Best Hotels in Florence: Where to Stay in Tuscany's Art Capital

Florence’s accommodation market is tighter than Rome’s. The city is small and central rooms are expensive relative to the quality. In peak season (April–October), last-minute availability is limited and prices are high. The best strategy is to book well ahead and choose a neighbourhood base carefully — staying in the historic centre costs a premium that isn’t always justified by the experience.

Best neighbourhoods

Oltrarno — South of the Arno. Generally better value than the north bank, more local character, excellent restaurants, easy walking distance to the Uffizi and Duomo via the Ponte Vecchio. Our first recommendation for most visitors. Mid-range doubles from approximately €110–180/night.

Santa Croce — East of the centre around the basilica. Good mid-range options, less saturated with tourists than the San Lorenzo and Duomo area. A 10-minute walk to the Uffizi. Doubles from approximately €100–160/night.

Centro Storico (Duomo area) — Maximum convenience but premium prices. Fine for short stays; expensive and crowded for anything longer. Expect to pay from €160/night for a decent double.

San Niccolò / Oltrarno periphery — A 15-minute walk from the main sights but genuine neighbourhood living with far better value. Close to Piazzale Michelangelo and the walk up to San Miniato al Monte. Worth considering for stays of 4+ nights. Doubles from approximately €80–130/night.

Luxury hotels (from €300/night as of 2026)

Portrait Firenze (Lungarno Acciaiuoli, on Ponte Vecchio) — Salvatore Ferragamo family property with river views directly from Ponte Vecchio. Suites from approximately €500/night. Personalised service, rooftop terrace overlooking the Arno. One of the most exclusive addresses in Florence.

Hotel Lungarno (Borgo San Jacopo 14, Oltrarno) — Ferragamo-owned, art-filled boutique hotel on the south bank. Doubles from approximately €350/night. Contemporary art collection throughout. The Borgo San Jacopo restaurant has Arno views and a Michelin star. Request a river-view room.

Il Salviatino (Via del Salviatino 21, Fiesole hills) — A restored 15th-century villa in the hills above Florence, 15 minutes by car from the centre. Doubles from approximately €400/night. Infinity pool with panoramic views, extensive gardens, spa. The best option if you want countryside luxury within reach of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Borgo Pinti 99) — Two Renaissance palazzi connected by Florence’s largest private garden (4.5 hectares). Doubles from approximately €600/night. Frescoed ceilings in public spaces, outdoor pool, full-service spa. The Il Palagio restaurant serves Tuscan fine dining.

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol (Via dei Pescioni 2, near Piazza della Repubblica) — A grand 19th-century hotel in the heart of the city. Doubles from approximately €320/night. Traditional luxury with antique furnishings and a wood-panelled bar. Excellent breakfast served in the Winter Garden.

Mid-range hotels (€100–250/night as of 2026)

Hotel Palazzo Guadagni (Piazza Santo Spirito 9, Oltrarno) — A 15th-century palazzo on Oltrarno’s most atmospheric piazza. Doubles from approximately €140/night. The loggia terrace on the top floor has Duomo views. Simple, elegant rooms with high frescoed ceilings. Breakfast included. No lift — request a lower floor if needed.

Hotel Davanzati (Via Porta Rossa 5, Centro Storico) — Family-run four-star in a 14th-century palazzo between the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Doubles from approximately €160/night. Free afternoon tea, wine tasting twice weekly, and a rooftop terrace. Rooms vary significantly in size — book a superior or deluxe for more space.

Hotel Monna Lisa (Borgo Pinti 27, Santa Croce) — A palazzo with an art collection and internal garden. Doubles from approximately €150/night. Period furniture, frescoed ceilings, genuinely atmospheric. The garden rooms are quieter but darker. Breakfast in the courtyard garden is a highlight.

Soprarno Suites (Via Maggio 35, Oltrarno) — Modern boutique suites in a 16th-century building. Doubles from approximately €130/night. Minimalist design within historic walls. Kitchenettes in some suites — useful for longer stays. Excellent location on Oltrarno’s main antique-shop street.

Hotel Orto de’ Medici (Via San Gallo 30, San Marco) — Well-maintained three-star near the Accademia (Michelangelo’s David). Doubles from approximately €110/night. Private garden courtyard, free parking for one car (unusual in Florence). A solid mid-range choice in a good location.

Budget hotels and B&Bs (under €100/night as of 2026)

Ostello Bello Firenze (Via de’ Cimatori 10, Centro Storico) — The best hostel in Florence, part of the Milan-based chain. Dorm beds from approximately €30/night, private doubles from approximately €90/night. Free breakfast and evening aperitivo included. Self-catering kitchen. Rooftop terrace. Central location near the Bargello.

Plus Florence (Via Santa Caterina d’Alessandria 15, north of centre) — A large hostel with a pool, gym, and sauna. Dorm beds from approximately €25/night, private rooms from approximately €75/night. A 15-minute walk from the Duomo. The facilities are the best of any Florence hostel.

Hotel Perseo (Via de’ Cerretani 1, near the Duomo) — Simple family-run three-star in an excellent location. Doubles from approximately €90/night. No frills but clean, central, and the breakfast room has Duomo views. One of the best budget options in the historic centre.

Soggiorno Battistero (Piazza San Giovanni 1, overlooking the Baptistery) — A B&B directly opposite the Baptistery with extraordinary views from the front rooms. Doubles from approximately €85/night. Basic rooms but the location and views more than compensate. Book a front-facing room or it’s not worth it.

Hotel Il Bargello (Via de’ Pandolfini 33, Santa Croce) — Affordable three-star near the Bargello museum. Doubles from approximately €80/night. Clean, well-maintained, and the owner provides excellent restaurant recommendations. No lift.

Practical notes

City tax (tassa di soggiorno): Florence charges approximately €4–5.50 per person per night depending on hotel category, as of 2026. Hostels charge approximately €2 per person.

Parking: Central Florence is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone) — entering with a rental car without a permit results in automatic fines of approximately €80–160 per violation, as of 2026. If arriving by car, book accommodation with parking (approximately €25–40/day) or use a peripheral garage (Parterre car park near Piazza della Libertà — approximately €20/day) and walk in.

Booking timing: For peak season (Easter, May–September), book 2–3 months ahead for mid-range hotels. Luxury properties require 3–6 months for the best rooms. November–February (excluding Christmas) offers significant savings — 30–40% below peak rates.

Transport: Florence is compact enough to walk everywhere in the centre. The tramway T1 connects the airport and Santa Maria Novella station. Airport taxis cost a fixed approximately €22 to the centre, as of 2026. The Volainbus shuttle from the airport to SMN station costs approximately €6. For a pre-booked private airport transfer into the centre, prices are comparable to a taxi and confirmed in advance.

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For the full Florence travel guide covering the Uffizi, Duomo, neighbourhoods, and day trips. For a regional accommodation guide covering Tuscany more broadly, see hotels in Tuscany. Planning activities: the Florence things to do guide covers museum queues, walk routes, and the lesser-visited sites. For eating well on any budget, the Florence food guide covers bistecca, lampredotto, and the best trattorias. Choosing between Florence and other cities? Our Bologna vs Florence guide and Venice vs Florence guide cover the trade-offs.