Best luxury hotels in Florence place you at the center of Italy’s artistic soul—where exclusive hospitality meets timeless Renaissance splendor. These 5-star hotels are gateways to private palazzos, Duomo views, fresco-lined dining rooms, and rooftop pools overlooking the Arno. Every detail is deliberate: curated art, butler service, wine cellars carved into stone, and spa rituals inspired by Florentine apothecaries. Whether tucked into cobbled alleys near Ponte Vecchio or standing grand beside Piazza della Repubblica, these five-star properties reflect Florence’s identity—elegant, intellectual, and steeped in history. This guide strips away the noise to present only the best. You won’t find endless hotel lists—only carefully selected stays that define the luxury experience in Tuscany’s capital. Whether you’re planning a cultural escape, a honeymoon, or a stylish base for exploring the region, the best luxury hotels in Florence give you front-row access to beauty, heritage, and indulgence.
🏛️ Best Luxury Hotels in Florence – Art, History & 5-Star Elegance

Best luxury hotels in Florence offer refined five-star comfort shaped by centuries of culture and design. More than just luxurious, these stays deliver intimate access to Florence’s artistic legacy through immersive experiences and architectural brilliance. From rooftop aperitivos with Duomo views to private gallery access and frescoed suites, every detail honors the city’s Renaissance spirit. Ideal for travelers seeking depth and exclusivity, these hotels balance service, privacy, and authenticity. Whether you choose a regal palace near the Uffizi or a boutique retreat with minimalist flair, you’ll find accommodations that mirror Florence’s elegance—and elevate it.
🏨 Best Luxury Hotels in Florence – Top 10 Five-Star Picks
Best luxury hotels in Florence combine heritage, artistry, and elevated five-star service. This curated Top 10 list includes palatial city icons and modern rooftop escapes—each chosen for its location, design, and guest experience. Expect timeless interiors, fine dining, private views, and personalized touches. Whether you’re in Florence for romance, art, or leisure, these hotels offer the most memorable ways to stay.
🌉 Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection ★★★★★
Overlooking the Arno River just steps from Ponte Vecchio, Hotel Lungarno is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence for travellers seeking elegant riverside charm with refined modern flair. A member of the prestigious Lungarno Collection, the hotel features art-filled interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, and a serene terrace facing the Corridoio Vasariano. Guests enjoy in-house curated art, a refined wine collection, and access to exclusive Florence cultural experiences like private Uffizi viewings or after-hours museum tours. Whether lounging in the elegant lounge or enjoying Florence at your doorstep, this hotel masterfully blends local heritage and discreet sophistication.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Private Arno-facing terrace and bar
⭐ Curated bridge and fashion district art collection
⭐ Concierge access to intimate Uffizi & Palazzo Vecchio tours
Who Should Book: Art lovers, couples, and culture-focused travellers seeking riverside elegance with an immersive Florence experience
“A perfect balance of warmth, art, and location—waking up above the Arno changed how we see Florence.”
— Claudia & Matteo, Italy
🏰 The St. Regis Florence ★★★★★
Set on the Arno Riverbank with Ponte Vecchio views, The St. Regis Florence is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, offering regal elegance within a historic palazzo. Each room showcases original frescoes, radiant crystal chandeliers, and bespoke marble bathrooms. Guests receive personalized Butler Service, access to the Forbes Five-Star wellness spa, and invitations to seasonal in-house Viennese concert evenings. Concierge can arrange private transfers by vintage car, candlelit dinners under Florentine loggias, or early morning access to the Accademia Gallery before opening hours. Experience Florence with unmatched sophistication.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Butler service in every suite
⭐ Forbes Five-Star spa in restored palazzo
⭐ Private access to galleries, vintage car transfers
Who Should Book: Luxury connoisseurs, cultural travelers, and those seeking historic grandeur with discreet service
“Staying at The St. Regis was like being part of Florence itself—the interiors, the service, the serenity.”
