Florence’s Finest: A Guide to the City’s 5-Star Luxury Hotels

Florence’s grandest hotels occupy the same real estate the city’s merchant princes once did — Renaissance palazzi on the Arno, frescoed salons, and rooftop terraces that turn a sunset drink into the best view in Tuscany. Here is where the city’s most discerning guests actually stay.

The Westin Excelsior, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Anchoring Piazza Ognissanti on the north bank of the Arno, The Excelsior is one of Florence’s grand historic hotels, its riverside rooms looking out toward the hills beyond Oltrarno. Its rooftop restaurant, Cosimo, is one of the city’s most sought-after aperitivo addresses, with 360-degree views over the Arno that make it as much a destination for Florence residents as for hotel guests.

The St. Regis Florence

A short walk along the same piazza, The St. Regis Florence occupies a historic riverside palace and carries forward the brand’s signature ritual — a formal afternoon tea and a butler service tradition that dates to the original St. Regis in New York. Its Arno-facing rooms and frescoed public spaces make it a favorite for guests who want grandeur within easy walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio and Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Set inside the restored 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca, the Four Seasons Firenze is built around the largest private garden in the city — eleven acres of centuries-old trees and manicured lawns, a rarity inside Florence’s dense historic center. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Palagio, is among the destinations covered in our luxury dining guide.

Portrait Firenze

A boutique property from the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection, Portrait Firenze sits directly on the Arno within view of the Ponte Vecchio. Its scale is intentionally intimate compared to the grand hotels nearby, trading ballrooms for a rooftop terrace restaurant and suites styled more like private residences than hotel rooms.

Hotel Savoy

Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy — part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection — puts guests inside the city’s historic commercial heart, steps from the Duomo and Via de’ Tornabuoni, with an interior designed by Olga Polizzi that pairs Florentine tradition with a more contemporary palette than its riverside rivals.

Choosing Between Them

The decision usually comes down to setting: Arno views and rooftop terraces (Excelsior, St. Regis, Portrait Firenze), unmatched garden space and quiet (Four Seasons), or proximity to the main shopping and sightseeing axis (Hotel Savoy). Our concierge team can advise on room categories, upgrades, and the best fit for a first visit versus a return stay, and can arrange private tours and experiences timed around your hotel’s location.

Steps from your hotel: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is an easy add-on to any stay in central Florence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Florence hotel has the best rooftop view?

Cosimo, the rooftop restaurant at The Westin Excelsior, is widely considered the city’s best rooftop setting, with 360-degree views over the Arno and the hills beyond.

Which luxury hotel is closest to the Ponte Vecchio?

Portrait Firenze sits directly on the river within sight of the bridge, with The St. Regis Florence and The Westin Excelsior both a short walk away along the Arno.

Is there a luxury hotel in Florence with a large garden?

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze has the largest private garden in the city, set within the historic Palazzo della Gherardesca estate.

Which hotel is best located for shopping on Via de’ Tornabuoni?

Hotel Savoy on Piazza della Repubblica and The St. Regis Florence are both within easy walking distance of Florence’s main luxury shopping street.

Wherever you choose to stay, the city’s five-star addresses share the same philosophy: history as the backdrop, service as the standard. Let our concierge match you to the property, room, and view that suit your stay.

Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.