created a list of the best 5-star hotels in Florence, Italy you will absolutely love.
Check out these 20 Magical hotels in Florence.
Which area of Florence should You Stay In
The center of the Renaissance city of Florence is actually quite small, easily walkable from one end to the other in less than 30 minutes, and contains almost all of the main sights you’ll be seeing in Florence.
So staying within its boundaries makes lots of sense, particularly if your time is very limited and want to see most of the main sights in that short time
You can also opt to stay out of the historical center for various reasons. The main advantage would be to your wallet as it can definitely cost less per night to sleep outside of the historical center.
Another very good reason I’d recommend staying out of the center is if you would prefer a highly residential area where you can experience the daily life of local Florentines or if you arrive in Florence by car.
Which are the safest neighborhoods to stay in?
Florence is small and a very safe city. The question about where to stay sometimes is made to find out if there are any areas to stay away from.
While larger cities might have “shady” areas – Florence does have some rather rundown streets considering how old it is, as well as its share of graffiti – given its small size, the high amount of visitors and the many residents still living in the center, make all areas of Florence safe to stay in.
The center is always alive with people shopping, visiting, and exploring its many sights and you feel safe walking around at any time of day.
Staying in the city centre obviously makes exploring easier, and there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, ranging from high-end hotels and classy B&Bs to simple pensione and self-catering apartments. To escape the throngs of tourists at night, pick one of the luxury establishments on the outskirts – they usually have tranquil gardens and Insta-perfect views of the Tuscan hills.
Wherever you choose to stay, try and book early – especially if you want a room with a view.
Photo Credit:
www.lungarnocollection.com
Photo Credit:
www.goldentowerhotel.it
Breathe the splendor of Renaissance Florence in the ancient Torre degli Strozzi, the mansion of the Strozzi Family – one of the most prestigious and rich in the city – until 1492, when the aristocratic family moved to the nearby Palazzo Strozzi.
Photo Credit:
www.brunelleschihotelflorence.com
Booking a suite of this 4-star hotel in central Florence means entering the heart of the city, getting to know its historical roots. Our hotel bears the name of one of the old owners of the building, Filippo Brunelleschi, a wonderful Renaissance artist author of the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Photo Credit:
www.villaolmifirenze.com
A perfect balance between history, the history that took place between the walls of the 18th-century Villa, and modernity in the services offered. An excellent compromise between the city – the historic centre of Florence is just 4 km away – and the countryside atmosphere evoked by the lush grounds and gardens that provide the setting for Villa Olmi.
Photo Credit:
relaischateaux.com
It is an ideal setting, both charming and intimate, just a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions. The magnificent rooms and suites with views of the rooftops and Basilica combine period furniture with contemporary design, elegant details and a sumptuous finish. The attentive, impeccable service gives the impression of being welcomed into a private residence.
Photo Credit:
www.jkplace.com
With a stay at JK Place Firenze, you’ll be centrally located in Florence, steps from National Alinari Museum of Photography and Santa Maria Novella Square. This 5-star hotel is close to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio.
Photo Credit:
www.hotelambasciatori.net
Thanks to this excellent location you can easily have a walk through the fascinating and mysterious streets of Florence inside the renaissance atmosphere of this town by reaching its most beautiful attractions at walking distance: the Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and the Old Bridge.
Photo Credit:
www.hotelvillesullarno.com
Set on the banks of the Arno, an elegant five-star resort awaits you, an urban oasis just a short distance from Florence’s historic centre.
In the 19th century, as a historic country residence of the Florentine high nobility, our villa became the cenaculum of the Macchiaioli and a place of heated intellectual and cultural debate.
Photo Credit:
www.baglionihotels.com
Set on the banks of the Arno, an elegant five-star resort awaits you, an urban oasis just a short distance from Florence’s historic centre.
In the 19th century, as a historic country residence of the Florentine high nobility, our villa became the cenaculum of the Macchiaioli and a place of heated intellectual and cultural debate.
Photo Credit:
www.marriott.com
With its superb location along the Arno River and stunning setting inside a 15th century, Filippo Brunelleschi designed palace, guests are privy to the best of Florence. Inside, the lobby lounge, dining rooms and bar in the Winter Garden have been expertly renovated; stained glass ceilings, beautifully detailed woodwork, and locally found and restored antiques add to the hotel’s already regal air. The 100 guestrooms and suites follow suit, with vaulted or coffered ceilings and immense frescos.
Photo Credit:
www.palazzocastri.com
A new gem offering the best of Italian hospitality right in the heart of Florence: Palazzo Castri 1874, a 4-star superior luxury boutique hotel. The hotel opened three years ago, has an excellent reputation and is rated as one of Florence’s top 10 hotels on TripAdvisor.
Photo Credit:
www.lungarnocollection.com
A vibrant and dynamic yet romantic design and luxury 4 star hotel in Florence, beautifully evolved in the energy of the 50’s.
The Hotel Continentale is the place to see and be seen, a catwalk for fashion and desire in the heart of Florence.
Photo Credit:
www.soprarnosuites.com
SoprArno Suites is a boutique bed and breakfast with 13 individually-designed rooms tucked away in the centre of Florence’s coolest Oltrarno area, just minutes from the Ponte Vecchio and Pitti Palace.
The team of architect Francesco Maestrelli, city natives Matteo Perduca and Betty Soldi have filled each space with their unique style of eclectic antique and salvaged furniture and bespoke works of art all especially sourced and crafted.
Photo Credit:
www.villafiesolehotel.com
High up in the Florentine hills, surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees, Hotel Villa Fiesole is a leafy hideaway that peers over the Tuscan capital. The ground floor reception area and sala camino (fireplace room) set the tone: warm, refined and elegant. Soft, creamy walls, comfy chocolate-colored leather and suede furniture, stylish cowhide rugs, and a speckled marble fireplace topped with anglepoise lamps and bell jars decorate the public spaces. Walls are adorned with mirrors and simple artwork.