— Isabella & James, UK
🖼️ Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection ★★★★★
Located beside the Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River, Portrait Firenze is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, offering bespoke design and tailored service for discerning travelers. Each suite features polished Tuscan marble, silk linens, and riverfront views. Guests enjoy curated fashion-inspired experiences, private boat rides at sunset, and Suite Dining—a Michelin-level meal served in-room or on your terrace. The hotel’s Fashion Concierge can arrange behind‑the‑scenes boutique access or atelier visits. Whether relaxing on your terrace or wandering Florence’s historic streets, Portrait Firenze defines refined living with an artistic edge.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Personalized Suite Dining with panoramic views
⭐ Fashion concierge for private atelier access
⭐ Riverfront suites with bespoke interiors
Who Should Book: Fashion lovers, art connoisseurs, and design-focused travelers seeking bespoke luxury by the Arno
“Staying at Portrait felt like living inside a bespoke atelier—elegance, privacy, and flawless design in every corner.”
— Clara & Nicolas, France
🌹 Hotel La Gemma ★★★★★
Nestled just off Piazza della Signoria, Hotel La Gemma is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, offering a refined boutique experience with views of historic rooftops and cathedral façades. This elegant townhouse hotel features Tuscan-inspired interiors, parquet floors, and sophisticated suites with city views. Guests can enjoy private access to a rooftop terrace with jacuzzis and cocktails at sunset. Concierge services include behind‑closed‑doors gallery tour bookings, artisan perfume workshops, or chauffeured journeys through the Tuscan hills. A blend of intimate style, personalized attention, and central location makes La Gemma a favorite among culture-seeking travelers.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Rooftop jacuzzis with Duomo views
⭐ Private gallery and artisan workshop access
⭐ Intimate townhouse setting minutes from major sites
Who Should Book: Culture lovers, couples, and boutique hotel fans wanting central Florence elegance with privacy
“Staying at La Gemma felt like the insider’s Florence—quiet, elegant, and within steps of the city’s beating heart.”
— Sofia & Riccardo, Italy
🏛️ Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel ★★★★★
With grand views of the Boboli Gardens and the Duomo skyline, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, exuding palatial charm in the heart of Tuscany’s capital. Built in a restored Renaissance palazzo, the hotel features frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and suites overlooking the historic gardens. Guests can request exclusive evening garden access or arrange private jazz performances in the courtyard. Concierge can organize vintage aperitivo drives through the city or bespoke culinary tours in Michelin-rated trattorias. An immersive high-society Florentine experience with modern luxury polish.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Suites overlooking Boboli Gardens & Duomo
⭐ Private courtyard events & live jazz evenings
⭐ Classic elegance meets modern comfort
Who Should Book: Travelers looking for ceremonial elegance, heritage architecture, and personal concierge care in the city’s center
“Staying at Palazzo Gaddi felt like stepping into a restored palace—every corner hinted at history, yet felt fully alive.”
— Martina & Lorenzo, Switzerland
✨ Golden Tower Hotel & Spa ★★★★★
Perched within Florence’s historic Oltrarno district, Golden Tower Hotel & Spa is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, offering exclusive elegance atop a 13th-century tower. The spa suite occupies the tower’s uppermost floors, complete with a panoramic sauna and sun deck overlooking the Arno and city skyline. Interiors blend minimalist chic with antique Tuscan elements, creating a serene urban oasis. Guests can book private aperitivo sessions in the tower’s turret, arrange bespoke leather-making workshops with local artisans, or enjoy in-room massages with skyline views. A refined sanctuary offering privacy and history in the heart of Florence.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Private spa suite with Arno & city views
⭐ Turret cocktail service and rooftop sauna
⭐ Custom artisan workshops & quiet terrace moments
Who Should Book: Design enthusiasts, wellness lovers, and travelers seeking intimate luxury with panoramic city views
“A retreat with an unmatched view—Golden Tower turned Florence into our private skyline.”
— Elena & Marco, Italy
🏛 Hotel Bernini Palace ★★★★★
Located directly on Piazza della Signoria, Hotel Bernini Palace is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence, offering a grand palazzo experience opposite the Palazzo Vecchio. Elegance is woven into every detail: frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and suites overlooking the ancient square. Enjoy signature cocktails in the historic courtyard or wines in the chandeliers-lit lounge. Concierge can arrange early morning, private entry to the Uffizi Gallery or tailored shopping tours of Florence’s finest ateliers. Staying here places you at the cultural heart of the city with world-class comfort and timeless style.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Historic square-view suites overlooking Piazza della Signoria
⭐ Private access to the Uffizi Gallery before opening hours
⭐ Classic palazzo interiors with elevated service
Who Should Book: Culture travelers and art lovers who want immersive history and central luxury in Florence
“Waking up to the view of Uffizi steps and Piazza della Signoria—it was like staying inside a living museum.”
