The best hotels in Florence, Italy for 2026

For good reason, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze features on many of the world’s best lists. Built in 1473 by Renaissance visionary Bartolomeo Scala, its main building – the Palazzo della Gherardesca – is a masterpiece of history and elegance. Once home to noble Florentine families, including a Medici cardinal, it became a Four Seasons in 2008, its Renaissance grandeur painstakingly preserved.

Don’t be fooled by the humble, almost anonymous entrance. Inside, every surface feels museum-worthy: antique furnishings, wall and ceiling frescoes, ornate floor tiles and glittering chandeliers. It feels faintly outrageous that random commoners can simply book a night here. And yet you can – and you absolutely should.

There are 116 rooms and suites, and the spectrum of opulence is vast. Even the most “basic” rooms (a generous 30–59m²) are layered with silks, velvets, gilt-framed artworks and marble bathrooms. The Renaissance Suite is full-blown Florentine fantasy, with soaring frescoes, vast windows overlooking the gardens and a marble bathtub so large it resembles an unlidded sarcophagus. For something even more extravagant, the Royal Suite delivers gallery-style grandeur and frescoed ceilings that make waking up feel cinematic.

Dining is of regal standard too. Michelin-starred Il Palagio champions seasonal Tuscan produce, while Onde serves sublime seafood – think delicate lobster antipasto and smoky charcoal-grilled sea bass. Sunday brunch is an event: oysters, Italian cold cuts, roasted meats, and Tuscan wine.

Set in 11 acres of private gardens, with a 28m outdoor pool and serene spa, the hotel sits just 10–15 minutes from the Duomo – close enough for culture-hopping, far enough for calm. For a blow-the-budget Florence experience, this is the place.

Time Out tip: Book a Sunday night and plan your stay around the legendary brunch (there’s an entire room for sweets).

Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze

Price per night: rates start from €900 per night.

Closest transport: Florence airport and the central train station

The Hotel Savoy is downright iconic in Florence, and without the stuffiness you might expect from an institution like this. This Rocco Forte bolthole pulls off the neat trick of being both effortlessly glamorous and surprisingly relaxed – and its location couldn’t be better. Sitting proudly on Piazza della Repubblica, you’re slap-bang in the heart of the city with the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio just a few minutes’ walk away. The Savoy dates back to 1893, though its modern chapter began in the late ’90s under the Rocco Forte banner. There are stylish nods to Florence’s fashion pedigree too, with prints in the lobby and chic Italian design features throughout. Guests tend to be well-heeled families, couples on a spree and fashion devotees making the most of Via Tornabuoni’s boutiques. 

There are 79 rooms in total, 30 of them suites, all generous in size with marble bathrooms, rainfall showers and plenty of natural light. Interiors lean towards soft tones and clean lines, though larger suites crank up the luxury with separate lounges, lofty ceilings and views over the Duomo or piazza. Expect thoughtful extras like Illy coffee machines, Marshall speakers and turndown service each night. The hotel’s restaurant, Irene, relaunched in 2025 with a menu from culinary director Fulvio Pierangelini, and dishes are refined takes on Tuscan favourites, served in a dining room of chandeliers, walnut panelling and elegant fabrics, or on a terrace that spills onto the square. 

While there’s no pool, the fifth-floor Spa Suite makes up for it with heavenly treatments created in collaboration with Santa Maria Novella, the city’s oldest apothecary. From massages to facials, it’s proper indulgence with skyline views. It’s pricey, yes – but for a stay that feels quintessentially Florentine, the Savoy more than earns its stripes.

Time Out tip: If you stay here, it is obligatory to head to Bar Artemisia for a cocktail – Salvatore Calabrese is one of the best bartenders in the world, we tell you.  

Address: Piazza della Repubblica 7, 50123 Firenze, Italy

Price: Starting from around €600 per night

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella Station, 10-minute walk 

Grab a map and ask a local to point to the centre of Florence, and their finger will probably land right over Hotel La Gemma. Stay here and you’ve got the massive Duomo, the best museums, the most beautiful bridges, dozens of churches and all the glitziest shopping streets within a ten minute stroll of your front door. Tucked down a quiet side street metres from Piazza della Repubblica, it’s a literal and figurative oasis from the city bustle, with potted palms by the door, cool air conditioning and a pastel pink and emerald green palette made for Instagram.