Photo Credit:
www.hotelathenaeum.com
Make yourself at home in one of the 61 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Photo Credit:
www.mangiacane.com
Set on 600 acres of vineyards and olive groves seven miles south of Florence, this rural retreat is made up of two neighboring villas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Villa Machiavelli is said to have been partly designed by Michelangelo, and it towers majestically over the surrounding hills. Villa Mazzei’s reception lounge is pure Renaissance glamour (giant marble fireplace, overstuffed sofas, gilded mirrors, beam ceilings).
Photo Credit:
www.marignolle.com
In the Florentine hills, six miles from the Tuscan capital, Marignolle Relais & Charme is an intimate 10-room family-owned hotel. This converted farmhouse was originally built as a country retreat to escape the city heat and is now managed by the second generation of the Bulleri family. It’s Italian to the core, with rustic fireplaces and large windows looking out over the garden, which is studded with cypresses, broom bushes and pine trees.
Photo Credit:
www.hotelvillesullarno.com
In a secluded spot on the banks of the river Arno, a 30-minute stroll from the Duomo, Ville sull’Arno dates from the 15th century and bridges the gap between a traditional Tuscan villa and a city center hotel. You enter through original stone doors, and the charming interiors feature mahogany furniture and vintage curios including straw hats, lace dresses and umbrellas, all available for purchase. Soft pastel pinstripe and floral fabrics lend an elegant vibe.
Photo Credit:
www.lungarnocollection.com
Florence is one of the world’s great centers for art and design, and the Gallery Hotel Art pays homage to its home city in both name and style. Just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Gallery Art opened in 1999 as one of the first Lungarno Hotels — a boutique collection owned by famed Florentine tastemakers the Ferragamo family.
Photo Credit:
www.marriott.com
Stationed along the Arno River, the Westin Excelsior’s lobby sets a lavish tone with bright marble flooring and soaring ceilings. Special events spaces also impress, with details like stained glass ceilings and geometrical patterns on the marble pavements. With sights such as Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery just steps away, the Westin makes a convenient homebase for exploring Florence
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
Top Must-See Sights in Florence, Italy
This capital city of Florence is in Tuscany and the region has a ton of sights and attractions.
You don’t want to miss out on anything including some of the best museums, cathedrals, and churches.
You will also find stunning picturesque streets, squares, ancient buildings, street markets, and shopping.
All of the hotels in Florence listed above are within walking distance of all of the city’s top attractions—from its world-famous sites to a few off-the-beaten-path gems.
A trip to Florence isn’t complete without checking out some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to see every attraction, eat all of the pasta imaginable, and drink more than your body can consume, then you must stay at Hotel Lungarno.
The hotel is built on the Arno River, overlooking the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the 65-key property has one of the best locations in the entire city.
Lungarno offers much more than its covetable address — namely, a museum-worthy art collection and elegant, residential-style interiors. Click here to Book Now!
Let’s explore the best things to do in Florence:
Best Time To Visit Florence, Italy
I suggest traveling to Italy in July and August which are the warmer months while June and September are both nice with warm weather without it being too hot.
Keep in mind that in August many Italians escape the heat and close most businesses including shops and restaurants for the entire month of August.
If you don’t mind cold temperatures December and January are great times to visit Florence.
There is lots of rain in November so make sure to dress in layers and check the weather so you will know what to pack for your vacation to Florence!
| MONTH | AVG HIGHS | AVG LOWS |
| January | 50 °F (10 °C) | 34 °F (1 °C) |
| February | 53 °F (12 °C) | 37 °F (3 °C) |
| March | 59 °F (15 °C) | 40 °F (4 °C) |
| April | 65 °F (18 °C) | 45 °F (7 °C) |
| May | 74 °F (23 °C) | 52 °F (11 °C) |
| June | 81 °F (27 °C) | 58 °F (14 °C) |
| July | 88 °F (31 °C) | 63 °F (17 °C) |
| August | 87 °F (31 °C) | 62 °F (17 °C) |
| September | 79 °F (26 °C) | 57 °F (14 °C) |
| October | 70 °F (21 °C) | 50 °F (10 °C) |
| November | 58 °F (14 °C) | 41 °F (5 °C) |
| December | 50 °F (10 °C) | 36 °F (2 °C) |
I suggest traveling to Florence in April, May, June, September, and October.
These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather but remember hotels and flights will be more expensive as these are peak seasons in my opinion.
The most grueling thing about travel in Florence is the summer heat in July and August when temperatures hit the high 80s and 90s.
The heat in Italy is different from the heat in the states so while the 80s and 90s don’t sound that bad trust me it is!
Conclusion of Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
Florence is an Old World city, so it’s no surprise it’s got the historic hotels to match. Some occupy former Renaissance-era palazzos, and some stand grand, overlooking the Arno River.
Others still are just outside the city, ready to fulfill every dream you’ve had of staying in a Tuscan villa. Yet, that’s not all there is to Florence and its hotel scene.
Equally worthy of attention are some decidedly modern offerings: Hotels that leverage location and smart amenities, aware that access and ease of use are just as built into the concept of luxury as a high thread count and a spacious tub.
Whether it’s a romantic rooftop pied-à-Terre in the Centro Storico, an eclectic hideout in the ultra-hip Oltrarno, a mod hostel compound near the train station, or a quiet villa oasis in a nearby hill town, I’ve got you covered for every kind of budget, mood, and vibe.
I hope my list of Florence’s best hotels in Florence has helped you decide where to stay.
Italy Travel Insurance
I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to Italy! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.
Have fun while visiting Florence, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.
Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.
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