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Florence, like many Italian cities, is experiencing a renaissance in terms of hospitality. And it means that some of the most affordable hotels in Florence are also some of the best places to stay. Unlike Milan and Rome, where there has been a five-star luxury boom, this darling Tuscan city has unleashed a wave of smaller, cozy boutique hotels for bedding down that won’t break the bank.
Each property has its own personality; whether you’re drawn to contemporary, design-led spaces filled with modern art or prefer a hotel that reflects the city’s rich heritage with antique furnishings, frescoed walls, or vaulted ceilings, there’s something here to suit every taste. Some are in the heart of the city center, convenient for dipping in and out between sightseeing, while others are tucked away in quieter neighborhoods lining the banks of the Arno, or hidden among the narrow, artisan-filled streets of the Oltrarno.
Whatever speaks to you, keep scrolling. Below, we’ve gathered nine of the nicest, yet most affordable hotels in Florence for the ultimate city retreat.
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Heiko Prigge/The Hoxton Florence
The Hoxton
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Set on the northern limits of Florence’s Centro Storico, The Hoxton occupies two very different buildings. One, a late-Renaissance palazzo complete with vaulted portico and original frescoes, was built for the aristocratic Ricasoli family, while the other is a 1980s modernist structure. With two very distinct design styles and in keeping with the brand philosophy, the 158 rooms are functional yet hip and divided into the five standard Hoxton categories with names like Snug, Biggy, and Studio (the largest). Some rooms have terraces with outdoor bathtubs; others look onto Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Rooms in the striking wood-slatted Branzi building are inspired by the architect’s post-modern design ethos and come in bold pastels (pink, apricot, baby blue, gray) with custom-made furnishings in steel and lacquered wood and jazzy textiles. —Nicky Swallow
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Alessandro Moggi/Hotel Number Nine
Hotel Number Nine
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This is the only hotel in Florence with a members club included in the room rate. Located in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from the Duomo, Hotel Number Nine’s five-star facilities include a gym, brilliant spa, and Daisy’s, the glamorous in-house restaurant and bar hosting regular live jazz gigs. Each of the 40 rooms and suites is relatively spacious, even the Cozy category, and all have high ceilings and terrazzo or wood floors. Several of the Iconic-category rooms are true to the 19th-century, and one duplex suite has knock-out views of the Duomo. At this hotel, there is a super-stylish mix of old and new; the look is urban-chic with sleek furnishings, beautiful textiles, interesting art, and carefully-curated objects jazzing up the rooms. Heavenly beds are made up with top-of-the-range Rivolta Carmignani linens, and spacious bathrooms come with lovely Diptyque products. —N.S.
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25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
25Hours Hotel
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You book here for something completely different, bang in the center of Florence. This design-led hotel has a hip vibe, themed rooms, and great facilities. Depending on your mood, you can choose to sleep in Paradiso or Inferno rooms (heaven or hell) which both range from “medium” to “gigantic” in size. The faint of heart may be put off by the blood-red and black decor of the latter, preferring the heavenly soothing blue, white, and pale gray tones, but there’s no denying the sense of fun. Hell-bent guests tuck into black silk sheets, while celestial types get a set of strap-on silver angel wings to play with. “Large Plus” rooms have private gardens and outdoor showers, and the stand-alone Casetta del Giardino, with a private terrace and pool, gourmet kitchen, and pizza oven, is a perfect crash pad for families or groups of friends. —N.S.
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Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
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This is one of Florence’s most charming three-star hotels. Renaissance-era Palazzo Guadagni stands on buzzing Piazza Santo Spirito, the focal point of life in this authentic Florentine neighborhood. Formerly the quirky Pensione Bandini (where E. M. Forster’s Lucy Honeychurch would have been quite at home), it has legions of long-standing fans, the sort of independent travelers who enjoy the echoes of old Florence and opt for timeless atmosphere over five-star services. The lack of restaurants isn’t a problem as there is a wide choice of eating options in the immediate neighborhood. The breakfast buffet is laid out in a powder blue dining room with background classical music; it adds to the feel that you are part of an Edwardian novel. The loggia bar has a menu of cocktails, wines, and snacks in the evenings. —N.S.
