The beautiful capital of Tuscany is the epicentre of the classic Italian style, from impeccable jewellery to fabulous vintage markets, it is a haven for shoppers with a discerning eye.
Overflowing with art, culture, mouth-watering cuisine and architecture which encompasses Renaissance greats such as Botticelli and Michaelangelo, Architectural gems by Filippo Brunelleschi and some of the best street performers I have ever seen, this gorgeous and elegant gem of a city has something for everyone.
The hotels here are no exception and to help you choose, here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Florence (in no particular order)...
1. 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino – a trendy, funky and very Instagrammable ultra-design hotel based in the district of Santa Maria Novella
Ensconced in the heart of the Santa Maria Novella district of Florence, this hotel was dreamt up by interior designer Paola Navone.
Taking inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy, it is full of little details alluding to this legendary work. Guests are playfully led through the virtues and vices of Dante’s creation, finding themselves sometimes in heaven and sometimes in hell.
There is an in-house cinema, a bustling restaurant and a verdant courtyard garden. Whether you want to sip away on Negroni’s in the vibrant piazza, take a ride on one of the Schindelhauer bikes or even (god forbid) take the best jogging routes around the city your needs will be expertly taken care of in this unique central city hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino
2. Hotel Garibaldi Blu – WTB Hotels – one of the best and most unique boutique hotels to stay in Florence that features quirky details and frescoed ceilings
Another cool boutique hotel, this one is just 5 minute walk from the famous Duomo. Rooms have cool historic details like the arched ceilings and frescoes alongside enormous comfortable beds and all the modern facilities that you need.
Guests can enjoy a freshly made continental breakfast on site and also make use of the lounge bar and there is a delicious restaurant just a few mins walk away that works in partnership with the hotel.
The hotel also provides free airport travel to keep your trip easy and stress-free.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Garibaldi Blu – WTB Hotels
3. UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze – a colourful, trendy and artsy hotel set in a traditional Florentine neighbourhood in San Frediano
This award-winning hotel comprises a cool and quirky juxtaposition of modern and retro design executed by inspirational architect Fabio Novembre.
The truly unique hotel is warm and authentic, giving you the very best of Tuscan style. It is also conscientious about the environment, offering free bikes and Tesla charging points and serving up fresh seasonal food in its kitchens. It is in a great location for enjoying the city and the surrounding region.
Rooms are full of cool details but don’t compromise on comfort and the communal spaces really have the wow factor! Guests will experience full Tuscan charm and exceptional services at this unusual boutique hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze
4. Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites – a stylish, ultra-chic and refined hotel that is embraced by exquisite interior design
This splendid boutique hotel in the heart of Florence is particularly suited to explorers with a fondness for the unusual and curious.
The extravagant designer interior features elegant mid-century furnishings combined with distinctive objects and artworks collected from around the world by the family Patriarch, a well-respected art dealer, and subsequently added to over many years.
Each of the four luxury suites is themed around a different explorer, the bathroom in the tropical oasis of the Durrell suite even features a living ceiling! The Livingstone, Darwin and Fossey Suites each have their own special touches too, a balcony, a reading nook and chromotherapy shower all being in the mix.
Verona’s Jungle is a friendly family-run business with a sustainable outlook on travel, there is a bike garage and maintenance available onsite, all pets are welcome and an organic natural breakfast with plenty of vegan options is offered to guests at whatever time they wish to have it.
In short this is a truly cool and unusual hotel, with just four rooms make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!
- To book, check prices or availability for Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites
5. TSH Florence Lavagnini – a cool and unusual place to stay in gorgeous Florence where guests can get together to learn, stay, work and play, housed in a 19th-century palace
This is more of a hospitality concept than a hotel and it’s pretty awesome too! The Student Hotel Florence offers short-term and long-term student accommodation, overnights and extended stays with the aim to create a community of people from all walks of life.
There are shared workspaces, lecture rooms, a massive shared kitchen, a rooftop terrace and bar, exhibition spaces, gym and pool and rooms to cater for every need.
Everything is bold and bright and playful, facilitating social activities and links between all guests. Not for the traveller who wants a peaceful retreat, but for the lone traveller who wants to get out and socialise or the business traveller wanting to network or just if you like bustle and colour and fun… this place could be just the one for you!
- To book, check prices or availability for TSH Florence Lavagnini
6. Room Mate Luca – an ultra-hip and swanky hotel where visitors will experience a distinctive and unforgettable vacation
Awesome retro design presides at this city centre hotel which offers you everything you need and more with its surprising decor.