A grand building with an even grander history, this is one of Florence’s newest five star hotels, fitting in just over thirty rooms spread across five floors. Thanks to the location, you’ll never be disturbed by noisy passers-by, leaving you in peace to enjoy your stylish surroundings. The bedrooms feel luxe and expensive, with opulent marble bathrooms, original Gio Ponti ceramics, and your very own state of the art coffee machine in each room - perfect for making a morning espresso in your fluffy robe.

This one is for the foodies, too. Taking the term ‘hotel restaurant’ to a whole new level is on-site establishment Luca’s by Paolo Airaudo. While Florence is perhaps known for tradition, the menu here is all about innovation. Adding his own fine dining flair to proceedings is the Italo-Argentinian head chef, whose delectable culinary creativity has already bagged him 2 Michelin stars in San Sebastian. A real standout dish  is the tagliolini with goat butter, anchovies and caviar. 

As if that wasn’t enticing enough, the service here is impeccable. From Harrods-esque doormen in dark green suits to cheery mixologists in bow ties, the friendly staff are always on hand to dish out local tips. Ideal for avoiding the tourist traps. And for those looking to properly unwind, there’s the Allure Spa downstairs, offering facials, massages, a plunge pool and sauna. Because you can’t spell ‘Arrivederci’ without R&R. 

Time Out tip: Pre-book a rooftop dinner under the stars. Few spots in Florence feel this private and romantic, making it the perfect location for a dinner date. 

Address: Via dei Cavalieri, 2/C, 50123 Florence, Italy

Price per night: From around £400, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 10-minute walk

Stepping through the front door of La Stella d’Italia is to enter into Florentine artist-owner Betty Soldi’s world of whimsy. Hidden in plain sight on Florence’s most luxurious shopping street, the entrance is easy to miss among designer storefronts. Ring the little gold doorbell, though, and you’ll step into a palazzo filled with frescoes, freestanding bathtubs beside beds, and hidden corridors that open onto surprises like a velvet-chaired rooftop terrace.

The 16th-century building was designed by legendary architect Giorgio Vasari - and it wears its history well. The breakfast room is covered top to bottom in original 18th-century frescoes, while some bedrooms reveal fragments of Renaissance artwork on the walls. There are just 24 rooms, each different but with common themes: high ceilings, bold colours and an alluring mix of old and new. Deluxe rooms with a view look directly onto the city’s glamorous shopping street, while superior rooms at the back come with peaceful terraces. Whichever you pick, super-king beds, freestanding tubs and eclectic art pieces make every room feel one of a kind.

The welcome feels deliberately and delightfully dated, a bit like arriving at a B&B in the 1950s. There’s no self check-in here -  instead, a lovely Italian lady waits at a wooden desk, with garish pink lights glowing overhead and a bowl of nostalgic sweets at hand. The team are friendly and happy to answer questions, but will otherwise leave you to enjoy the palazzo in peace.

You’re also in one of the best locations in Florence. The majestic Duomo is right around the corner, and the Uffizi Galleries are a short stroll away, while the street itself is lined with boutiques and designer stores. For aperitivo, Procacci 1885 serves famous truffle sandwiches and champagne just around the corner, while classic Florentine steak awaits at nearby Buca Lapi. Then, after all that exploring, you can enjoy a cocktail back on the hotel’s rooftop terrace. 

Time Out tip: Pop into the Ferragamo Museum, just down the street, to explore Florence’s deep ties with Italian fashion.

Address: Via de' Tornabuoni 7, Florence, 50123

Price per night: Starting from €180 per night including breakfast

Closest transport: Florence airport is a 20-minute drive, and the main Santa Maria Novella train station is a 10-minute walk

You’d be forgiven for thinking that The Hoxton’s brand of contemporary cool might not be a natural fit for a Renaissance city like Florence. But you’d be wrong. Set just off Piazza della Libertà, this charming home-from-home blends centuries-old frescoes and a 16th-century palazzo with modern design, cool cafés and a courtyard already buzzing with life. It may be the newest addition to the neighbourhood, but it’s here to stay. And you should too. 