— Alessandra & Gianni, Italy
🌿 Ville Sull’Arno ★★★★★
Nestled on its own bend of the Arno River just south of Florence’s centre, Ville Sull’Arno is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence for those seeking villa-style privacy with five-star service. Set in a classic Tuscan mansion among lush gardens and riverfront terraces, it features spacious, elegantly styled suites. Guests enjoy dedicated boat transfers into the city, in‑suite spa treatments, and curated wine tastings in partnership with nearby estates. This is a sanctuary offering a relaxed yet refined Florentine experience—ideal for families, couples, or creatives desiring calm and exclusivity while remaining just moments from the Uffizi and historic city centre.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Private riverside villas with verdant gardens
⭐ Waterfront boat transfer into Florence’s centre
⭐ In-suite spa treatments & estate wine tastings
Who Should Book: Families, creatives, and luxury travellers seeking villa-style seclusion with easy access to Florence
“A villa in the heart of Italy—Ville Sull’Arno offered serenity, style, and perfect balance just a boat ride from downtown.”
— Isabella & Marcus, UK
🏰 Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ★★★★★
Nestled within 11 acres of a peaceful Florentine park and historic 15th-century palazzo, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence—offering unparalleled retreat just minutes from the city’s artistic heart. Suites boast soaring ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, and designer furnishings. The gardens house Florence’s only outdoor swimming pool set amid centuries-old olive groves. Guests receive personalized experiences such as in-house olive oil blending classes or curated art tours through private palazzo wings. The hotel’s spa offers treatments inspired by Renaissance apothecaries. Four Seasons combines heritage, space, and discreet luxury—offering a sanctuary that feels miles from the hustle, yet remains intimately Florentine.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Private botanical gardens & historic pool oasis
⭐ Personalized treatments using local olive blends
⭐ Intimate access to palace wings & curated art
Who Should Book: Travelers seeking heritage-rich seclusion, spacious elegance, and private garden luxury in Florence
“Incredible gardens, impeccable service, and a sense of calm impossible to find elsewhere in Florence.”
— Giulia & Marco, Italy
🌸 Villa Cora ★★★★★
Set just outside Florence’s historic ring road within sweeping Tuscan gardens, Villa Cora is one of the best luxury hotels in Florence—perfect for those seeking lavish tranquility with proximity to the city. Housed in a 19th-century palace, the estate features opulent salons, frescoed ceilings, and suites overlooking the hillside park. The pool terrace is a social hub for afternoon cocktails and sunset aperitivos. Guests can arrange horseback rides through the gardens, private picnics in hidden groves, or cocktail evenings in candlelit courtyards. This iconic villa marries Belle Époque glamour with discreet modern elegance and lush Florentine privacy.
Signature Perks:
⭐ Historic beast salon interiors converted to glamorous lounges
⭐ Private garden picnics & horseback rides on site
⭐ Panoramic pool terrace with cocktails at sunset
Who Should Book: Travelers seeking refined Grand-Tour style elegance with villa-style privacy just minutes from central Florence
“Villa Cora felt like stepping back in time with all the comfort of modern luxury—absolute serenity in Florence’s floral hills.”
— Maria & Paolo, Italy
📊 Comparison Table
Best luxury hotels in Florence blend historic elegance with modern luxury, offering garden retreats, riverside views, spa sanctuaries, and city-center palazzos. Compare our Top 10 five-star hotels below to find your ideal escape.
