The flight from London is only two hours, yet Florence feels a world away. Upon arrival you will see why the light and landscape of this beautiful Tuscan town has inspired some of the greatest works of art ever created.
Many of those works are still here, proudly displayed in the galleries which fill the city centre, and the opportunity to gaze upon them draws many of the visitors who arrive each year.
While these galleries are rightly renowned, they are far from the only thing Florence has to offer – this is a city of style, of culture and hospitality, and one which boasts an aesthetic of which most others around the world should be supremely jealous.
Whether you come to marvel at the Duomo and Michelangelo’s David, or merely to float through the streets and stop at some trattorias, Florence is a destination which really should be on your travel list.
When you do visit, here are the best places to stay.
Hotel Savoy
Piazza della Repubblica 7
The famous merry-go-round in Piazza della Repubblica is the backdrop for a million Instagram shots, but the real star of the square is a few more steps towards the northern side. Hotel Savoy was built specifically to be the heart of luxury in the city - boasting electric lights and an elevator, no less - and remains so to this day, proudly displaying the best of the region in every aspect.
In-house restaurant Irene serves Tuscan cuisine, (Super)Tuscan wine, and the terrace is the stylish haunt in the summer for well-heeled locals looking for the best aperitivo in the city.
Hotel guests will also get to sample the more discreet and reserved Bar Artemesia, hidden deeper within the hotel, when the main crowd gets a bit swollen, and the spa suite on the top floor - stocked with products from the 800-year-old Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica round the corner - will provide even more tranquility when needed.
Suites look directly onto the roof of the Duomo, whose bells provide a wake-up each morning unlike any other in the city.
roccofortehotels.com; read a full review here.
The St Regis Florence
Piazza Ognissanti 1
The heart of this city is the River Arno, and many of the best hotels sit along its banks.
The St Regis Florence occupies a handsome 18th-century building just along from the Ponte Vecchio, and many of the rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the river itself and its most famous crossing.
Decoration of those rooms is inspired by various artistic eras in the city’s history, giving each a unique character, and the public areas are filled with grand arches and period architecture.
An extraordinary glass ceiling and hand-blown Murano chandelier are the crowning glory of the restaurant, where guests are treated to high-end Mediterranean cuisine.
Be warned – you will be expected to dress accordingly for the surroundings when eating here, but a little extra effort makes a meal more memorable, and the spa and fitness centre will offer plenty of chances to relax after the formality of dinner.
Casa G Firenze
Via Rondinelli 7
Plenty of luxury brands have their origins in Florence, some have branched into hospitality (see some Ferragamo-owned examples below), but not many use their own factories to welcome their guests.
Casa G Firenze was once the manufacture of Ginori porcelain but is now an ultra-chic boutique hotel. Fresh, bright décor in cooling tones and a pair of secluded patios make for a very relaxing hideaway right in the centre of the city.
Perfect for those who want to be right at the heart of the action but with respite available at a moment's notice, and only available to them and a few other discerning travellers.
No public bar or restaurant, just the quiet luxury once reserved for the great and good of the Renaissance era, except the art which surrounds you is created by contemporary Florentines instead of past masters. One for the connoisseur.
Helvetia & Bristol
Via dei Pescioni 2
The Helvetia & Bristol has been welcoming guests to the historic heart of Florence since the late 19th century.
Formerly a favourite of wealthy young aristocrats completing their Grand Tours, the location of this astonishing palazzo means that today it is ideal as a base for those who wish to explore the galleries and Renaissance-era glories of the ancient city centre.
The hotel itself is such a treasure trove of hidden corners, period features and traditional decoration that you really don’t have to leave in order to get a taste of the golden era of Florence, but when you do you’ll find everything you’re looking for within easy strolling distance.
On-site Roman Baths provide one of the most relaxing experiences in the city, and if you’re lucky you may even be able to blag your way into a party held in the Winter Garden – it has been used by some of Italy’s most prestigious fashion brands.
collezione.starhotels.com; read a full review here.
This Time Tomorrow
Viale Don Giovanni Minzoni 3
Not a hotel, but a residence. This Time Tomorrow is an apartment block on the Piazza della Libertá, just north of the centro storico. It’s a neighbourhood favoured by well-heeled locals, and the ethos of the property is that you immerse yourself in their lifestyle.
The only common space is a sprawling rooftop terrace, shared with your fellow residents and boasting views of the city to one side and hills to the other; even breakfast is served not in a shared restaurant but in partnership with 2 local cafés (head down early or they’ll be rammed) for a more authentic experience.
Larger apartments have ample room for hosting your own aperitivo for the Florentine friends you’ll undoubtedly make. The real standout, though, is the knowledge of the hosting team, and their bespoke itineraries for each visit which are curated ahead of arrival in collaboration with you.