True to Hoxton style, the rooms feel modern and functional yet instantly welcoming, with thoughtful design details that make them feel like home. Some studios come with terraces and outdoor bathtubs, while others feature mezzanine bedrooms linked by spiral staircases. The interiors playfully nod to Florence itself, as well, with cute touches like headboards shaped after the Santo Spirito church. For big family get-aways, the Hoxton have also introduced a new apart-hotel hybrid which they’re calling “The House”: a three bedroom, four bathroom apartment. It comes with a wow-factor kitchen and massive dining area, as well as your very own House Manager. Fancy. 

Food-wise, the hotel restaurant takes its inspiration from the Italian seaside, with delectable dishes like spaghetti vongole and fried seafood. In summer,  you can eat out in the cobbled courtyard, while cooler months mean long, lazy dinners under glittering chandeliers. There’s also a relaxed wine bar pouring natural wines with cheeses and cured meats, plus a bakery pop-up serving up cinnamon buns, sourdough sandwiches and flat whites. Plus, the charming team at the front desk are only too happy to help – and the focus is very much on providing the inside scoop for Florence. So, if you want tips for the best gelateria, or how to get last minute tickets to the Uffizi Galleries, you need only ask. 

Time Out tip: Pop into nearby Caffè Lietta, where the negroni was first mixed in 1919. It’s the perfect spot to toast your Florentine getaway with the city’s most iconic cocktail.

Address: The Hoxton, Via delle Mantellate, 2, 50129 Florence, Italy

Price per night: From around £300, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella station, 20-minute walk; Florence airport about 20 minutes by car or tram

An idiosyncratic, thoroughly charming experience, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni manages to combine Florence’s beauty and grace with a rare, bohemian charm. Situated on the third floor of a building which sits on one of the city’s coolest (yet relatively under-the-radar) squares, the hotel feels somewhere between a billionaire’s cosmopolitan bolthole and an upmarket youth hostel. 

In case you were wondering: yes, ‘palazzo’ does mean ‘palace’, and yes, that’s an apt description here. The hotel building dates back to the 1500s, and stepping inside feels like slipping into another era. Vaulted ceilings, original frescoes and grand fireplaces set the tone, while the boho vibe keeps things feeling relaxed and lived-in. Rooms vary in style, but they all have plenty of class and stay true to the artfully faded grandeur of the building. Some come with balconies looking down onto the bustle of Piazza Santo Spirito, others face the jumble of terracotta rooftops, and a few even frame Florence’s domes and distant hills. Whichever you choose, the combination of antique furniture, high ceilings and characterful details makes them feel straight out of another time.

The real star of the show, however,  is the balcony bar. Carved into the corner of the building and overlooking the square below, this spacious terrace floods with sunlight in the afternoon. It might genuinely be one of the nicest - and most naturally stylish - places to sit and drink a negroni in the whole city. 

Outside, you’re in one of the cooler, artier bits of Florence, Santo Spirito. Wander to The Oltrarno area nearby, known for its workshops and craftspeople, whom you can see whittling and carving away throughout the day in their open-fronted studios. Or, If you do feel like braving the crowds of tourists, Ponte Vecchio is only a 15-minute walk away, linking you to the ever-popular (and typically very busy) Basilica of Santa Croce.

Time Out tip: All of the rooms differ quite a lot, so if you want it to have specific amenities, like a stand-up bath, the best thing to do is ask.

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 9, Florence, 50125

Price per night: Aound £180, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 20-minute walk; Florence airport, 25 minutes by car

Fans of the British TV series ‘Inside number 9’ might balk at the idea of staying in a place with an eerily similar name. But push aside your qualms because this place is definitely not part of a comic horror story. Oh no, this is a hotel of dreams. Situated right in the heart of the city – the Ponte Vecchio is just ten mins away by foot – this family-owned hotel features 40 suites and rooms, all with their own interior design twists. The common theme is an unrivalled sense of classical Italianate style made to feel fresh and contemporary. 

