Learn where to stay in Florence, the best neighborhoods for tourists and where you shouldn’t go.
Your hotel’s location and amenities can make or break any trip. It’s the single most important factor in determining your rest, physical exertion, energy levels and mood!
Don’t leave it up to chance or rely solely on internet reviews. Take it from me, too! I lived in Florence during university and now visit several times each year. I’ve hosted countless friends and family in the city.
Below I’ve outlined my favorite places to stay in Florence across all price points for luxury travelers and for those more budget-minded. I’ve also covered which neighborhoods and areas to avoid on your visit.
My map at the very bottom shows each hotel location in relation to other properties and major landmarks.
Let’s get started!
At a Glance: Best Places to Stay in Florence
- Best Overall Value: Grand Hotel Cavour
- Second Best Value: Hotel Calzaiuoli
- Best Luxury Stay: Helvetia & Bristol
- Most Character: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
- Cheapest: Hotel Por Santa Maria
- Best Spa: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
- Most Charming: Bernini Palace
- Most Central: Hotel Villani
- Most Exclusive: The St. Regis Florence
- Most Spacious: Hotel La Scaletta Florence
Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Tourists
First Time Visitors
The San Giovanni neighborhood is the best area to stay in Florence for first time visitors on a tight schedule. This area includes most major tourist attractions, is incredibly walkable, safe and offers plenty of eating options.
The majority of my hotel recommendations below are within this central Old Town area.
For Day Trippers Needing Train Access
For visitors who need quick access to the train station, the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood offers a great base.
However, both foot and car traffic are heavier here, as are the number of street vendors that congregate near transportation hubs.
Don’t travel too far west of the train station to the Porta al Prato neighborhood, as this is a rougher area I’d caution you to avoid.
The San Lorenzo neighborhood is another great option slightly east of the central train station for travelers going on excursions.
This area includes the Central Market, leather stalls and some incredible restaurants like Trattoria Zaza with their enticing truffle menu. San Lorenzo is full of character, but still within close proximity of the train station.
For a Local’s Perspective
For first time visitors who prefer more of a local’s experience and don’t mind a bit more walking, I recommend the Santa Croce area with its historic church and Sant’ Ambrogio Market (the oldest market in Florence).
Equally lovely is the Oltrarno area, specifically the Santo Spirito neighborhood with its basilica, expansive Piazza del Carmine and historic wine windows.
Areas to Avoid in Florence
As I mentioned earlier, you should avoid the Porta al Prato neighborhood to the west of Santa Maria Novella Train Station. This is the only area in central Florence I do not generally feel safe walking alone.
You should also avoid the following neighborhoods as they’re simply too far away from the central Old Town district and all its action: Novoli, Statuto, Rifredi, Le Cure, Coverciano, Gavinana, Arcetri, Soffiano, Isolotto and anything near the Parco delle Cascine.
The San Marco neighborhood can be nice, but is also quite far out.
Hotel Accommodations – Best Area to Stay Florence
Now let’s get into the specifics! These are my favorite hotels I recommend to family and friends staying in the city. They’re all in excellent areas and cover various price points for all budgets.
I’ve included a map at the very bottom showing each hotel’s location so you can easily compare options.
Best Overall Value: Grand Hotel Cavour Florence
Grand Hotel Cavour Florence
Standard Saturday Rate: $235
Grand Hotel Cavour is my all-time favorite hotel in the city. I’ve stayed here countless times and keep coming back for a few reasons.
First, the location is exceptional. It’s smack dab in the city center, making it easy to pop by the room to freshen up or rest your feet after lots of walking. All the major tourist sites are within a few minutes’ walk.
Second, the hotel’s elegant aesthetic is perfect blend of Italian charm and modern sophistication. The lobby décor will knock your socks off, especially at Christmas.
Lastly but (almost) most importantly, Grand Hotel Cavour’s breakfast is among the best I’ve ever experienced. They offer plenty of sausages, eggs, cheeses, pastries and fresh fruit to fill your belly and begin the day.
Their impressive rooftop bar Divina Terrazza is the cherry on top of a perfect hotel stay. With expansive views of literally every Florentine landmark, a visit here is an excellent way to kick off or conclude your trip to this magnificent city.
Second Best Overall: Hotel Calzaiuoli
FH55 – Hotel Calzaiuoli
Standard Saturday Rate: $295
This hotel will have you feeling like Italian royalty. The well-appointed rooms with tall ceilings offer more space to stretch out and unpack than your average hotel. Quite the luxury in Italy!
With refined interiors, comfortable beds and diverse breakfast options, the value here is off the charts.
My favorite feature of Hotel Calzaiuoli is the ideal location. It’s a great base if you like popping back to the room throughout the day to freshen up or drop off shopping bags. Perfect for first-time visitors with a packed itinerary!
Best Value Luxury Hotel: Helvetia & Bristol Firenze
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione
Standard Saturday Rate: $550
Tied with the Savoy for the best location among all luxury hotels in Florence (but for half the price), the 5-star Helvetia & Bristol is an icon along Via dei Pescioni in the heart of Florence.
