It’s no secret that Italy is my favourite country in the whole world. I have visited its islands, cities, mountains and beaches (and I’ve got these Italy blog posts to prove it). Florence is somewhere I visited as part of an epic road trip adventure through Tuscany. At the end of the road trip, we enjoyed 3 nights in Florence, during which time we explored all the best areas of the city. If you’re planning your own visit, here is the lowdown on the best places to stay in Florence. This blog post has been written in partnership Portrait Firenze, one of Florences most luxurious and well-located hotels.
Visiting Florence with the Portrait Firenze hotel and Ponte Vecchio in the background.
Blog post sponsored by Portrait Firenze.
The Best Places to Stay in Florence
The medieval centre of Florence lies between the spectacular Duomo in the north and the Ponte Vecchio in the South. As well as its famous centre and bridges, it also has several distinct neighbourhoods that contrast in style. The further from the city centre you venture, the less touristy the neighbourhoods feel, but it means you’re also further from the main sites, galleries and attractions. With the local knowledge of Portrait Firenze, here’s a quick-fire area guide;
Portrait Firenze
An Area Guide
Florence City Centre – As Florence is a small city that is best explored on foot, staying in the city centre offers the ultimate convenience. You’ll be a stone’s throw from Florence’s most famous galleries and piazzas, but also consider that the rates will be higher and you may hear some street noise from your hotel room.
Santissima Annunziata – A good option if you want to stay a little further out but still close to Florence’s most famous sights. It’s where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Santa Croce – Perfect for those looking for a less touristy vibe and wanting to enjoy cafe culture with the locals. At night, its bars and restaurants come alive.
San Frediano & Santo Spirito – These areas have recently become gentrified and have a laid-back bohemian feel with interesting boutique shops, creative workshops and great hidden restaurants.
San Lorenzo and San Marco – These Florence neighbourhoods are near the train station and where you’ll find the popular Mercato Centrale and Medici Chapels. An affordable option for food and culture.
Introducing Portrait Firenze
Portrait Firenze is one of the leading luxury hotels in Florence, with a location unrivalled by no other. Set on the banks of the Arno River and overlooking the old-world Ponte Vecchio, guests can wake up to one of Florence’s most iconic panoramas. The hotel is proud to be a member of the The Leading Hotels of the World and has been listed as a Forbes 5 Star Hotel for 3 years running.
With 34 luxury suites spanning 6 floors, it has a boutique and personal feel to it, whilst offering the highest standards of service. All guests at Portrait Firenze are looked after by a knowledgable Lifestyle Manager who can advise on restaurants, provide top tips and share the kept secrets of the city. Suites vary in size and include the spectacular rooftop suite and the Penthouse suite which spans 273 square metres. Portrait Firenze has interiors by Florentine designer Michele Bönan, who has added a unique identity to each suite.
Reason alone to stay at Portrait Firenze is its contemporary Caffe Dell’Oro. This is the ultimate place to enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon glass of prosecco, with a front row view of the Ponte Vecchio. Caffe Dell’Oro is open to hotel guests only so feels like an exclusive hidden gem in Florence. Other dining options within the hotel include the Michelin starred Borgo San Jacopo restaurant and La Terrazza Rooftop Bar.
The hotel is family friendly as well as pet friendly. Dogs are welcome to stay for a nightly surcharge. Portrait Firenze can provide cots and other infant-friendly items on request.
What to read more about Florence? Check out my Romantic City Guide to Florence.
Are you currently planning a trip or deciding where to stay in Florence? Have you visited the city before and can share some travel tips? If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment in the box below.
