Florence’s Finest: The Best Boutique Hotels in the Renaissance City
I lived in Florence for a year when I was younger and visited often when I flew in to stay at my parents’ boutique hotel in Umbria. Much has changed and yet so much has reassuringly stayed the same. Florence isn’t just a city, it’s a mood. A walkable, art-drenched, gelato-filled playground for lovers of beauty, history and high-thread-count sheets. Whether you’re visiting for the art (Botticelli’s Venus is just around the corner), the fashion (ciao, Ferragamo), or the food (please pace yourself), one thing is certain: you need a base that does the city justice.
Luckily, Florence does boutique hotels exceptionally well. From historic townhouses with rooftop views to jungly suites and frescoed ceilings, this city knows how to host. Here are my top picks.
The Place Firenze
This one is a firm favourite and with good reason. Overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella, The Place feels like the townhouse of your most stylish Florentine friend. If your friend happened to have impeccable taste and a hotline to the best local artisans. Every room is different, filled with character and curated details, and the service is proper five-star without the faff. The rooftop terrace is a hidden gem for aperitivo hour, and you can walk to absolutely everything. Claudio Meli, the GM has been here since it opened in 2003 and I was lucky enough to be the first guest to ever stay here, so when I say it’s my favourite place to stay in Florence it’s for the memories and nostalgia as well as the immaculate rooms and wonderful service.
Soprarno Suites
Over the river in Oltrarno (the cool bit), Soprarno Suites is like staying in the loft of a very arty, very eccentric Italian uncle. The ceilings are frescoed, the furniture is vintage, and the vibe is unapologetically eclectic. It doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly why it’s so effortlessly cool. Great if you want to be close to the artisan workshops and away from the selfie sticks. Owners Betty Soldi and Matteo Perduca have created a collection of four boutique hotels right in the heart of Florence. Each one charming. Each one different. The latest one, Stella d’Italia, is slap bang in the middle of Via Tornabuoni above Prada - this one is next on my list to review!
Velona's Jungle Luxury Suites
Yes, it’s called a jungle and yes, there are palms and parrots involved, but don’t let that put you off. This place is mad, stylish and brilliant. It’s family-run, fabulously furnished and feels like a secret, even though it’s walking distance from the main sights. It’s also sustainable and supports local makers, which gives it extra brownie points in my book.
Velona’s Jungle
AdAstra
Set in Europe's largest private garden, AdAstra is the kind of boutique hotel that feels like a dream you once had about moving to Florence and never telling anyone. With dreamy bathtubs, vintage furnishings and views over manicured hedges and whimsical statues, it’s the perfect hideaway if you like your hotels peaceful, personal and just a bit grand. Another success story from Betty Soldi and Matteo Perduca.
Hotel Calimala
In the heart of Florence, moments from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, Hotel Calimala brings a sharper, more contemporary energy to the city’s historic centre. Set within a restored palazzo, the interiors balance original architectural features with bold design, creating rooms that feel considered rather than overly traditional. The real draw is the Angel Roofbar and Dining, perched high above the rooftops, where you look out across terracotta tiles towards the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. Come at sunset for a spritz and stay for dinner. It is one of those rare spots in Florence where the view is as good as the atmosphere.
So, there you have it. Florence is full of beautiful places to stay, but these four really get it right. Stylish without being sterile, luxurious without losing their soul, and packed with personality. Book early, pack lightly, and remember that carbs don’t count when you’re on holiday.
Why go? Because Florence is an open-air museum with a side of truffle pasta and Renaissance drama. It's cultural, it's romantic, and it's ridiculously good-looking (as are the people!).
Who for? Perfect for art lovers, style seekers, honeymooners, solo wanderers and anyone who likes their history served with a glass of Chianti.
When to go? Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) are glorious – warm days, fewer crowds, and better hotel rates. Summer gets hot and packed. Winter? Cosy and magical if you don’t mind a coat and want the city (almost) to yourself. Who am I kidding? ANY TIME!!!