Step inside and you’ll find a glamorous but welcoming space, with high ceilings, rich fabrics and bold artworks dotted around. No two bedrooms are alike, but all share that mix of comfort and style: some are cosy and modern, others are larger suites with space to spread out, plus living areas and luxury designer touches.The whole place is sleek and elegant, without ever feeling stiff or formal. A hard balance to get right, but here they’ve nailed it. 

Travellers looking to relax will definitely want to pay a visit to the ‘Epic Spa’. With a name like that, you’d expect big things - and you wouldn’t be disappointed. This is one of the city’s most complete wellness offerings. There’s a hammam, sauna, Jacuzzi and cold tub, alongside reflexology baths, a fitness centre and even a small pool with counter-current swimming- for those who love a challenge. Add in Pilates classes and tailored treatments, and you’ve got literally everything you could need to leave Florence feeling reborn.

As for the food offering, Daisy’s Restaurant brings together good food and live entertainment, while the Orientalist Cocktail Bar offers a more laidback way to round off your evening. Guests also have access to the House of Nine, a private club that hosts cultural events and dinner shows. Exclusive!

All told, it’s a polished, playful and perfectly located hotel in the very centre of Florence.

Time Out tip: You’re only minutes from the Medici Chapels, home to Michelangelo’s striking sculptures. A must for history buffs and an easy detour before dinner.

Address: Via dei Conti 9, Florence, 50123, Italy

Price per night: From around £300, depending on dates and room type

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 5-minute walk; Florence airport, around 20 minutes by car or tram

Located on the south side of the River Arno, 40 of the 65 rooms at Hotel Lungarno offer stunning views across the water. Many come with Juliet balconies directly above the river, with the Ponte Vecchio just steps away. It’s an enviable spot: quieter than the bustle on the north bank, but central enough that you can get to all the galleries within minutes. Culture connoisseurs won’t even need to leave the building, though – the hotel boasts its own private collection of more than 400 works, including pieces by Picasso and Cocteau. 

Unlike many of Florence’s grande dame hotels, this one has a more contemporary approach to decorating. There’s a crisp, nautical feel throughout. All clean lines, oak floors and blue-and-white fabrics, softened with designer flourishes and marble bathrooms. It’s still elegant, but not stuffy. Whether you opt for a cosy street-facing room or splash out on a suite with a river terrace, the surroundings are chic and welcoming. 

You’ll also have the option of Michelin-starred dining in the Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant, with tasting menus that show off just how inventive Italian cooking can be. Breakfasts are equally indulgent, and the bar is a fine place for an aperitivo with the river glittering beyond the windows. If you’re after Florence at its most polished but with a touch of intimacy, this is it: a hotel that combines riverside romance, world-class dining and one of the best private art collections in the city.

Time Out tip: Step outside and wander into the Oltrarno district. This side of the river is quieter than the tourist-heavy north bank and full of workshops, wine bars and artisan boutiques.

Address: Borgo San Jacopo 14, Florence, 50125, Italy

Price per night: From around £450, depending on season and room type

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 15-minute walk or 10 minutes by taxi; Florence airport (Peretola), around 25 minutes by car

Bosh. Right in the middle of Florence is where you’ll find this compact but substantial property, a hop and a skip from many of the city’s a-tier attractions. Like a lot of the actually decent posh hotels in Florence, Helvetia & Bristol is an enjoyable combination of contemporary swishyness and time-worn, almost eccentric grandiosity.

In fact the hotel’s split personality is more in-your-face than usual: it’s technically a combination of two different buildings, with one part being more old-world opulence, while the other (the ‘Bristol’ bit) is relatively contemporary. Rooms in the historic section come with tall windows, antique dressers and royal-looking carved oak headboards, while the newer wing goes for a sleeker style. Whichever you choose, the common thread is a sense of indulgence and old-world glamour, polished up for modern tastes.

