Florence is a city that rewards both curiosity and indulgence, where Renaissance art, historic architecture, and world-class cuisine converge. Choosing where to stay can transform your experience, whether you want the privacy of a sun-drenched villa, the refined elegance of a historic palazzo, or a garden sanctuary steps from the Duomo. From the grandeur of Four Seasons Firenze to intimate escapes like Villa Firenze or Poggio Imperiale Estate, Florence offers a range of accommodations that allow you to live like a local while enjoying modern comforts. For those planning a longer journey through Tuscany, my Ultimate Guide to Tuscany provides in-depth insights for Florence and beyond — including Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Val d’Orcia — covering the best hotels, restaurants, tours, tastings, experiences, and practical tips for first-time visitors.
Below, I’ve gathered the best hotels, villas, and boutique stays in Florence — carefully selected for their charm, quality of accommodations, and location. Whether you’re seeking a city-center retreat, a private villa, or a historic palazzo, each property offers a unique way to experience the art, culture, and vibrant streets of Florence.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Set within a meticulously restored 15th-century Renaissance palazzo, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is one of the most distinctive luxury hotels in Florence. The property spans two historic buildings, the original Palazzo della Gherardesca and the neighboring 16th-century Conventino, together housing 116 rooms and suites surrounded by the largest private garden in the city.
Interiors reflect centuries of Florentine craftsmanship, with hand-painted silk wallcoverings, antique Murano chandeliers, and custom furnishings designed to honor the palazzo’s aristocratic past. Original frescoes and period artwork appear throughout the property, including works by Giovanni Stradano, a Renaissance artist closely associated with the Medici court.
What truly sets Four Seasons Firenze apart is its eleven-acre private garden, a rare expanse of Renaissance-era grounds planted with ancient oak and cypress trees, manicured parterres, and historic statuary. In a city defined by stone and symmetry, this garden offers a sense of space and calm that feels almost impossible in the historic center.
Dining is anchored by Michelin-starred Il Palagio, located in a vaulted dining room that once served as the palazzo’s stables. The spa draws on Florentine wellness traditions using products from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the city’s oldest pharmacy. For guests seeking a deeper connection to Florence, the concierge can arrange private garden tours, after-hours museum access, and intimate dining experiences overlooking the city.
For travelers deciding where to stay in Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a rare combination of central location, artistic heritage, and extraordinary outdoor space.
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection
Located on a sunlit hillside just three miles from the Duomo, Collegio alla Querce offers a quieter, more residential perspective on Florence. This restored 16th-century former boarding school has been transformed into an 83-room resort that balances Tuscan countryside serenity with easy access to the historic center.
The property takes its name from the centuries-old oak trees that shade its terraced Baroque gardens, and many rooms enjoy sweeping views across Florence’s rooftops toward the surrounding hills. Interiors blend Renaissance references with refined modern design, creating spaces that feel residential rather than overtly hotel-like.
La Gamella, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves seasonal Italian cuisine in a light-filled garden room, while the Aelia spa focuses on longevity and restorative wellness. Experiences range from chef-led cooking classes and olive oil tastings to curated cultural programming designed to reflect the property’s artistic past as a school for goldsmiths.
Collegio alla Querce feels less like a traditional hotel and more like a private villa estate overlooking the city. It is an ideal choice for travelers who want the atmosphere of the Tuscan hills without giving up proximity to Florence’s museums, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel
Overlooking Florence from the hillside of Fiesole, Villa San Michele is one of the most storied hotels in the region. Set within a 15th-century former Franciscan monastery, the property is scheduled to reopen in April 2026 following an extensive restoration that reimagines all 39 rooms and suites.
The hotel’s celebrated Renaissance façade is traditionally attributed to Michelangelo and is framed each spring by cascading wisteria that has climbed the stone walls for more than two centuries. Historic terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings, and preserved frescoes remain central to the experience, while new interiors by Luigi Fragola Architects introduce Tuscan marble, neoclassical textiles, and handcrafted details that feel both timeless and restrained.
Dining is led by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, whose menus focus on Tuscan produce and culinary heritage, served alongside panoramic views of Florence’s skyline. A heated hillside pool and formal Italian gardens provide a peaceful retreat above the city.