Aparthotels are growing in popularity in every major city at the moment, but few have the quality of finish and service as these ones. Truly special.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Borgo Pinti 99
Choosing a setting just a little outside the main city centre has allowed Four Seasons to create a sprawling masterpiece of a hotel.
The complex includes an array of suites, some of which house frescos from the 17th century, a private garden and pool area, expansive spa and a 37 room villa with its own pool and ballroom.
This is almost more of a resort than a city hotel, but if you do ever exhaust all the on-site amenities – including exploring the Ionic temple in the gardens, naturally – it’s actually only a 20 minute walk into the centre of town.
The team at the hotel can also arrange a wide variety of activities in the surrounding countryside, from hot air balloons to traditional truffle hunting.
Portrait Firenze
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 4
The Portrait brand is owned by the Ferragamo family, so expect lots of luxury and a focus on design. This is an all-suite hotel, and most have views of the Arno thanks to the location right on the river bank.
Sitting on the restaurant terrace, gazing at the Ponte Vecchio as you sip your Aperol, is a fine way to start any evening (or afternoon, for that matter) and those views will be available from your suite from dawn until dusk.
The family connection means that fashion lovers will benefit most from a stay here, as the Ferragamo museum is just down the street and special access is easily arranged.
Downstairs, Caffè dell’Oro is also available from dawn until well after dusk, taking you gently through a culinary day until it’s time for one more late-night cocktail.
lungarnocollection.com/portrait-firenze
Ad Astra
Via del Campuccio 53
Many of the best hotels in Florence are former aristocratic palaces, but only one still is. Ad Astra comprises the first and second floors of a palazzo, with the ground floor serving as the residence of the current Marquis.
The hotel overlooks the largest private garden in Europe, and is named for the 18th century observatory tower within the grounds.
This is more akin to a high-end bed-and-breakfast than the other hotels on this list, the relaxed atmosphere and boutique nature of the property (a mere 14 rooms) giving guests the sensation of really living in Florence for a while, instead of merely passing through.
The local area of Oltrarno is filled with bars and restaurants, and if the Torrigiani gardens outside aren’t enough for your afternoon strolls, the massive Boboli is mere minutes away.
This is the perfect option for those who want to soak up the true soul of the modern Renaissance city, instead of just snatching a glimpse at its celebrated past.
Palazzo Portinari Salviati
Via del Corso 6
The trend for revitalising grand Italian Palazzi through luxury tourism continues to grow, and Florence in at the forefront.
Palazzo Portinari Salviati was originally a Medici residence and continues to bear the opulence of that famous family, with certain suites having restored frescoes on the ceilings.
Downstairs, the Salotto Portinari is a breathtaking space, with glass ceiling to allow in the sunlight and impressive sculptures to gaze at while enjoying an aperitif.
Once that drink is done, head to the Michelin-star restaurant helmed by Vitto Molica for some of the best food in the city before retiring back to your room for a rest.
Villa San Michele
Via Doccia 4
If you prefer your accommodation a little more bucolic, head a little way into the northern hills to find the magnificent Villa San Michele.
The views downhill into the city centre are worth choosing this place just by themselves, but if you did need more persuasion then how does three restaurants, stylish bar and separate wine cellar, outdoor pool and fitness area both with views of the countryside, and 2.5 hectares of estate to explore sound?
The location is close enough to the city centre – cabs to Piazza della Signoria will take around 25 minutes – to not feel cut off but far enough away you’ll be able to completely switch off from the noise and hustle. Idyllic.
Il Salviatino
Via del Salviatino
Another sprawling country estate, except this one is still well within the city limits. Il Salviatino feels like the country escape of your glamourous Italian auntie, largely because it almost is: the charismatic owner, Alessandra Rovati, is personally responsible for much of the décor and the eclectic collection of artworks and objects spread liberally throughout the mansion.
Despite only being 15 minutes from the centre of Florence (via the hotel’s own shuttle service) there are incredible panoramas across the city and wider valley from the Italian garden outside the breakfast room, and the five-hectare grounds also contain a stand-alone spa with heated outdoor pool.
Dining is courtesy of da Giacomo, sister kitchen to the legendary Milan restaurant also owned by Signora Rovati, and everything about this place gives a warm feeling of familiarity. Where to stay when you want to feel like you live here.
The Place
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
This boutique property on one of the most famous squares in the city also gives the impression that you are no longer a tourist, but a chic Florentine resident.
Longstanding GM Claudio Melli may be the most well-connected man in Florence, and revels in making his contact list available to all guests. There’s no real reception desk here – “checking in is for the airport” – and the restaurant and bar areas feel more like living rooms than hotel spaces, which fits well with the theme set by the spacious, apartment-like suites.
