Florence has a romantic nature about it and many feel it’s one of the most intriguing cities in all of Italy, which is an enchanting country in and of itself. Clearly there are many reasons why Florence draws in thousands of visitors every year. You can’t deny the celebration of art – some of which is among the world’s most impressive – a beautiful setting along the river with many romantic aspects to it. Plus, it’s nearby many easy day trips that can take you to the Tuscan countryside, wonderful Chianti wineries and towns with medieval towers.
All that makes Florence a great place to stay. In a city like this you have many options. Here’s a look at a few that are worth checking out:
Antica Dimora Firenze
Address: 72 Via San Gallo, Florence
Phone: 00 39 55 462 7296
Price guide: $230+ night; Quality guide: 4 stars
This is a small hotel that is essentially a bed and breakfast. It’s adorned with six bedrooms and is a conveniently located in Florence. The Duomo is only about a 10 or 15-minute walk from here – making this a great home base to allow you to explore Florence. The rooms are all decorated differently and have various colors. There are many antiques and oriental rugs to enjoy. One room also features a private terrace that is perfect for sitting to enjoy the view. There’s also a breakfast room area that has both books and DVDs you can borrow to enjoy in your room.
Berchielli
Address: Lungarno Acciaioli 14/Piazza del Limbo 6, Florence
Phone: 00 39 05 526 4061
Price guide: $224+ night; Quality guide: 4 stars
The Berchielli is a larger hotel with 76 rooms total. Many of the lovely rooms feature a view of the Arno River. The Hotel Berchielli has an enviable position in the heart of Florence. It’s not far from the Uffizi Gallery and also is nearby many of Florence’s other major spots for tourists. The rooms are amply sized –based on European sizing – and travelers report that it is clean with comfortable bathrooms. There’s also a lovely garden atop the roof that is a great place to relax and enjoy. The hotel features a breakfast buffet and also has an onsite bar. You can also access the Internet from your room with a password you get from the front desk.
Casa Howard
Address: Casa Howard, via della Scala 18, Florence, Italy
Phone: 00 39 06 6992 4555
Price: $259+ night; Quality guide: 4 stars
Casa Howard is popular with those on business and those visiting Florence on holiday. It’s very close to the center of Florence and offers cozy, unique rooms that become a real home away from home. Each room has a personal touch making you really enjoy your stay in Florence even more. This bed and breakfast/inn has a dozen total rooms – each with their own unique touch. Many feature private terraces, and the staff aims to please with service details.
Continentale
Address: Vicolo dell'Oro 6r, Florence
Phone: 00 39 055 27262
Price guide: $249+ night; Quality guide: 4.5 stars
This boutique hotel has 43 total rooms on a total of seven floors. It was recently renovated as a designer hotel and is held by the Ferragamo family. It’s more modern and opened in only 2003. It’s next to the Uffazi Hotel and quite central to all things Florence. You can reach most of the major sites of Florence within about 30 minutes of walking. Additionally, there are many nearby options for breakfast and espresso to start your morning off right. Most of the rooms are white and feature modern touches. Check out the terrace on top of the roof at sunset!
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, Florence
Phone: 00 39 055 26261
Price guide: $3,000+ per night; Quality guide: 5+ stars
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the tops for luxury. It’s also a great location and only about 15 minutes by foot from the Duomo. It also features a world-class spa and a large swimming pool that is outdoors. There are many gardens to enjoy with fountains and other touches that make this a hotel of this class and nature. The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze features 116 guest rooms – each with massive marble bathrooms. There are also six suites on the first floor that are fit for royalty. Of course, you’ll pay for such luxuries and services bearing a name of this caliber. This hotel also has an impressive heritage that dates back over four centuries.
Gallery Hotel Art, Vicolo dell'Oro 5, Florence, 00 39 055 27263
Price guide: $415+ night; Quality: 4.5 stars
This hotel is also modern and opened in 1999. It’s also one of the Ferragamo family and is a designer hotel. The rooms are modern with many touches of contemporary style. There’s a lobby that’s set up like a library. Service is tops to customers, many of whom tend to be wealthy. You’ll find spacious rooms and comfortable bathrooms. The location also is excellent and nearby many of Florence’s top attractions. It has 74 rooms and also features a business center.
Other noteworthy spots:
Grand Hotel Florence, Piazza Ognissanti 1, Florence, 00 39 055 27161
$429+ night; 4.5 stars
Featuring 107 bedrooms and overlooking the Arno River, this hotel, known also as the St. Regis Florence, is part of a palace from the 18th Century.
Grand Hotel Villa Cora, Viale Machiavelli 18, Florence, 00 39 055 27 18 40
$365+ night; 4 stars
This is a luxury hotel with 48 rooms dating back to the 19th Century with large gardens.
Helvetia & Bristol, Via dei Pescioni 2, Florence, 00 39 055 26651
$266; 3.5 stars
This hotel dates back to the 19th Century but was renovated in the 1980s. The hotel reflects is rich historical past in the way it looks and feels.
Hermitage, Vicolo Marzio 1, Florence, 00 39 055 287 216
$126+ night; 3 stars
This is a hotel with only 29 rooms that fills up quickly. It’s near Ponte Vecchio.
Hotel Lungarno, Borgo San Jacopo 14, Florence, 39 055 272641
Price: $200+ per night; Quality: 4.5 stars
This was the first of the Ferragomo hotels to open in Florence.
Hotel Savoy, Piazza della Repubblica 7, Florence, 00 39 055 27351
Price: $500+ per night; Quality: 4.5 stars
This hotel is contemporary and has 88 rooms. There are also 14 luxurious suites. It’s popular with the hip crowd and near the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.
Loggiato Dei Serviti, Piazza Santissima Annunziata 3, Florence, 00 39 55 289 592
Price: $140+ per night; Quality: 3.5 stars
This 16th Century restored hotel overlooks a gorgeous piazza in Florence. It has 38 rooms.
Lungarno Suites, Lungarno Acciaiuoli 4, Florence, 00 39 055 27268000
Each suite has its own kitchenette here. It’s a modern hotel with no restaurant or bar, but you can get breakfast room service or dinner from Hotel Art.