If it’s your first time in the city and your budget allows for it, these accommodations are worth the splurge. With an on-site spa, sophisticated interiors and top-notch dining options, you’ll feel relaxed and calm as you unwind after a long day exploring the cobblestone streets of bella Firenze.
The Helvetia & Bristol is my pick for the best value luxury stay in the Florence.
Most Character: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Standard Saturday Rate: $295
Situated across the river in dreamy Piazza Santo Spirito in Florence’s trendy (and less busy) Oltrarno region, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni offers unique accommodations set in a historic palazzo constructed in the 1500s.
Once the residence of Italian Prime Minister Urbano Rattazzi, the inn today is decorated exclusively with antique furniture as a nod to the building’s origins.
I love and often visit Hotel Palazzo Guadagni’s rooftop terrace, which offers views of both the city center as well as the nearby countryside. Stay at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni for a calm, luxurious and authentic Florentine experience.
Most Affordable: Hotel Por Santa Maria – Cheap Stay
Hotel Por Santa Maria
Standard Saturday Rate: $100
With an exceptional location just off Piazza della Signoria and air conditioning in each room, Hotel Por Santa Maria is the best affordable option for budget travelers.
Cheap rooms with a single bed and a shared bathroom are available for solo travelers, while more traditional rooms with a double bed and private en-suite bathroom can accommodate two guests.
This location is ideally situated next to my favorite panini shop in Florence—I Fratellini! The perfect spot for a quick, affordable lunch (without the lines of All’Antico Vinaio).
If Hotel Por Santa Maria is fully booked, also consider Residenza Florentia or Hotel Cestelli—two more affordable options with the best locations among the most affordable 1-star hotels.
Best Spa: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
Casual Rinascimento Firenze
Standard Saturday Rate: $275
One of my best friends stayed here this summer and couldn’t stop raving about Casual Rinascimento’s spa. The plunge pool and sauna are honestly the ideal way to restore your energy after hitting the streets of Florence.
Another unique feature is the mini kitchenettes available in select rooms—the perfect way to whip up a quick snack without having to rely exclusively on nearby restaurants.
Most Charming: Hotel Bernini Palace
Hotel Bernini Palace
Standard Saturday Rate: $400
Hotel Bernini Palace is located just around the corner from my old apartment on the edge of Piazza di San Firenze—so I can attest—the location is exceptional and one of the best areas to stay in Florence.
With a bit more of a traditional (ahem—and affordable) vibe than other five-star hotels, Hotel Bernini Palace has that “wow” factor with gilded furniture, painted frescos and high ceilings. It just might take your breath away when you first arrive!
The attention to detail at Hotel Bernini Palace shows across the restaurant, the bar and within the ornate bedrooms. Every inch of the interior evokes old world luxury.
Stay here and you won’t want to leave!
Most Central: Hotel Villani
Hotel Villani
Standard Saturday Rate: $150
Inexpensive yet impressive Hotel Villani is just one block from Florence’s Piazza del Duomo—the heart of the city! You’ll be in the middle of the action as soon as you step out the front door. The neighborhood is ideal.
At $150 or so per night, this property is perfect for travelers on a budget.
Hotel Villani is an easy yes from me. Their rooftop restaurant offers a unique bird’s eye view of the central cathedral. These rooms have everything you need for a perfect stay in the city—even air conditioning! A must during those hot summer months.
There’s even a Grom Gelato (my favorite) right across the street. You can’t beat it!
Most Spacious: Hotel La Scaletta Florence
Hotel La Scaletta Florence
Standard Saturday Rate: $200
With a rooftop restaurant overlooking the unmissable Palazzo Pitti, Hotel La Scaletta in the Oltrarno neighborhood is an excellent option for where to stay in Florence, Italy.
A bit off the beaten tourist path, this property offers larger than average rooms and quiet surroundings for a restful sleep.
I love the value Hotel La Scaletta provides, with affordable rates and cute, modern rooms. In my experience, the Oltrarno location will have you feeling like a local!
Most Exclusive: The St. Regis Florence
The St. Regis Florence
Standard Saturday Rate: $1,100
The St. Regis in Piazza Ognissanti is near all the major sites and with a gorgeous view of the Arno River to boot!
Staying here means quiet luxury. Think refined interiors, a highly trained staff and a unique spa environment for those ready to find their zen.
The St. Regis Florence building dates to 1432 and was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (the architect behind Florence’s Duomo). Meals are served in the main atrium under an intricate stained glass ceiling worthy of a queen!
Hailed by many as the best hotel they’ve ever stayed in, I love the St. Regis for its ability to elevate ordinary moments and ensure guest satisfaction well beyond a typical hotel stay.
Stay here to experience the best of the best!
Experiencing the Best of Florence
This map shows all the above hotels in relation to one another and major landmarks. They’re in excellent areas and well-positioned to help you experience the best of Florence.
These accommodations are all in safe areas where tourists should feel comfortable, with the typical travel precautions of course.
Buon viaggio or safe travels! Let me know in the comments if I can answer any questions.
Save and bookmark this page to remember the best areas for your trip to Florence!
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