Top Hotels in Florence: A Guide to Luxurious Stays

Strolling the streets of Florence is like wandering through an open-air museum. Between the elegant villas, historic churches, and atmospheric piazzas, the city offers Renaissance grandeur at every turn. While you’ll want to spend numerous hours exploring these incredible sights, the top hotels are just as enchanting, offering a different perspective on this Renaissance city.

Florence is a place where the well-known phrase — location, location, location — truly applies. Since the town is easily explored on foot, the best hotels serve as excellent jumping-off points. For instance, Hotel Brunelleschi, which has claimed the fifth spot on this year’s list, is set in a church that faces the iconic Duomo. Moreover, if you choose to stay in the Pagliazza Tower Suite located in a circular Byzantine tower, you’ll enjoy direct views of Brunelleschi’s masterpiece.

Those seeking to escape the tourist crowds while remaining close to the action will find nothing compares to the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, voted fourth by readers. This sumptuous property, a 15th-century former palace, is situated on one of the largest privately-owned gardens in Florence, just a 15-minute walk from the Duomo. Guests can wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, dine at the Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant, or relax by the large outdoor swimming pool.

Number three, Belmond Villa San Michele, also offers respite from the city’s hustle. Nestled in the serene village of Fiesole, it’s a 20-minute drive from Florence’s main attractions, featuring views of terraced gardens and the Arno Valley. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian dishes at La Loggia restaurant or enhance their culinary skills through hands-on cooking demonstrations.

5. Hotel Brunelleschi

Score: 90.18

4. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Score: 91.93

3. Belmond Villa San Michele

Score: 92.67

1. (tie) Hotel Lungarno

Score: 93.00

Hotel Lungarno, the flagship hotel of the Ferragamo Lungarno Collection, is uniquely located on the Arno River, overlooking the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Following a careful renovation in 2017, this property has never looked more inviting. The interiors artfully blend residential elegance with nautical flair, showcasing blue and white striped carpeting, white boiserie, and an extensive art collection featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Cocteau, and Bueno.

1. (tie) Villa Cora

Score: 93.00

The trompe l’oeil frescoes and classical statues at Villa Cora, a 19th-century villa overlooking the Boboli Gardens, are nothing short of breathtaking. After you’ve indulged in the beauty of your surroundings, consider enjoying champagne on the rooftop terrace with stunning garden views, unwinding in the spa, or relaxing by the heated outdoor pool shaded by towering oak trees. When you’re ready to explore, nearby Piazzale Michelangelo offers a stunning panoramic view over the city.