Villa San Michele is best suited for travelers who value privacy, views, and a sense of contemplative distance, while still remaining within easy reach of Florence’s historic center.
Hotel Savoy
Situated on Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy occupies one of the most central locations in Florence. This Rocco Forte property places guests steps from the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Via de’ Tornabuoni, making it an ideal base for experiencing the city entirely on foot.
Rooms and suites reflect a modern interpretation of Florentine elegance, combining contemporary Italian design with rich textures, curated artwork, and a sense of understated refinement. Suites overlooking the piazza offer a direct view into daily Florentine life, from early morning café rituals to the evening passeggiata.
Hotel Savoy delivers a polished, confident experience rooted in location above all else. For travelers who want to stay in the heart of Florence and feel fully immersed in the rhythm of the city, it remains one of the most reliable and well-positioned luxury hotels in the historic center.
Villa Firenze
Located within a historic Florentine palazzo, Villa Firenze offers an elegant alternative to traditional luxury hotels for travelers who want space, privacy, and a true sense of place. This beautifully renovated four-bedroom apartment blends original architectural details with modern comfort, creating a residence that feels both refined and livable.
The interiors are defined by soaring ceilings, preserved frescoes, and a thoughtful layout designed for extended stays. A fully equipped modern kitchen allows guests to settle into daily life in Florence, while the gracious dining and living room provides an ideal setting for private chef dinners, intimate wine tastings, or slow evenings at home.
Each of the four bedrooms includes its own sitting area, offering privacy and flexibility for families or groups traveling together. A private terrace serves as a natural gathering space for aperitivo hour, and the large porcelain soaking tub offers a welcome moment of relaxation after long days spent exploring the city on foot.
Villa Firenze is best suited for travelers who want the experience of living inside a Florentine palazzo, with room to spread out and the freedom to move at their own pace, all while remaining fully immersed in the rhythm of the city.
Villa Poggio
Just a mile from Florence’s Porta Romana, Villa Poggio Verde offers a quintessential Tuscan villa experience with the convenience of the city within easy reach. Set on 7.4 acres of olive groves and century-old cypresses, this 18th-century property combines countryside serenity with effortless access to Florence’s museums, restaurants, and historic streets.
The villa features five en-suite bedrooms, each designed for comfort and privacy, making it ideal for families or groups traveling together. A heated saltwater infinity pool overlooks the rolling hills, offering panoramic views that stretch across the Tuscan landscape. The covered terrace, anchored by a long teak dining table, invites leisurely dinners or sunset aperitivo moments, while local cafes and grocery stores are only a short walk away.
Villa Poggio Verde is perfect for travelers who want the charm of a historic Tuscan estate, space to unwind, and a seamless connection to Florence’s vibrant city life.
Poggio Imperiale Estate
Poggio Imperiale Estate is Florence villa living at its most expansive and refined. This 15th-century property spans nearly 9,000 square feet across three floors, with original frescoes, eight en-suite bedrooms, and ten acres of private grounds that provide both scale and seclusion.
Designed for large family gatherings or celebratory stays, the villa features two fully equipped kitchens, multiple dining areas, including one that seats eighteen guests, and a heated saltwater pool that overlooks the rolling Tuscan hills. Its location offers the best of both worlds: just a mile from Porta Romana, with easy access to Florence’s historic center, yet quiet enough to feel like a true countryside retreat.
Every detail has been considered to create an authentic Tuscan experience. The garden includes a mosquito control system for comfort, a wood-fired pizza oven for casual outdoor meals, and in autumn, guests can even participate in olive harvesting. Poggio Imperiale Estate is ideal for travelers seeking a spacious, private, and immersive stay that captures the spirit of Tuscany without sacrificing proximity to Florence.
Closing thoughts
Florence is a city best experienced at your own pace, and the right accommodations can make all the difference. Whether you prefer the historic charm of a central hotel, the elegance of a palazzo, or the privacy and space of a Tuscan villa, each of these stays offers something distinctive for discerning travelers. For a deeper dive into Florence and the wider Tuscan region —including the best hotels, restaurants, and curated experiences in Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Val d’Orcia — explore my Ultimate Guide to Tuscany, a comprehensive 50+ page digital resource designed to help you plan an unforgettable getaway in Florence and throughout Tuscany.
