Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
Florence, city of art and vibrancy and signature red rooftops, is likely to make it onto most Italy travel itineraries, so you’ll need all the best information on where to stay in Florence.
It was the seat of the Italian Renaissance and boasts incredible art, both inside its many notable museums and homes and also greeting you as you stroll through Florence’s many piazzas, or open squares. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone backstreets or strolling along the River Arno, there seems to be no end to the treasures you’ll encounter walking around town.
READ MORE: Top Things to Do in Florence
Since you’ll be out exploring on foot a lot throughout the day, it’s more important than it is in most destinations to have a good place not too far away to rest your head at night.
Whether your priority is proximity to the train station for when you arrive, being easy strolling distance to some great restaurants, or being somewhere with a more neighborhood feel, this list has something for you.
Thanks to three years of living in Milan (and lots of visitors in that time that wanted me to show them Florence), I have a fair bit of experience with the city. Plus, let’s be real, I could never turn down the opportunity to go because one of the most amazing things about Florence is THE FOOD. I mean look at how thick that steak is!
I’ve probably visited the city at least a dozen times – and almost never stayed in the same place twice! My accommodation each visit depended on who I was traveling with, their budget, and how many of us were in the group. Plus, which places were available on any given set of dates.
There are lots of lists out there with accommodation suggestions, but this list is a bit different because . . . I have personally stayed everywhere on this list!
I am lucky in that I have positive things to say about most of the places, although I did have one hotel I probably wouldn’t stay again that I’ve included at the end of the post.
Happy trip planning!
Overall Information and Tips about Staying in Florence
In the next section I’ve organized my accommodation recommendations by category, and they cover quite a range. Each property is a little different, and which one will be the best fit for you depends on what you’re looking for.
I’ve included some rough rates as a general guideline, but the exact price you’ll be able to get also depends. It can vary with the time of year of your visit, the days of the week, and which type of rooms happen to be available.
So be sure to click each link to check on prices during the dates of your stay! Even if one of my recommendations appears to be out of your price range, you might be pleasantly surprised when you do. Hotels and guesthouses often run specials with cheaper rates periodically, and will typically be more affordable in low season or during the week.
TIP! If you are visiting in summertime (June to September) I recommend that you stay somewhere with air conditioning, as it can get quite hot. Many places in Italy don’t have A/C, so definitely check!
TIP! Be sure to look closely at all listings before you book, as they may not mirror the typical availability of amenities that you are used to back home. Like whether a room is non-smoking or has free WiFi or there is breakfast included – or any requirement, really.
CHECK OUT: Travel Checklist for Booking Accommodations
Also think about your priorities for accommodation:
Are you arriving by train and want to stay somewhere close to the train station? I did this on 3 of my stays.
TIP! Be sure you check which train station you’ll arrive at, as Florence has more than one!
Do you have specific restaurants where you’ll be dining that you want to be easy walking distance back to hotel? You know I’ve done this one!
READ MORE: Where to Eat: Best Bites (& Sips) in Florence, Italy
Do you want to stay somewhere close to the historical center, by the Duomo (Cathedral)?
Or do you want to stay somewhere away from the peak crowds? Or close to the river?
Do you want to stay somewhere with access to a kitchen to cook some of your meals or have breakfast on your own?
How many people are in your group? Is it more economical to get 2 hotel rooms (or a suite) or stay in an AirBNB?
READ MORE: 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions (Answered!) about Florence, Italy
Not to worry, all of the listings below include some key landmarks around Florence and the walking distance to each, and options that fit all the questions I’ve included above. Decide which destinations are a priority for *YOU* to be close to where you’re staying and also realistically how much walking you’re willing to do in a single day – it adds up quickly!
And without further ado . . .
Where to Stay in Florence
On a Budget or With a Group
AirBNB
Location: All over town!
Price: as little as $100/€80 per night or less for 2 people
Why I Liked It:
I’ve stayed at 2 different AirBNB‘s in Florence. One was a 2-bedroom apartment close to the train station for 4 guests and the other was further afield in a neighborhood east of the historical center for 2 guests. Both hosts were very hospitable and the properties were great value, especially when it was a larger apartment with the cost split four ways. It’s especially helpful because nearly all AirBNB properties will have a kitchen available so you can feel more at home and try your hand at cooking local ingredients or stick to a tight budget by not eating out.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Experience Italy Like a Local
If you’ve never tried it before, click THIS LINK to get a $40 credit after your first AirBNB stay!
Basic Accommodations
Hotel Nuova Italia
Location: 5-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, 2-minute walk to the Mercato Centrale (central market), 7-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)
Price: $100/€85 per night, approximately
Why I Liked It:
Although the décor is a bit dated, the rooms are comfortable and this hotel is all about location, location, location. It’s only a short walk from most places, and probably quite close to everywhere you want to go. Great value for money.
Explore prices and availability HERE.
Le Stanze del Duomo
Location: 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, 2-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)
Price: $150/€120 per night, approximately
Why I Liked It:
The name says it all – these rooms are incredibly close to the Duomo (Cathedral) in Florence, although surprisingly quiet despite the proximity. The rooms are bright and comfortable, and there was a great breakfast included at a nearby cafe on Piazza Duomo.
Explore prices and availability HERE.
More Upscale Hotels
Hotel Principe
Location: Close to the river and many great restaurants, 15-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)
Price: $200/€160 per night, approximately
Why I Liked It:
Lots of hotels around Florence have arrangements with garages, but honestly, I’ve never had much luck since they are often hard to find. Between one-way streets, poor signage, weak GPS signals in between buildings, and street closures for markets and events, parking a car in Florence is often a time-consuming (and sometimes expensive) adventure when you can’t find your intended garage. So having their own (FREE!) parking lot out back was a huge draw for my first visit to Hotel Principe and one of the main reasons this is the only hotel on the list that I’ve stayed at more than once.
READ MORE: Top Tips for Taking a Road Trip in Europe
Even beyond the parking, the hotel is upscale but not too pricey, and includes a wonderful breakfast. Plus the location is great – right by the river and a short stroll to some of my favorite restaurants in Florence.
Explore prices and availability HERE.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Location: 2-minute walk to the Santa Maria Novella train station and many great restaurants, 5-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)
Price: $300/€250 per night, approximately
Why I Liked It:
This is a very nice hotel. It’s also an easy stroll from the main train station in Florence, even if you have a lot of luggage. The hotel is set on a beautiful, grassy piazza near a lovely church and is close to some of my favorite Florence dinner spots. It’s also quite close to the main attractions in Florence, so it is easy to pop back during the day to rest for a bit or take a nap if you’d like.
Explore prices and availability HERE.
Wouldn’t Stay Here Again
Hotel Cestelli
While the location was great, the couple that ran this hotel was a bit awkward interacting with guests. They were weird about leaving keys behind and what time of day our group would be coming and going. And although the location was central and close to the water, it was hard to find places open early for breakfast nearby, which was not included with the room. With so many great accommodation options in Florence, I wouldn’t stay here again unless in a pinch.
READ MORE: Top Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy
Well there you have it, that’s my rundown from my many nights staying over in the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence. There are a wealth of options no matter your budget or location preference, so pick the spot that is right for you and you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your time in Florence.
Happy travels!
Lana
Do you have any questions about any of the accommodations? Have you stayed anywhere on this list? I’d love to hear about your experiences staying in Florence, let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!
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