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Stella d’Italia
Stella d’Italia is the latest venture of Matteo Perduca, the visionary man (and mind) behind Ad Astra, Soprarno Suites, and Oltrarno Splendid, together with his creative other half, Betty Soldi. Unlike his previous projects, which are located in the artisanal hub of the Oltrarno district, this new endeavor is set in the heart of Via de’ Tornabuoni, within the historic Palazzo del Circolo dell’Unione, a prestigious gentlemen’s club still active today. This 16th-century palazzo has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur, including the layout, terrazzo floors, and a number of 18th-century frescoes. There’s no rigid theme; rather a combination of styles and colors to create a fun and playful space. Lilac, coral, pink, and purple hues in the 24 uniquely bespoke rooms contrast with the magnificent Renaissance frescoes in the breakfast hall, while the corridors come alive with memorabilia, vintage posters, books, and trinkets, all handpicked by Matteo from flea markets around the world. While we love the freestanding bathtubs in some of the rooms, our favorite part of the hotel is the secret loggia. Furnished with red velvet armchairs and wooden seats repurposed from an old cinema, it’s the ultimate bucolic spot for reading a book or drinking an aperitif at sunset, overlooking the rooftops of the city.
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4F Boutique Hotel
Perched along the Lungarno, 4F sits within one of Florence’s more intimate and residential quarters. Here, mornings begin with the sight of runners, cyclists, and rowers who make their way to and from one side of the city to the next; a rhythm of daily life that feels worlds apart from the city’s bustling historic center. Yet, within a 10-to-15-minute walk, you find yourself on the central Via de’ Tornabuoni. 4F was brought to life by Francesco, Simone, and Stefano, three friends with a shared passion for hospitality, design, and creativity. The aim was to create a hybrid between a family residence, an intimate social club, and a refined retreat for curious travelers. The result? 14 uniquely designed rooms, each bursting with vivid hues, adorned with handcrafted furnishings by local artisans, and carefully sourced vintage pieces. At the heart of the hotel is its lounge, a convivial space where guests naturally gather; whether over a leisurely breakfast, a midday espresso, or a quiet work session in a relaxed setting.
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Daniel Civetta
Casa G Firenze
Once home to the Ginori porcelain manufactory, this 18th-century palazzo has been reimagined into one of the city’s most elegant bed-and-breakfasts. The quintessential Italian noble residence retains its grandeur with high, frescoed ceilings and fantastic 19th-century stucco detailing in the lounge; here, travelers can kick back and sink into plush green velvet sofas while enjoying a drink from the honesty bar. Each of the 15 rooms is uniquely designed, striking a balance between artisanal craftsmanship and essential design. If you can, snap up one of the split-level rooms; these are spacious and bathed in natural lighting. Come morning, a delicious spread of homemade cakes, jams, and freshly baked breads await—after all, sweet breakfasts in Italy are a ritual. While check-in is seamless and hands-free, the team at Casa G is always on hand to curate personalized experiences to help you discover the city.
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Ottantotto Firenze
Tucked away from the central buzz of Florence, this delightful boutique hotel feels like a well-kept secret in the Oltrarno neighborhood. A few steps from Piazza Santo Spirito and Palazzo Pitti, this design-led bolthole tastefully blends classic and contemporary. Seven uniquely designed rooms are spread across four floors and feature exposed wooden beams, cotto floors, and a mishmash of antique and contemporary furnishings. While the lighting is very dim (typical of Florence apartments), joyful floral and striped textiles brighten things up. It’s the perfect pied-à-terre for those seeking a quiet, no-fuss stay.
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Loft 2 Photo by Andrea Venturini
Numeroventi
Numeroventi is set within the historic Palazzo Galli Tassi, a grand 16th-century residence with soaring ceilings, an original staircase, and exquisitely preserved frescoes. More than a boutique hotel, it also serves as a creative hub—a studio and workspace designed to inspire and create dialogues between artists and creatives alike. From a smaller studio to a double-room suite, each space embodies a refined aesthetic, blending contemporary artistry with Scandinavian minimalism, a vision brought to life by founder Martino di Napoli Rampolla in collaboration with Andrew Trotter. Breakfasts, served by the in-house chef, are certainly fancy; as you descend the spiral staircase of the palazzo to enter the hall, a buffet table with a minimal but well-curated spread awaits. Oh, and there is also an off-site one-bed apartment once home to writer Tiziano Terzani, available for shorter and longer stays.