There seems to be no end to the list of local experiences which can be exclusively arranged by The Place, thanks to Claudio’s passion for his home town, which makes this the best place to stay when you want to see more than just the galleries and be reminded that Florence is a real vibrant city, not just a living gallery. Little wonder it’s one of the Leading Hotels of the World.
The Hoxton Florence
Via delle Mantelatte 2
There’s a little bit of everything at The Hoxton Florence. Across 2 buildings – one Renaissance, one postmodern – the London-born brand brings its own version of cool to one of the more artsy neighbourhoods of this ancient city.
There’s a courtyard and rooftop for those who enjoy cocktails in the outdoors, as well as a seafood restaurant and wine bar which serve up local treats.
Rooms range from the snug to the sprawling, with the addition of a three-bedroom House to the regular portfolio of accommodation tiers.
This new concept for Hoxton allows for an ‘aparthotel’ experience, blending the hotel services with apartment privacy, and provides an excellent venue for your summer parties.
I’ll meet you for an Aperol on the terrace.
The W Florence
Piazza dell’ Unitá Italiana
A relatively modern renovation by this town’s standards, but an iconic building nonetheless. At one time a government department was based here and the modernist styling of the facade has been retained, but the interiors have been brought to a level of luxury no civil servant could ever hope for in their office.
The main restaurant, Tratto, faces the square and the floor-to-ceiling windows mean that a side of people watching with the classic local dishes, and there’s also Italy’s first Akira Back outpost hidden toward the internal courtyard.
That courtyard is the perfect place for al fresco breakfast in the summer, while the rooftop with Duomo views is best for your evening aperitivo. The rooms have been finished to a new high standard for the W brand, all sleek wood and polished stone, and are enormously comfortable.
An expansive gym with an excellent sauna and ice room completes the offering at this fresh, modern alternative to all the heritage properties elsewhere in the city centre.
marriott.com; read a full review here.
The James Suite Hotel Firenze
Via di Mezzo 20
The James is a hidden boutique in the east of the city, comprising just 14 suites with a restaurant and bar. The building was once the home of award-winning designer James Cavagnari; it fell to him to lead the transformation into a hospitality space, and it shows.
Sublime hand-finished plaster work, a myriad of subtle pastel tones, and elegant-yet-playful soft furnishings bring a character and joy to the property which is so sadly missing from many others.
The courtyard restaurant and adjoining lounge bar are exceptionally stylish spaces in which to wile away an evening - make sure to try their two unique twists on the classic Negroni - and the rooftop garden has perfectly romantic views of the sun setting over the Duomo.
Somehow subtle and flamboyant all at the same time.
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection
Via delle Forbici
Tiered gardens, Cypress-lined driveways, expansive lawns to lounge on… everything about Collegio alla Querce speaks of rural luxury, but it’s still within easy reach of the city centre.
It was, for more than a century, a place of learning (hence the name) but now it's a playground, dedicated to fine living and healthy restoration.
The top suite is actually a stand-alone private villa, complete with rooftop jacuzzi and 360-degree views, but even the entry level rooms can sprawl out up to twice as large as most other hotels, and it’s that abundance of space which sets this place apart.
Walk the manicured gardens, recline with a cigar in the former university headmaster’s office-turned bar and lounge, or borrow one of the house Ferraris to whip round the Tuscan countryside. Countryside idyll with the greatest art city in the world just moments away - the dream combination.
Sina Villa Medici
Via Il Prato 42
Grand architecture, more than 200 years of history and a view over a beautiful Florentine square are not unusual in this town.
While Sina Villa Medici is another ancient palazzo bearing these hallmarks of the high-end in Florentine hospitality, it boasts a couple of features its rivals cannot.
The first is the contained courtyard garden and pool at the centre of the building – this is the soul of the hotel, a tranquil oasis from the city outside and the perfect spot to wile away some hours in the sunshine.
The second is a partnership with the legendary Harry’s Bar. The original has been a fixture of the riverside, and favoured spot of discerning travellers and residents alike, for more than 70 years, and in 2021 opened a second location in partnership with the hotel.
Order a negroni, recline on a lounger, and embrace La Dolce Vita.
Hotel Villa Cora
Viale Machiavelli 18
Venture slightly farther from the centre, just the other side of the famous Boboli Gardens, and you will find the magnificent Hotel Villa Cora.
Originally an aristocratic residence from the days when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, it underwent a restoration in the 2010s to be reborn as a modern luxury getaway.
Despite the size of the property there are only 44 rooms and suites, spread across three different edifices, allowing for a sense of space not often found in urban escapes.
The outdoor heated pool remains a constant all year round, but the garden around it is best discovered in the summer (as one would expect), when an astonishing range of over 100 types of rose are in full bloom.
This is one of the most majestic properties in Florence, and its location to the south of the Arno makes it an ideal base for exploring the areas of the city often missing from the standard tourist trail.
