Top 6 Boutique Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Luxury and New Boutique Hotels

Florence needs no introduction. The birthplace of the Renaissance is a city of art, history and style, where every square and side street whispers stories from the past. You come for Brunelleschi’s dome, Botticelli’s masterpieces and the golden light on the Arno, but Florence today is more than its heritage. It’s a destination alive with contemporary culture and design — and its hotel scene is thriving. From Florence’s newest luxury hotels to chic boutique boltholes, here are the addresses to bookmark for your next Italian escape.

If you want to be right at the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy could not be better placed. Hotel Savoy is one of the most stylish five-star hotels in Florence city centre. Part of Rocco Forte Hotels, it sits directly on Piazza della Repubblica, steps from the Duomo and the designer boutiques of Via de’ Tornabuoni. Inside, Olga Polizzi’s interiors bring a modern freshness to the historic building, with light-filled rooms, stylish marble bathrooms, and bold Florentine touches. The hotel’s Irene restaurant is a favourite for Tuscan dishes given a contemporary lift, perfect for a relaxed lunch between museum visits.

Just across the square you’ll find The Place Firenze, one of my favourite hotels (I was the first ever guest to stay here!) an intimate townhouse hotel with only 20 rooms and suites, each individually styled with an elegant, homely feel. What makes it stand out is the personal service – you’re greeted like an old friend, and the team here are experts at opening Florence’s doors, whether that’s arranging a private gallery visit or recommending a tucked-away trattoria. The rooftop terrace is one of the city’s hidden gems, with views over terracotta rooftops and the Duomo’s dome. Award-winning GM Claudio Meli is one of the best in Florence, if not Tuscany. He has been at The Place since it opened over 20 years ago and is on site every day chatting to guests, ensuring everything is running smoothly. Though breakfast is a little on the pricey side, when you’re sitting on the terrace directly on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, drinking a cappuccino out of a Richard Ginori cup, it’s hard to find fault! The Place Firenze is often considered among the most romantic hotels in Florence.

The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 – History with a Modern Soul

This intimate new opening has set a new benchmark for luxury in Florence. The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, created by designer James Cavagnari, occupies his childhood Renaissance palazzo just steps from the city’s landmarks. The name honours the year 1564, when Michelangelo passed away and Galileo was born, connecting the hotel to a pivotal moment in Florence’s story.

Step inside and you enter a world where history meets modern artistry. Soaring arches, original frescoes and marble floors are layered with rich velvets, hand-painted walls and curated pieces that feel deeply personal. The 14 suites combine contemporary elegance with Renaissance charm, and many overlook Florence’s iconic rooftops. Highlights include The James Restaurant, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the 1564 Lounge Bar, where cocktails are crafted as carefully as the interiors. A rare touch? The late Queen Elizabeth II’s original mahogany travel wardrobe, a remarkable piece of history on display for guests to admire.

Helvetia & Bristol – A Grande Dame Reimagined

Few names in Florence’s luxury hotel scene carry the weight of Helvetia & Bristol. This 19th-century landmark, moments from Via de’ Tornabuoni, has hosted artists, writers and dignitaries for decades. Today, its rooms blend timeless grandeur with modern glamour: polished wood, silk drapery and marble bathrooms sit alongside contemporary flourishes. The jewel in its crown is La Spa, housed in ancient Roman thermal baths, offering a wellness experience steeped in heritage. The dining scene is just as impressive — Cibreo Restaurant and Cocktail Bar brings vibrant energy and a true taste of Tuscany.

Stella d’Italia – Boutique Charm in the Heart of Florence

If you love small hotels with soul, Stella d’Italia is a hidden treasure. Set in the beating heart of Florence, this design-driven bolthole fuses vintage touches with bold colour palettes and modern Italian flair. Eclectic artwork lines the walls, while every detail — from bespoke furnishings to curated décor — speaks of craftsmanship and creativity. The rooftop terrace is a showstopper, a serene escape for sunset aperitivi above the terracotta skyline.

Hotel Calimala – A Design Lover’s Dream

For a stay that feels edgy and stylish, check into Hotel Calimala. Housed in a 19th-century building in the lively Via Calimala district, this design-led hotel in Florence is a visual feast. Rooms are vibrant and theatrical, with jewel tones, brass accents and bold contemporary art. Upstairs, Angel Roofbar & Dining is one of the city’s most coveted spots, serving cocktails and dinner with sweeping views of Florence’s rooftops. Expect a cosmopolitan buzz, impeccable service and Instagram-worthy details at every turn.

Why Stay in Florence Now?

Florence has always been magnetic, but its latest hotel openings have added an exciting new dimension. From the excellent service of The Place, Olga’s stylish interiors at Hotel Savoy, the opulent legacy of Helvetia & Bristol to the fashion-forward style of Hotel Calimala, the artisan spirit of Stella d’Italia and the deeply personal vision behind The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, the city’s hotels are as inspiring as its galleries. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, an art-filled escape or a stylish city break, with plenty of shopping (!), Florence is ready to welcome you in unforgettable style. However nota bene hotels are not cheap so if you’re after a deal or an offer book well ahead.

When to Visit Florence

In Florence the busiest time of year runs from late spring through early autumn, when the weather is warm and the streets are full of visitors. May and June are particularly popular, and September through mid-October sees another peak with grape harvests and food festivals drawing people into the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

If you’re planning an autumn trip, there are a few dates worth avoiding if you’d rather miss the crowds. Early September is lively with the return of international travellers and events such as Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. Late September and early October bring truffle fairs and wine festivals, resulting in increased demand for hotels. The All Saints’ Day holiday on 1 November is always busy, as Italians take long weekends away, and the Florence Marathon at the end of November brings road closures and full hotels.

For a quieter experience, the second half of October is a lovely time to visit, when the weather is still mild but the pace slows. Mid to late November also offers softer light, fewer queues for galleries, and a more local feel before the Christmas season begins.

Peak months

• May to June – perfect weather, festivals, and plenty of tourists.

• September to mid-October – still warm, harvest season in Tuscany, and very popular with visitors.

• Dates to avoid in autumn if you want to miss the biggest crowds:

  Early September: Florence buzzes with international visitors returning after summer, and events such as Vogue Fashion’s Night Out and the reopening of cultural venues add to the crowds.

  Late September – early October: wine harvest and truffle festivals across Tuscany attract extra visitors.

  First weekend of November (Ognissanti/All Saints’ Day, 1 November): a public holiday in Italy, so Florence fills with Italian travellers.

  Florence Marathon (usually the last Sunday in November): the city centre is especially busy and many roads are closed.