These boutique properties have everything you need for a beautiful holiday to Florence.
Skyscanner recommends: Cool hotels in Florence
Florence is one of the best places to visit in Italy. Each year, the beautiful Tuscan city draws travellers in their millions to bask in its history, art, culture and yes, vino. And it’s home to one of Italy’s most iconic road trips.
The city also has some of the most beautifully designed and uniquely atmospheric boutique hotels Italy has to offer. Here are our top picks of cool hotels in Florence…
The Place Firenze
Santa Maria Novella
This modest 20-room boutique hotel in Florence is among one of the most expensive on offer. But there’s a reason. It promises an all-round 5-star service and its 2021 renovation by architect Luigi Fragola gave the property a new lease of luxury life.
If you can drag yourself away from the delightful interior, The Kitchen & The Bar has an al fresco dining space by the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella which is the perfect spot to people-watch as the Italian sun goes down. The eatery has a diverse dinner menu – Tuscan Carbonara or ham-stuffed saltimbocca anyone? And while you’re staying at The Place Firenze, make sure to book the hotel’s Negroni Masterclass to learn all about the origins of the historic drink, while imbibing the fruits of your hard labour.
As far as cool hotels in Florence go…The Place Firenze is certainly up there.
Riva Lofts Florence
Via Baccio Bandinelli
West of the city, in the pretty neighbourhood of Isolotto on the banks of the River Arno, lies the Riva Lofts Florence. Once a collection of 19th-century artisan workshops, it’s now a minimalist’s haven thanks to local architect Claudio Nardi. The building’s original features work in tandem with its new contemporary elements. And the outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery only elevates its chic ambiance.
Guests can book time on the Golf Club de II Parco di Firenze, just minutes from the hotel, or play a game of tennis at one of the region’s oldest clubs: Circolo del Tennis Firenze. The property’s tranquil riverside garden hosts private yoga sessions and anti-stress massages.
It’s worth noting that there’s no restaurant here, but the helpful staff have endless suggestions for restaurants in the local area.
AdAstra
San Frediano
Of all the Florentine properties featured here, AdAstra is truly the most homely of the lot (even if it is on a rather opulent scale). This is partly because the owner of the regal building, Marchese Torrigiani, still lives on the ground floor. It also backs onto the Torrigiani Garden, the largest privately owned garden in Europe, which feels like your own while you’re staying here. The hotel’s name, which means ‘to the stars’ in Latin, was actually inspired by the garden’s impressive neo gothic tower that was once used for stargazing.
The decor reflects the building’s 19th-century origins with its parquet floors and original artworks. Each of the 16 rooms have been uniquely designed and feature a freestanding bath in the bedroom. Four of the rooms open out to a wraparound terrace, some look out over Via del Campuccio, and others over the garden.
Even though AdAstra is close to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, it feels like a world away, nestled in its own corner of residential Florence.
Il Tornabuoni Hotel
Santa Maria Novella
Just steps away from the banks of the Arno River, on Florence’s main shopping street, this boutique hotel is an ode to the Renaissance. Formerly ‘Palazzo Minerbetti’, built in the 12th-century, the Il Tornabuoni Hotel has been reimagined using luxurious modern furnishing.
The ground-floor restaurant, Il Magnifico, serves up delightful Italian dishes alongside an impressive array of Tuscan wines. And the Butterfly Terrace on the rooftop is a beautiful spot to enjoy an evening aperitif, as panoramic views of the city at sunset are truly magical.
Those keen to explore can arrange various tours through the concierge. However, some of Florence’s most iconic locations – The Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica and the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral – are within walking distance.
Hotel Savoy
Santa Maria Novella
With the iconic walls of the Duomo just steps from the hotel, and the banks of the River Arno minutes away, this Rocco Forte hotel offers guests all the excitement Florence has to offer right at their fingertips.
Inside, rooms range from small and simple to positively palatial. The 152-square metre Duomo Presidential Suite is the largest and looks out over Brunelleschi’s Cupola and Giotto’s Campanile. Nature-themed wallpaper and textiles soften the room’s grand designs, while various ceramics and artworks add a Baroque style to the space.
Guests can enjoy delicious Tuscan dining at Irene Bistro which is headed up by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. This playful 1950s-style restaurant blends mid-century flair with the city’s classical origins, featuring an outdoor terrace right on the Piazza della Repubblica. The menu is all about healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics: foraged truffles, tangy local tomatoes and freshly plucked basil.
Thinking of taking a trip to Florence? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