Hotel | Location | Wellness & Spa | Dining | Unique Perks | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
🌉 Hotel Lungarno Lungarno Collection ★★★★★ |
Arno Riverfront, Ponte Vecchio views |
Access to White Iris Spa at sister hotel |
Borgo San Jacopo, Michelin-starred |
⭐ Private art collection ⭐ River-view suites |
Art lovers, romantic stays |
🏰 The St. Regis Florence ★★★★★ |
Arno riverbank, historic palace |
Iridium Suites Spa, luxury wellness |
Winter Garden by Caino |
⭐ Personalized butlers ⭐ Afternoon sabrage |
Classic grandeur, heritage travelers |
🖼️ Portrait Firenze Lungarno Collection ★★★★★ |
Near Ponte Vecchio, bespoke design |
Private in-room spa treatments on request |
Caffè dell’Oro, gourmet bistro |
⭐ Tailor-made suites ⭐ Fashion heritage style |
Design lovers, personalized stays |
🌹 Hotel La Gemma ★★★★★ |
City center, near Duomo |
Exclusive spa, hammam & sauna |
Fusion restaurant, local meets luxury |
⭐ Contemporary elegance ⭐ Butler service |
Modern luxury, urban explorers |
🏛️ Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi ★★★★★ |
Near Duomo, historic nobility palace |
On-site spa, treatments available |
Gaddi Restaurant & rooftop bar |
⭐ 16th-century frescoes ⭐ Panoramic rooftop |
History buffs, stylish escapes |
✨ Golden Tower Hotel & Spa ★★★★★ |
City center, Via Tornabuoni |
Golden Spa: hot tubs, sauna |
Gourmet Tuscan cuisine & fine wines |
⭐ Jacuzzi suites ⭐ Art-filled ambiance |
Spa lovers, shopping trips |
🏛 Hotel Bernini Palace ★★★★★ |
Piazza della Signoria, historic location |
Massage services, wellness on request |
La Chiostrina, elegant dining |
⭐ Antique furnishings ⭐ Historic guest list |
Tradition lovers, heritage value |
🌿 Ville Sull’Arno ★★★★★ |
Arno riverside, private garden |
Iris Spa: indoor pool, hammam |
Floral fine dining with garden views |
⭐ Nature-facing rooms ⭐ Riverside villa style |
Nature lovers, quiet retreats |
🏰 Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ★★★★★ |
Private 11-acre park, central Florence |
Top-rated spa, indoor/outdoor pool |
Il Palagio: Michelin-starred |
⭐ Largest hotel garden ⭐ Museum-quality interiors |
Ultimate luxury, spa & garden lovers |
🌸 Villa Cora ★★★★★ |
Oltrarno hills, near Boboli Gardens |
Full-service spa, outdoor pool |
Fine dining, seasonal menus |
⭐ Grand salons & frescoes ⭐ Horseback & garden picnics |
Romantics, classic elegance |
💎 Unique Experiences at Best Luxury Hotels in Florence
🌉 Hotel Lungarno ★★★★★
Guests can arrange a private riverside dinner curated by the Ferragamo family chef or book a behind-the-scenes tour of Florence’s artisan shoemakers. Ask for a suite with wraparound Arno views and enjoy complimentary access to curated museum itineraries designed exclusively for Lungarno Collection guests.
🏰 The St. Regis Florence ★★★★★
Book the nightly Champagne Ritual in the Winter Garden Lounge—exclusive to St. Regis guests. Your personal butler can organize private shopping at top boutiques or arrange a guided museum tour with early access. Suites with frescoed ceilings are available upon request for special celebrations.
🖼️ Portrait Firenze ★★★★★
Every guest is assigned a personal lifestyle assistant—use this to access Florence’s hidden artisan studios, invite-only gallery openings, or in-suite spa treatments. The rooftop terrace, not listed on public guides, offers unmatched Duomo views and is available for private aperitivos on request.
🌹 Hotel La Gemma ★★★★★
Insider guests can reserve access to the rooftop solarium for sunset cocktails overlooking Florence’s rooftops. The concierge arranges exclusive wine tastings in boutique Chianti estates and private visits to contemporary Florentine artists’ studios—not available through third-party platforms.
🏛️ Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi ★★★★★
Guests can dine privately on the hidden frescoed rooftop terrace or request an evening tour of the historical Gaddi Palace interiors. Concierge services include private organ concerts in nearby churches or early-morning access to Florence’s craft markets before the city awakes.
✨ Golden Tower Hotel & Spa ★★★★★
The spa offers exclusive night bookings for private use, perfect for couples. Ask for their pillow scent menu and book a personalized massage using Tuscan essential oils. The concierge can arrange private visits to perfumeries or a historic goldsmith workshop nearby.
