Best Historical Hotels in Florence

Four Seasons gives travellers a chance to experience the magic of some of the oldest yet most fascinating cities in the world. It is located in the northern stretch, right at the nexus between the Old Florence suburbs of the nineteenth century and those of the twentieth century. While sitting in the vast tranquil garden, you get to enjoy a panoramic view of numerous historic buildings in Florence. As you step into the stucco-decorated lobby, you are welcomed into a modern and upscale abode furnished with extravagant silk, velvet, marble, and antique décor. The suites are elegantly decorated in Renaissance style. Other luxurious amenities offered here include a state-of-the-art spa with 10 treatment rooms, a pool, steam room and fitness centre for health enthusiasts. For a taste of some of the world’s best cuisines, you can visit the Michelin-starred Il Palagio found within the premise.

Hotel Savoy part of the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotels collection is located on the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, this five-star hotel captures the essence of Florentine elegance. The interior design, led by Olga Polizzi and Laudomia Pucci, beautifully marries contemporary style with the city’s rich artistic heritage, featuring elegant Tuscan materials and custom-made furnishings.

The hotel’s 80 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, offering comfort and luxury with views of the historic cityscape. Each room combines classic Italian design with modern amenities, such as marble bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious linens. The suites, particularly the Duomo Presidential Suite, provide unparalleled luxury with expansive spaces, private terraces, and unique artwork.

Dining at Hotel Savoy is an exceptional experience. Irene, the hotel’s restaurant, is named after Sir Rocco Forte’s mother and reflects her dedication to authentic, seasonal cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini, celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany, with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in the stylish dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling square.

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel offers a luxurious Spa Suite where guests can indulge in a range of treatments using Irene Forte Skincare products, made from organic Sicilian ingredients. The fitness centre, equipped with the latest technology, ensures that guests can maintain their wellness routines while travelling.

Hotel Savoy’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Florence’s cultural landmarks. The hotel offers a range of bespoke experiences, from private tours of the Uffizi Gallery to exclusive wine tastings in the Tuscan countryside. The attentive concierge team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s stay is tailored to their desires, whether they are seeking cultural immersion or simply wish to relax in the lap of luxury.

Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxurious 83-room retreat set on a scenic hillside in Florence, offering breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed city and Tuscany’s rolling landscapes. Once a historic educational institution, the 16th-century property has been meticulously restored, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Guests can enjoy curated cultural experiences, including private fashion atelier tours, chef-led cooking classes, and exclusive opera performances. The hotel features four dining venues, including La Gamella and the historic Bar Bertelli, a serene Aelia Spa in partnership with Furtuna Skin, and stunning event spaces such as a restored chapel and grand theatre. With its exquisite design, immersive experiences, and unparalleled hospitality, this first Italian property from Auberge Resorts Collection redefines luxury in Florence.

The St. Regis, which is located at the south end of Santa Maria Novella, has been the destination for most travellers in Florence since the eighteenth century. This historic five-star hotel is a true reflection of the rich Florentine heritage. This is evident from its Renaissance-style furnishings mixed stylishly with antique decor native to the region. There are 81 spacious rooms and 19 unique suites, all of which are embellished with coloured velvets, bespoke frescos, spectacular Murano chandeliers, and painted coffered ceilings. The customer service at this Hotel is tip-top – a culture that is innate in the St Regis family. A private Guest Experience Manager is provided to help visitors plan their dream getaway. With the presence of amenities such as sizeable fitness centre, spa, and art gallery, guests won’t run out of fun activities. The hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and Winter Garden, which serves splendid dishes of Tuscan.

Il Salviatino is a striking five-star hotel reclaimed from a 15th-century villa located in the hillside of Fiesole. Being situated at a relatively high altitude, it offers a spectacular view of Florence and its undulating landscape. It boasts a museum-like styling with antique paintings and marble fireplaces. This hotel offers an unmatched concierge service. Guests are assigned personal advisors who offer invaluable advice regarding perfect restaurants, sightseeing destinations, and upcoming events. There is a luxurious spa that ideal for the entire family (even kids). Five-star standard cuisines of Mediterranean and Tuscan culture are served in the formal restaurant in this villa. This would be the perfect destination for guests looking for a stately home experience.