Food and drink come by way of the bombastically snazzy Cibrèo restaurant and cocktail bar.  Here you’ll find red banquettes, yellow marble and razzle-dazzle uplighting, allowing you to stuff your faces in stylish surroundings. The menu features fresh local produce that you’ll definitely want to try. And, there’s also an equally unapologetically snazzy winter garden, where you can sit while munching your freshly made pastries in the morning.

The location could hardly be better: it’s just around the corner from Piazza della Repubblica, with the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio all within walking distance. You’re also surrounded by high-end boutiques, the looming Palazzo Strozzi art gallery (you can’t miss it) and plenty of bustling cafés and restaurants. Yes, the tourist-heavy centre can be overwhelming in peak season, but cross the river and you’re in Santo Spirito, where Florence feels vibey and local. Or head towards Santa Maria Novella, where the historic perfumery is worth a pilgrimage whether or not you care about smelly stuff. 

Time Out tip: If you enjoy being pampered, then book yourself in for one of the hotel’s spa sessions. It’s the biggest one in the city. Molto zen.

Address: Via dei Pescioni, 2, 50123 Florence, Italy

Price per night: From around €446, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 10-minute walk; Florence airport about 20 minutes by car or tram

The gorgeously elegant four-star Moon Boutique Hotel & Spa epitomises Florence in one hotel. Eclectic style and warm hospitality combine for a perfect place to rest on your travels to the city, with the affordable price point making this an attractive option, no matter your budget. Inside, there are 23 rooms, all designed with comfort in mind. Think cosy beds, rainfall showers and a soft, contemporary style that feels more boutique than budget. There’s balcony options, too, for anyone after a Romeo + Juliet moment. Upgrade to a suite and the indulgence steps up a notch, with private jacuzzis among other impressive add-ons. 

The hotel is conveniently situated a 10-minute walk from Fortezza da Basso and just 900 yards from Santa Maria Novella train station, so it’s a handy base whether you’re arriving by rail or setting out to explore the historic centre. Being just outside the city’s ZTL (restricted traffic zone) also makes it a rare find for drivers, with on-site parking and even charging stations for electric cars. Of course, it wouldn't be a spa hotel without access to the Blue Moon Spa, which has plenty of relaxing wellness programs for you to choose from. The wellness facilities are compact, but cleverly designed, exactly what you need after pounding the city’s cobbled streets. Why not treat yourself to a Turkish bath, massage or facial? Go on, you deserve it.

Start your day with an à la carte breakfast of pastries, eggs and local cheeses, or wind down with a cocktail or herbal tea at the Moon Bar.  The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and refreshingly unpretentious-  a reminder that in Florence, you don’t always need to spend a fortune to find somewhere special.

Time Out tip: Stroll over to Parco delle Cascine, Florence’s biggest green space, just a few minutes away. It’s the perfect antidote to the crowds before slipping back into the spa.

Address: Viale Fratelli Rosselli 14, Florence, 50123, 

Price per night: From around £150 including breakfast (depends on season and room type) 

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, about a 10-minute walk; Florence airport, about 20-25 minutes by taxi or transfer depending on traffic

AdAstra is a truly special place. Overlooking the largest private garden in Europe, this boutique hotel is in the buzzing Oltrarno district across the River Arno. Enter through the giant wooden gates and you’ll feel immediately at peace. In and amongst the chaos of a busy city like Florence, this chic residence is an ideal spot if you’re after a stay that feels special and secluded. 

The hotel’s decor harmoniously mixes the decades for a serene and elegant look, with each room having its own unique charm. Whether floral wallpaper or rustic mid-century furniture are your thing, there’ll definitely be a room to suit your tastes. Fans of quirky art are in for a treat, too, as there’s plenty of this on display throughout.

The real sell here is the mellow, ambient vibe. It’s a setting that feels quietly tucked away from the world-at-large, with this sense of blissful quiet enhanced by the huge terrace overlooking the Torrigianni Gardens, where you can have a lazy breakfast or an aperitivo. 

Couples looking for an idyllic spot to hide away won’t find better than the two garden suites on offer here. Separate from the main building, each of these come with its own private terrace, adding an extra romantic touch to a hotel that’s already overflowing with them. Book well in advance, though, as these rooms are the most popular by far. 