🏛 Hotel Bernini Palace ★★★★★
Guests can request a private tour of the Secret Parliament Room, once a 19th-century political chamber. The hotel also offers VIP access to closed-door exhibitions at the Bargello or customized walking routes through Florence’s hidden medieval quarters.
🌿 Ville Sull’Arno ★★★★★
Book their exclusive river picnic experience with a private boat along the Arno, departing from the hotel’s private dock. The herbal spa treatments use ingredients grown in the on-site botanical garden, and select suites come with private hammams—ask for availability directly.
🏰 Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ★★★★★
Reserve the private chapel for an art-history tour led by a Renaissance scholar, or book exclusive yoga sessions in the park at dawn. Top-tier guests receive first access to villa concerts and seasonal Michelin-star dinners held inside the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca.
🌸 Villa Cora ★★★★★
Villa Cora hosts private Belle Époque-themed dinners by request, complete with classical music and period dress. Guests can also arrange horseback rides through nearby vineyards or reserve the rooftop solarium for golden-hour aperitivos with panoramic views of Florence’s southern hills.
❓ FAQ – Best Luxury Hotels in Florence
Q: Is it better to stay in the historic center or just outside when booking the best luxury hotels in Florence?
A: The best luxury hotels in Florence are concentrated in and around the historic center. Staying in the center offers unbeatable access to landmarks, but some travelers prefer quieter luxury just outside the crowds—hotels like Villa Cora and Ville Sull’Arno deliver peace, views, and fast access by hotel shuttle or short walk.
Q: How far in advance should I book a five-star hotel in Florence?
A: For the best luxury hotels in Florence, booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended, especially in spring, early summer, and during events like Pitti Uomo. Iconic properties and top suites often sell out quickly, even a year ahead during holidays.
Q: Are Florence’s five-star hotels suitable for families or only couples?
A: While many are couple-focused, several luxury hotels welcome families with spacious suites, babysitting services, and custom tours. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Ville Sull’Arno are among the few that offer dedicated amenities for children while maintaining a refined, adult-friendly atmosphere.
Q: Can I access Florence’s luxury hotels by car despite ZTL restrictions?
A: Yes—but you must notify your hotel before arrival. Most five-star hotels in Florence are within ZTL (limited traffic) zones, but they can register your license plate for temporary access. Valet service is common, but self-parking is rare in central properties.
Q: Is it worth choosing a hotel with views of the Arno River?
A: Yes—staying at one of the best luxury hotels in Florence with direct river views elevates the entire experience. Properties like Hotel Lungarno and Portrait Firenze offer romantic balconies and sunrise-facing suites that make the extra cost worthwhile, especially for special occasions.
Q: Are Florence’s luxury hotels open year-round?
A: Most five-star hotels operate year-round, with some closing briefly in January or February for renovations. Winter stays can offer lower rates and fewer crowds, but check ahead—some boutique hotels outside the center may have seasonal closures.
Q: What’s the best way to reach your hotel from Florence Airport?
A: The airport is just 20–30 minutes from most central luxury hotels. Guests typically use private transfers arranged by the hotel, which are far more comfortable than taxis or trams. Many five-star hotels in Florence include airport pickup with suite bookings.
🏁 Conclusion: Best Luxury Hotels in Florence
Best luxury hotels in Florence blend timeless Renaissance charm with five-star indulgence—placing you steps from art, architecture, and refined Tuscan living. Whether you prefer riverside elegance, aristocratic palazzos, or serene garden retreats, these ten hotels offer the pinnacle of style, service, and authenticity in the heart of Florence.
👉 For lakeside serenity and majestic views, see our curated list: Best Luxury Hotels on Lake Garda – 5-Star Lakefront Hotels & Resorts →
🔗 For a deeper dive into Italy’s finest stays, explore our full guide: ExploreItaly – Best Luxury Hotels & Travel Ideas. For more travel inspiration, visit Italian Tourist Board.
✨ Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, cultural immersion, or unforgettable honeymoon, Florence’s 5-star hotels promise moments of pure enchantment. Choose with confidence—your dream Italian getaway begins here.