Villa Cora is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Florence, set within a historic 19th-century villa that exudes the charm and sophistication of a bygone era. Perched on the hills overlooking the Boboli Gardens, it offers panoramic views of Florence and a serene retreat from the bustling city. The hotel features 44 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with lavish details and period furnishings.

The architecture of Villa Cora reflects a blend of Neo-Classical and Baroque influences, with intricate frescoes, opulent chandeliers, and exquisite marble accents throughout. The interior design harmoniously combines historical elements with modern comforts, providing a timeless elegance that appeals to discerning travellers. The hotel’s lush, Italian-style gardens are an extension of this luxury, offering a peaceful oasis with manicured lawns, towering trees, and colourful flower beds.

One of the highlights of Villa Cora is its expansive outdoor heated swimming pool, set amidst the gardens. This area provides a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the Tuscan sun, with poolside service offering refreshments and light meals. Adjacent to the pool, the hotel’s spa, located in the Moorish Pavilion, offers a variety of treatments and wellness experiences, including a sauna, hammam, and a small gym.

Dining at Villa Cora is an experience in itself. Le Bistrot, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves a menu inspired by traditional Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying views of the gardens and the Florentine skyline. The hotel also features the Bar Longhi, known for its elegant atmosphere, rich with antique mirrors, and a selection of fine wines and signature cocktails.

The Anglo American Hotel Florence, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened its doors in the heart of Tuscany, following a thorough renovation overseen by Italian architect Chiara Caberlon. This historic 19th-century building, which has previously hosted notable figures like Leo Tolstoy and Maria Callas, combines preserved historical features with a modern and eclectic design, vibrant colours, and artwork from the 1920s. The hotel, which boasts 118 rooms and suites, a sun-drenched interior courtyard, a modern gym, and meeting rooms for up to 70 people, aims to provide a unique guest experience by blending its storied past with contemporary amenities. The Whisper Wine Bar and Courtyard, inspired by the British ladies’ community “Scorpions” from the 1930s, and Vivi Bistro, offering local and international cuisine, add to the hotel’s allure. Located within walking distance of Florence’s renowned Renaissance art and architecture, the Anglo-American Hotel Florence is positioned as a distinctive addition to the city’s vibrant hotel scene, offering a bespoke stay in one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations.

Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel is located in the historical centre of Florence and is within easy walking distance to the main cultural attractions, including the Duomo complex, the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Medici Chapel and the San Lorenzo market. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station and a 20-minute drive from Amerigo Vespucci Airport. This boutique hotel comprises 86 guest rooms, including eight suites with The presidential suite boasting a panoramic terrace with breath-taking views over the city´s skyline. Originally made up of two historical buildings belonging to two aristocratic Florentine families – the Gaddis and the Arrighettis, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi showcases its noble past with unique historical and artistic treasures, such as frescoed rooms, artist’s paintings and art objects, many dating back to the 16th century. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary experiences including Tuscan and Italian fine dining at Terrae, a cosy meal at The Secret Garden, cocktails, snacks and sunsets at Aria Rooftop bar and pre-dinner drinks or cheese and wine at the Milton Bar. The hotel also offers a range of experiences to the guests, from the romantic dining delight dinner by candlelight in a frescoed ballroom, to a cooking class with Chef Iside de Cesare, a Michelin-starred chef (who also leads the restaurant offering at the hotel) to discover the art of homemade pasta or an unforgettable Tuscan meal in the private winery of the hotel.

This historic property is located in the eastern part of Centro Storico. It was initially one of Florence’s oldest townhouses built by the Pope’s treasurer in the 19th century. The hotel is currently a five-star hotel with 24 chic rooms decorated with original frescos and antique furnishings. Palazzo Firenze delivers a perfect blend of both contemporary styling and modern luxury and comfort. The rooms are spacious and graceful offering amenities such as room service, spa, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Guelfi e Ghibellini, a three-star Michelin restaurant located within its vicinity, offers delicious menus. Its strategic location offers quick access to the Santa Croce church and the Duomo.