Italy

Florence

Every dispatch we've filed from Florence, Italy: luxury hotels, prestige spas, signature rituals and onsen.

3 stories

Exterior view of Villa San Michele, a historic building on a hillside overlooking Florence, with lush gardens in the foreground.

Destinations · Belmond

Florence's Villa San Michele Reopens After 18-Month Renovation

Belmond's historic hillside property, Villa San Michele, welcomes guests again, promising a refreshed take on Florentine luxury. The extensive renovation seeks to rekindle the hotel's storied past as a serene sanctuary.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Jun 15, 2026

Properties in Florence

Where we'd stay

Hotel Lungarno Lungarno Collection

hotel

Hotel Lungarno Lungarno Collection

Perched along the Arno, this intimate Michele Bönan-designed hotel \ marries contemporary elegance with Florentine tradition. Its curated \ art collection and bespoke furnishings create an exclusive \ atmosphere, with views that capture the Ponte Vecchio’s timeless \ charm.

Hotel Helvetia Bristol

hotel

Hotel Helvetia Bristol

Nestled in the heart of Florence, Hotel Helvetia Bristol seamlessly blends Renaissance grandeur with contemporary elegance. Behind its historic facade, interiors by Helena Bangert evoke a refined, residential feel, with rich textiles and bespoke furnishings. Indulge in Florentine culinary traditions, including a refined take on Lampredotto, offering a genuine taste of the city’s vibrant gastronomic heritage.

Villa la Massa

hotel

Villa la Massa

Nestled on the Arno River, Villa la Massa is a Renaissance estate reimagined. Its 16th-century edifice houses interiors adorned with antique frescoes. Guests can explore the sprawling olive groves and lemon orchards, indulging in the tranquil spirit of the Tuscan countryside.

Palazzo Portinari Salviati

hotel

Palazzo Portinari Salviati

Steps from the Duomo, this 15th-century palazzo once belonged to the aristocratic Portinari family. Original frescoes and architectural details have been meticulously preserved, honoring Florence’s artistic heritage. Indulge in traditional Florentine cuisine.

Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels And Resorts

hotel

Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels And Resorts

Housed within a meticulously restored 19th-century palazzo, Baglioni's Florence outpost blends Italian classicism with contemporary elegance. Expect polished marbles, intricate frescoes, and a seamless integration of heritage and modern design. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Duomo, enhancing a stay steeped in Florentine splendor.

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione

hotel

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione

Within a palazzo moments from the Duomo, this grande dame blends Renaissance romance with contemporary comforts. Polished woods, sumptuous fabrics, and original frescoes adorn the interiors, while a culinary ode to Tuscany awaits at the restaurant, an homage to the region’s rich bounty, gastronomic heritage.

Villa Cora

hotel

Villa Cora

A 19th-century aristocratic residence meticulously restored, Villa Cora exudes Florentine grandeur. Ornate frescoes, gilded stuccoes, and a magnificent Moorish room transport guests to a bygone era of opulence, all set within a serene park overlooking the Boboli Gardens.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Housed in a meticulously restored 15th-century palazzo and a 16th-century convent, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a Renaissance immersion. Original frescoes and स्टैट्यूएस adorn the interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The expansive Giardino della Gherardesca, Florence’s largest private garden, offers a tranquil retreat amidst the city's artistic bustle.

Relais Santa Croce

hotel

Relais Santa Croce

Carved from an 18th-century palazzo, just steps from the Santa Croce Basilica, this intimate Florentine retreat blends Rococo frescoes with contemporary Italian design. Expect soaring ceilings, original artworks, and an unparalleled sense of place.

The Place Firenze

hotel

The Place Firenze

An intimate Florentine retreat, The Place Firenze exudes an understated elegance. Michele Bönan’s design blends local artifacts with contemporary comforts, creating a serene sanctuary steps from Santa Maria Novella. The hotel’s commitment to provenance is reflected in its use of local artisans and materials, from the custom-made linens to the hand-finished plaster walls.

The Place

hotel

The Place

Steps from Santa Maria Novella, The Place Firenze is a refined retreat marrying Florentine tradition with contemporary elegance. Each room, unique in design, features custom-made furnishings and locally sourced textiles, offering an intimate glimpse into the city’s artisanal heritage.

Portrait Firenze

hotel

Portrait Firenze

Overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, Portrait Firenze evokes a refined private residence. Florentine craftsmanship, from Salvatore Ferragamo’s archives to the Arno-facing suites, defines its timeless allure. Master suites feature a dedicated lifestyle manager.

Hotel Savoy a Rocco Forte Hotel

hotel

Hotel Savoy a Rocco Forte Hotel

Overlooking Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy’s refreshed interiors by Olga Polizzi blend Italian classicism with contemporary elegance. Expect a material palette of local stones and textiles, with bespoke furnishings, and an inviting ambiance that reflects the city’s timeless allure.

Leone Blu Suites

hotel

Leone Blu Suites

Behind an unassuming palazzo door, nine exquisite suites blend Renaissance grandeur with contemporary Florentine design. Original frescoes and handcrafted Tuscan furnishings are set against a calming palette of soft grays and blues, steps from the Duomo.

Palazzo Vecchietti

hotel

Palazzo Vecchietti

Steps from the Duomo, this 16th-century palazzo once belonged to the noble Vecchietti family. Original frescos and a magnificent pietra serena fireplace by the sculptor Giambologna characterize the common areas. The property’s eight suites redefine Renaissance splendor with canopied beds, rich textiles, and original artworks, intricately carved ceilings.

The st Regis Florence

hotel

The st Regis Florence

The St. Regis Florence, a Renaissance palace by Ignazio Gardella on the Arno, epitomizes Florentine grandeur. Inside, frescoed ceilings and Murano chandeliers frame a collection of rare art and antiques, offering a stay steeped in aristocratic elegance and unparalleled river views.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Nestled in the historic Palazzo della Gherardesca, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a Renaissance masterpiece. Ornate frescoes and original stuccoes are meticulously preserved, offering a gilded embrace within a 15th-century palazzo and convent. Its 116 rooms and suites, some with garden views, are a testament to Florentine artistry.

Portrait Firenze Lungarno Collection

hotel

Portrait Firenze Lungarno Collection

Overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, Portrait Firenze epitomizes Florentine elegance. Designed by Michele Bönan, interiors feature sumptuous textiles and handcrafted furniture, evoking a timeless residential feel. Each suite offers bespoke comfort and unparalleled views of the Arno.

Sina Villa Medici Autograph Collection

hotel

Sina Villa Medici Autograph Collection

Steps from the Arno, this Medici villa-turned-hotel blends Renaissance grandeur with contemporary comforts. Original frescoes, antique furnishings, and a private garden with centuries-old trees evoke a timeless Florentine experience, showcasing local cipollino marble and rich tapestries.

Brunelleschi Hotel

hotel

Brunelleschi Hotel

Housed within a Byzantine tower and a medieval church, Brunelleschi Hotel offers a singular Florentine experience. Original stones and exposed brickwork frame contemporary comforts, steps from the Duomo. Indulge in classic Tuscan flavors, including an exceptional Florentine steak, at this historic address.

Helvetia Bristol Firenze Starhotels Collezione

hotel

Helvetia Bristol Firenze Starhotels Collezione

Steps from Duomo, the Helvetia & Bristol has been a nexus for literati and artists since 1883. Recent renovations blend original 19th-century frescoes and joinery with contemporary Florentine design gestures. The breakfast features bomboloni, a local brioche doughnut with cream.