Florence is a city where every street feels like a living museum, but it’s not just for art lovers. With its cobblestone alleys, stunning architecture, and food that’ll make you rethink everything you know about pasta, this Renaissance city offers charm on every corner. While Florence is known for its grand palaces and centuries-old art, there’s also a stylish, contemporary side that often gets overlooked. Think boutique cafés, design-forward stays, and rooftop bars that swap frescoes for spritzes and skyline views.
Here are my top picks for Florence hotels under $500 a night (though prices can fluctuate during peak travel times). Whether you’re drawn to the old-school elegance of a more classic stay or prefer something sleek and contemporary, these Florence hotels offer style, comfort, and a prime location—all without the sky-high price tag.
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli
Right between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, this boutique stay puts you right in the thick of it—perfect for exploring the city on foot. FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is especially great for families, with soundproofed rooms that sleep up to six and blackout shades for a proper night’s rest. Mornings start in the lovely breakfast lounge, all vintage brass chandeliers, floral wallpaper, and big windows overlooking Via Calzaiuoli—ideal for cappuccino-fuelled people watching.
Rooms are soft and classic, with velvet headboards, toile-upholstered chairs, and even hand-painted ceilings in some. There’s also a cozy wood-paneled bar, warm and helpful staff, and a pet-friendly policy for those travelling with furry companions.
- Fora Reserve perks include a bottle of Prosecco upon arrival, an in-room pillow menu, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rivoli Boutique Hotel
Hidden behind a modest doorway on Via della Scala, Rivoli Boutique feels more like an old Florentine secret than a hotel. Housed in a former 14th-century monastery, it opens up to cloisters, pietra serena columns, and a garden courtyard dotted with potted flowers and a Jacuzzi plunge pool.
Interiors nod to the past with timber beams and floral upholstery, while the Benedicta Restaurant offers Tuscan dishes in a surprisingly modern, industrial-style space. There’s also a compact wellness corner with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and sensory shower—and thoughtful details throughout for families and longer stays.
- Fora Reserve perks include a €30 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and complimentary spa access.
Oltrarno Splendid
This boutique B&B brings serious character to the quieter, cooler side of the Arno. Set in an 18th-century palazzo in Florence’s artsy Oltrarno district, it’s the brainchild of the team behind SoprArno and AdAstra—so you can expect interiors that mix flea-market treasures, peeling frescoes, clawfoot tubs, and just the right amount of faded grandeur. Each room feels like a stay in the home of a well-travelled artist, with eclectic design and vintage touches that make every corner feel unique.
The vibe is local, laid-back, and a little bohemian, perfect for those who want to soak in the real Florence. There’s a cozy salon for breakfast, where a tempting spread of croissants, pastries, and local charcuterie sets you up for the day. An honesty bar keeps things relaxed, offering Tuscan wine and free cake every afternoon.
- Fora Perks include a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, welcome amenities, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Corte Calzaiuoli Elegant Suites
Set in a historic palazzo once owned by the De’ Macci family, this intimate 11-room stay is tucked between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria—prime Florence, but quietly positioned in a pedestrian-only zone that keeps the bustle at bay. Interiors strike a confident balance between classic and contemporary, with Frette linens on Simmons mattresses, walk-in rain showers, and, in some rooms, freestanding rolltop tubs.
While it doesn’t have a full restaurant, the daily breakfast spread is generous and frequently praised—many guests call it the highlight of their stay. The staff are another standout: warm, thoughtful, and always ready with local recommendations.
- Fora Perks include a €20 food and beverage credit, a welcome amenity, guaranteed late check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Grand Hotel Minerva
Grand Hotel Minerva brings together seven centuries of Florentine history with a sharp modernist edge, thanks to a 1950s revamp by architect Carlo Scarpa. Inside the 97 rooms and suites, you’ll find everything from coffered ceilings and original frescoes to sleek lines, bold colour, and views of the Duomo or the church façade just outside.
The rooftop pool and bar is a standout—open April through October for killer negronis and panoramic sunsets. There’s also a ground-floor restaurant for modern Tuscan fare, and a thoughtful collection of 20th-century Italian art, with works by Guttuso, Greco, and Chiari. Rates fluctuate with the seasons, but in quieter months, rooms can come in at around $500.
- Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Continentale
If you’re looking to splurge a little and seeking a more contemporary feel, Hotel Continentale is a top pick. Part of the luxe Lungarno Collection, a group of stunning properties designed by Salvatore Ferragamo, it’s just steps from Ponte Vecchio in the heart of Florence. The design is sleek and minimalist—picture white rooms with faux fur rugs, four-poster beds draped in gauzy curtains, and all the modern touches like Nespresso machines and Bose speakers. Some suites even come with weights for a quick in-room workout.
There’s no on-site restaurant, but the rooftop bar is the place to be for cocktails and stunning city views. In summer, breakfast is served on the terrace with eggs cooked to order and freshly squeezed juice to get your day started right.
- Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Email: Italia.dutton@fora.travel
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