Each room is a bold burst of colour and geometric pattern designed by Lorenzo Castillo and there are plenty of different types of rooms too, one to suit every traveller. Located in one of the quietest parts of town it is still just a short stroll to more culture than you can shake a feather at!
Just ten minutes walk away from The Duomo, The Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio and just 5 minutes from Michelangelo’s Davide. The staff will make you feel extra welcome in traditional florentine
- To book, check prices or availability for Room Mate Luca
7. CoDe Rooms – a charming and classy guesthouse that features individually decorated rooms, conveniently located in central Florence
This place is geared towards a young hip crowd who enjoy laid-back travel and cool arty decor. It’s bright and colourful and full of quirky decor, it’s also very reasonable for a Florence hotel.
Traveling is made easy by the self-check system, meaning no matter what time you rock up you’ll be able to get in. It’s all very tech-savvy and Instagrammable but it’s also a good solid approach to flexible travel with a flair!
- To book, check prices or availability for CoDe Rooms
8. Hotel Milù – a historic and lavish hotel housed in a 14th-century building that offers guests Insta-worthy panoramic city views
Situated on the famous Via Tornabuoni in an elegant historic Palazzo, the location of Milu Hotel is unbeatable.
Within its 14th Century exterior lies a surprisingly modern interior featuring 22 styled-out rooms, a rooftop terrace, an amazing library and most excitingly of all, an ever-evolving open art gallery.
The curated artworks punctuate every wall, alcove and staircase and feature international artists working across all mediums; sculpture, Photography, Painting and Textiles… all artworks are available for purchase by guests and visiting collectors.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Milù
9. Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione – an elegant and historic hotel that is the first upscale one in the heart of Florence
Occupying a restored historic residence just a few steps from Palazzo Strozzi, Helvita&Bristol is the premier luxury hotel in the heart of Florence since 1885.
Reborn after restoration and recent expansion of it now offers 25 delightful new rooms and suites conceived by Anouska Hempel. Offering chic internal courtyards and exclusive terraces it really is the lap of luxury.
The hotel supports Florentine Artisans by displaying unpublished works and original designs throughout its spaces, always drawing from the environment of “Grande Bellezza”, the eternal source of inspiration for Italian aesthetics and hospitality.
- To book, check prices or availability for Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione
10. Hotel Calimala – a very Instagrammable and upmarket hotel based in the stunning historic part of Florence nearby from the Cathedral, Piazza Signoria and Ponte Vecchio
This is a 4* luxury hotel housed within a lovingly restored 16th Century Palazzo. The renovations have managed to perfectly blend original features with modern deco furnishings and contemporary artworks to create a comfortable, opulent and impeccably florentine environment.
Added to this artistic luxury there is an unrivalled roof garden where diners can enjoy delicious southern Mediterranean food and aperitifs surrounded by 360-degree views over the city.
Guests also have the use of a tranquil plunge pool on the incredible floral patio designed by Vieri Torrigiani. The perfect romantic getaway in a city steeped in romance!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Calimala
11. c-hotels Club – a cool and contemporary hotel that is within walking distance from the 15th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
This conveniently central hotel is situated just a stone’s throw from the railway station very close to the historic centre of the city.
The hotel is an elegant nod to classic Florentine style with a soft color palette and green shuttered windows. Inside it is cozy and classy, vividly coloured luxury.
The communal living rooms are punctuated with thoughtful vintage memorabilia and pictures of the city around easy armchairs and comfy couches, which creates a calm and peaceful ambience. Party animals don’t fear though, if you love a bit of nightlife this happens to be one of the liveliest areas of Florence!
Just take a short walk out the door and you will discover a street full of bustling bars, restaurants and shops leading to the heart of town.
- To book, check prices or availability for c-hotels Club
12. Globus Urban Hotel – a very homely and cosy hotel set in the centre of Florence, close to majestic churches and monuments
This is a cool modern hotel near the railway station with plenty of different room options to suit different budgets.
Decor is simple and cool, beds are comfy and all rooms have WiFi, TV and minibar.
There’s cool art on the walls and a great breakfast and plenty of friendly staff to help you with your itinerary and make sure that you have an inspiring and comfortable stay.
- To book, check prices or availability for Globus Urban Hotel
13. Horto Convento – an intimate oasis of style that offers beautiful greenery and a peaceful vibe, housed in a former monastery in the hip district of Oltrarno
In the heart of Borgo San Frediano, surrounded by artisanal workshops and lively bars and restaurants, this beautiful hotel is located inside a 12th Century Monastery and historic girls boarding school.
The building maintains it’s ancient atmosphere of quiet elegance whilst giving you plenty of opportunities to relax and indulge yourself.