Discreet, charming and informal, AdAstra has gained something of a cult following since its oaky gates first flew open back in 2016. In fact, it was recently awarded a Michelin Key. Not to be confused with a Michelin Star, the Key is for hotels, not restaurants. Handy, because there isn’t one here - but with loads of places to eat out just around the corner, you’re more than covered. 

Time Out tip: Skip the tourist-packed north side for dinner one night and head to Alla Vecchia Bettola, a no-frills trattoria just at the end of the road. The heaving tables and jugs of Chianti are as Florentine as it gets.

Address: Via del Campuccio 53, Florence, 50125

Price per night: From around £330, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, about a 25-minute walk; Florence airport, around 25 minutes by car

Staying here feels more like being welcomed into a Florentine townhouse than checking into a hotel. There’s an intimate, home-like quality that spills into every detail here; guests are greeted with a drink upon arrival and instantly made to feel like they belong. This impossibly chic hotel is right by the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, while inside it’s immensely stylish and contemporary without getting into cold minimalism. Oak parquet floors and antique fireplaces mingle with velvet upholstery, brass accents and rich greens and purples, giving an overall feel that’s elegant, warm, and quietly glamorous.

Bedrooms range from compact doubles to lavish suites with marble bathrooms, claw-foot tubs and embroidered linens. Some overlook the rooftops, while others frame the bustling piazza below. Whichever you choose, you’ll sleep soundly in luxurious, sophisticated surroundings – complete with complimentary minibar, toiletries and cashmere throws. Foodies are in for a treat, too. Join fashionable Florentines during the popular Sunday brunch, or linger on the beautiful terrace where cocktails and light meals are served overlooking the piazza. For something even more special, a separate private terrace can be booked for an exclusive dinner above the rooftops. It’s easy to see why this is such a firm favourite among couples looking for an elegant bolthole.

The service here is flawless, without fuss. Staff truly go above and beyond to accommodate, striving to anticipate your needs before you’ve even considered them. Guests can expect everything from private gallery visits to artisan workshops, arranged with ease. All this excellence comes at a hefty price, though. This is one of the most expensive hotels in Florence -  but if you’re after elegance, polish and unforgettable service, this is The Place.

Time Out tip: Book a table for Sunday brunch – people come to the hotel for it from all over the city. 

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7, Florence, 50123

Price per night: From around £700, including breakfast

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella train station, 7-minute walk; Florence airport, 20 minutes by car

This sympathetically restored Brunelleschi-designed palazzo is just 10 minutes north of the Ponte Vecchio and in a romantic spot right on the River Arno. Once owned by the Giuntini family, it’s said that parts of this palace were designed by Filippo Brunelleschi back in the 1400s, and then became a hotel in the 1800s. In 2011, it became what it is today: the St Regis, with a full revamp – Italian design, old frescoes and plenty of luxurious touches. 

St Regis Florence takes you back to the Renaissance in its 80 handsome rooms and 19 suites that are ornate without going over the top. Rooms range from Deluxe and Premium rooms (20-25sqft), some with views of the beautiful Arno River, to Presidential Suites, Royal Suites, Junior Suites and more. If you’re in a suite, you can choose between an Arno or City view – both are stunning, but the river view is ever so slightly more romantic. If you can afford it, it’s worth upgrading to one of the rooms with its own balcony – after all, when is it not?

The spa is an intimate affair, with private hot tubs in each treatment room. They use Clarins products (from the MyBlend range) here, and you can book an assortment of treatments: massages, facials, manicure, pedicure, waxing, etc. The Winter Garden restaurant is one of Florence’s best, where Italian cuisine is given a Michelin-starred gloss. The best part is where you’ll eat: a dining room with a 19th-century glass ceiling, hung with a glass chandelier. Seriously fancy. 

Time Out tip: Aside from the River Arno on your doorstep, the train station is nearby too.

Address: Piazza Ognissanti 1, 50123 Florence, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €800 per night

Closest transport: Santa Maria Novella station, 10-minute walk