The Mediterranean Insider

Florence, Italy

The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in Florence

The Mediterranean • Stay • The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in Florence, Italy

Florence’s most stylish and personal hotel stays

Ask a dozen people about their favourite hotel, and you’ll likely get a dozen different responses. A favourite hotel is as much of a personal preference as your favourite movie, book or singer. The Mediterranean hotel scene is renowned for its luxurious and distinctive boutique hotels, each with its own unique story to tell. From charming family-run villas to five-star grand dames, these hotels offer an intimate and personal experience, regardless of size. With their striking architecture, bespoke interiors and impeccable service, these hotels are the epitome of style and luxury.

Overview: Florence’s top 5 hotels

01 The Place Firenze

02 Hotel La Gemma

03 Numeroventi

04 Il Tornabuoni

05 Villa San Michele

The Place Firenze

Steeped in elegant allure, The Place Firenze – formerly known as JK Place – offers a coveted pied-à-terre in the heart of Florence. Housed in a grand townhouse, this boutique gem, reimagined by architect Luigi Fragola, pairs bespoke mid-century pieces with modern art, evoking the charm of a Florentine friend’s home. A hop from the iconic Duomo, and a sashay from the chic Via Tornabuoni, its vibrant terrace bar buzzes on sultry evenings. From sipping a Smoky Negroni to savouring Chef Asso Migliore’s signature ’Lo Spaghetto’, The Place Firenze embodies Florentine luxury.

The Place Firenze
P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 7
Florence
Italy

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Photography courtesy of The Place Firenze

Hotel La Gemma

With an April 2023 debut, Hotel La Gemma arose as Florence’s latest 5-star gem, fusing timeless sophistication with Florentine elegance. Nestled within the historic Palazzo Paoletti, along stylish Via Calimala, this concept hotel sits moments from iconic landmarks, inviting guests into a luxurious home adorned with 5-star amenities. Rooms bask in hues mirroring the famous Cathedral, with many boasting city-view terraces. At its heart lies Luca’s restaurant, led by Tuscan culinary whizz, Lorenzo De Vivo Martini, who spins modern takes on traditional dishes. Beyond dining, the subterranean Allure Spa invites total escapism, completing the opulent offering.

Hotel La Gemma
Via dei Cavalieri, 6R
Florence
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Hotel La Gemma

Numeroventi

Nestled within Florence’s historic heart, Numeroventi crafts a dreamy home-from-home experience. Envisaged by Andrew Trotter, this design residence marries Renaissance charm with contemporary style. Six captivating lofts, resplendent with frescoes, bathe in natural light. Creatives find solace in this ever-evolving gallery, as artist residencies breathe fresh inspiration into the palazzo. With no room service, Numeroventi encourages Tuscan gastronomic exploration and communal co-creation in their kitchen. Expect a tranquil escape, more akin to a private apartment than a bustling hotel, amidst Florence’s artistic pulse.

Numeroventi
Via dei Pandolfini, 20
Florence
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Numeroventi

Il Tornabuoni

In the heart of Florence, Il Tornabuoni resides within an elegantly refurbished Renaissance palazzo. Bespoke furnishings grace its generous suites, each a testament to modern luxury wrapped in historic charm. Architect Andrea Auletta’s vibrant interiors recall the city’s Medici heritage, blending traditional Florentine motifs with a resolutely contemporary aesthetic. Indulge in the Il Magnifico café and anticipate the reopening of the La Cave wine cellar and the plush Lucie restaurant. Savour sunset from the Butterfly Terrace, an exquisite rarity in Florence. Steps from the Palazzo Strozzi museum, luxury boutiques and Florence’s most revered sites, Il Tornabuoni stands as an unrivalled fusion of cultural immersion and luxurious comfort.

Il Tornabuoni
Via de' Tornabuoni, 3
Florence
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Il Tornabuoni

Villa San Michele

Perched on a wooded hillside below Fiesole, the Villa San Michele weaves a tapestry of Renaissance charm and modern luxury. Housed in a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, said to be designed by Michelangelo, this opulent hotel offers sweeping views of Florence and an oasis of tranquillity. It features immaculate gardens, a panoramic pool and a well-regarded cooking school. Guest rooms echo the location’s ecclesiastical past with vaulted ceilings and antique bedsteads. Dining is a highlight with Chef Alessandro Cozzolino at the helm, crafting dishes that fuse Tuscan tradition with innovative flair.