The hotel has wonderful sheltered gardens, a pool round which to contemplate all the amazing art and culture you have visited.
There is a bright and beautiful breakfast room and chilled out lounge bar as well as plenty of wonderful eating and drinking options nearby. The perfect place to breathe in the authentic artisanal culture and energy of this fabulous city.
- To book, check prices or availability for Horto Convento
14 . The Frame Hotel – a notorious and polished hotel, renowned for being the place where the Mona Lisa was recovered back in 1913
This is one for art lovers and history buffs. In this very building, in 1913, da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was discovered, having been stolen from The Louvre two years before.
As a cheeky nod to this significant event each room in The Frame Hotel has its own version of the iconic painting. There are plenty of other cool quirks in this gorgeous art nouveau building; amazing staircases, beams and brickwork and lots of artistic touches.
Breakfast is an amazing buffet of handmade and organic goods, you can also enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea or delicious local wines and charcuterie in the small onsite bar. It’s in a great location too, just steps away from Fillipo Brunelleschi’s famous Duomo.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Frame Hotel
15. Mh Florence Hotel & Spa – a modern, bright and sophisticated hotel spa where guests can benefit from a wellness centre
A modern hotel in the centre of Florence, Mh is in an ideal location for both the train station and all the iconic galleries and architecture that the city has to offer.
It’s bright, airy and comfortable and guests can enjoy all the expected amenities and a few others on the side. The breakfast spread is generous and uses all local produce and freshly baked pastries and the spa facilities are perfect for guests who need some serious R&R.
There’s a swimming pool, Kneipp Circuit, Turkish bath and sauna as well as treatments and massages on offer. The terrace offers an amazing outdoor lounge where you can sip on a classy cocktail and enjoy a 360-degree view of the iconic Duomo.
It’s also reasonably priced compared to many Florence hotels, so good for those who want comfort and a touch of luxury on a bit of a tighter budget,
- To book, check prices or availability for Mh Florence Hotel & Spa
16. c-hotels Ambasciatori – an unassuming, sleek and travel-sustainable hotel that features parquet wood floors and spacious family rooms
Situated in the very centre of Florence this hotel offers refined and practical luxury and comfort to all guests.
The rooms are usually spacious and thoughtfully laid out, the whole place has a cool stripped-back industrial aesthetic, with well-chosen accessories to warm it up.
Everything you need but nothing you don’t is sort of the motto here and they have done it well. Staff are friendly, great eating options and location and a wide selection of rooms to suit different budgets.
- To book, check prices or availability for c-hotels Ambasciatori
17. La Maison du Sage – a one-of-a-kind B&B housed in a historic art decor-style building, located in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce
From minimalism to maximalism, Maison Du Sage is a flamboyant yet classic homage to the Art Deco era. Occupying a wonderful Liberty Building with views of the basilica, the decor reflects the vibrant shapes and colours of 1930s Florence.
Lots of warm tones, gold wood and geometry, combined with natural textures and plenty of lovely personal touches, make this place a dream to stay in!
Despite the historical context all the rooms are fully equipped with mod cons and the communal spaces provide a great opportunity to meet and chat with other travellers over tea and biscuits. Honestly, if you are an Art Deco fanatic like me you don’t want to miss this little gem!
- To book, check prices or availability for La Maison du Sage
18. Hotel Glance In Florence – an unpretentious and down-to-earth hotel housed in a stunning building that was designed by the eminent architect Italo Gamberini
In the heart of Florence near the San Lorenzo Central Market you’ll find the unique Glance Hotel. The building was designed in the ‘50s by renowned architect Italo Gamberini and the name refers to all the little details that make it so special.
Each floor is themed around a modern reworking of an iconic renaissance sculpture such as Michelangelo’s David and Ammannati’s Neptune, so whilst the hotel definitely errs on the side of contemporary it also gives a respectful nod to the city’s history and culture.
Swimmers will love the gorgeous rooftop pool with amazing views over the city.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Glance In Florence
19. Art Hotel Villa Agape – a gorgeous and traditional Italian hotel that is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ideal for a romantic stay
This is classic Italian luxury hospitality in a nutshell. A stunning hotel in a historical Villa that was previously owned by A Duchess.
The Villa is set in its own immaculate grounds, awash with landscaped flower beds and trickling fountains and positioned in the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, close to the Arcetri Observatory. Of course, the panoramic views from many of the rooms and the gardens are exceptional.
Its beautiful traditional decor and shady nooks and crannies mean guests can enjoy peace and tranquillity whilst reading a book and sipping Prosecco, it is also just a few minutes by car from the city centre and well connected by public transport.
- To book, check prices or availability for Art Hotel Villa Agape
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Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.