Accommodation in a quality hotel in the birthplace of the Renaissance is no easy business, unless you are willing to spend a lot of money. You will certainly find a room, but the question is at what cost and how much distance from the city center… In Florence everything takes place in the city center, so it is best to be as close to it as possible. But “close” is also at a cost, which translates into an average of 170€ per night. But if you would rather spend your money on gelato, wines and museums, you should opt for an Airbnb house or hotels located outside of the center. They are a more affordable choice, with prices ranging between 60 to100€ per night. Finally, it is worth mentioning that in the city there are more than 1,500 Hotels – Hostels – B&B rooms and more than 300 Airbnb houses, while almost all of the hotels include breakfast in the price.

Travelen recommends three options that cover all tastes…and budgets!

The 4-star Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is probably the best choice for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Florence. It is located on the bank of the Arno River, next to the Basilica of the Holy Cross and it is housed in a newly renovated building.

Its location is very good, as it offers direct access to the city’s historic center, in just 10 minutes. The interior design is extremely neat and reflects the prestige and sophistication of the Plaza Hotel Lucchesi. The lobby is big and stylish, while nice smells are coming out of everywhere.

The hotel has a bar, a restaurant and free wifi in all areas, while the staff corresponds perfectly to the quality of the hotel. But what steals the show is its terrace, which has a –small- pool, an organized pool bar (Empireo) and an amazing view at the Basilica of the Holy Cross, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo’s dome.

The rooms also follow the pattern of sophistication, with earthly colors and wooden floors adding warmth to the space. Some of them have a view at the Arno, while others at the church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce). Wifi, blow-dryer, satellite TV, mini bar, autonomous air-condition, safe box and beauty products are some of the room’s amenities, which fill life with more quality. The bathroom is spacious and stands out, as does the entire room, for its level of cleanliness.

The hotel’s disadvantages are the extra –high- cost for a room with a view, the small pool and the mediocre sound-proofing.

? The price per night amounts to 300€, a price which may be high, yet it accords with the quality and benefits the hotel offers (always taking into account the city’s mean average). The price includes breakfast, with select delicacies from all over the world. Recommended (R)

Accommodation Score: 8.4
Cleanliness: 8
Staff Kindness-Service: 8.5
Breakfast: 8.5
Value for Money: 7.5
Room Quality: 8.5
Location: 8.5
Benefits: 9

Sara’s home is an affordable and qualitative choice. It is on the 6th and top floor (access via elevator), in a quiet neighborhood around 3km from the city center (25 minutes on foot).

The hostess –Sara- is very polite and answers immediately to every message, providing any kind of information you are looking for (for the apartment or the city). Another great advantage of the apartment is the very good quality – price ratio, as it is extremely well-kept and its cost – considering the average prices in the city- is considerably low. The apartment building is quite old, and in the neighborhood there are supermarkets, a pizzeria and cafés to have your breakfast. In the surrounding area you will also find lots of parking spaces, at the price of 1€ per hour (charge 08:00-20:00).

The penthouse-apartment has been recently renovated and it is fully furnished, covering the needs of a group as well as a family. It is quite spacious, clean, bright and quiet with a wonderful and practical layout, while it has a work space, a blow-dryer, wifi, bathroom products, air-condition, TV, heating system, a stove and fridge. The bathroom is tight on space but very clean and the shower is small (with hydromassage). But what steals the show is the large balcony, which is particularly well-groomed and perfect for romantic nights, with a view of Florence’s neighborhoods.

Its only disadvantages are the narrow shower cabin and the big distance from the city center, which makes the return to the apartment pretty hard during the day. (Transportation is not the best possible one.)

? For five nights we paid the sum of 380€, which is very feasible and reflects the value of the apartment in the best way (not at all overpriced). On a future visit it will certainly be among our first options. Recommended (R)

Notice: Sara’s apartment is extremely popular, so you should make reservations at least 3 months in advance.

Accommodation Score: 8.2
Καθαριότητα: 8
Cleanliness: 8
Staff Kindness-Service: 9.5
Breakfast: –
Value for Money: 9.5
Room Quality: 8.5
Location: 5
Benefits: 8.5

The Hotel della Signoria is at the best location for you to explore the city, while at the same time being one of the most affordable accommodation options in Florence. It is literally located in the heart of the city and offers quick access to clothing stores, trattorie, gelaterie and other places of interest. It is housed in an old but well-maintained building and it is just 1 minute away from Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi.

The interior décor of the 3-star Hotel della Signoria is simple, and its lobby is a bit small and narrow. At the top floor of the hotel –the veranda- you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the city along with some tasty breakfast. The staff has a few small problems when it comes to their attitude, but they are willing to help you with anything you need. Its greatest advantages are the optimal location and the excellent quality-price ratio (vfm).

The rooms are spacious enough and clean, with classic decoration and furniture that suit the hotel’s style. The beds are very comfortable, while among the rooms’ benefits you can find a safe box, satellite TV with subscription channels, a blow-dryer, beauty products, free tea and coffee, wifi, air-condition, mini bar, working space and more.

Also, many rooms come with a view of the square and Palazzo Vecchio. The only odd part of the room is the shower, which is in the bedroom, making it a problem for the travelers that are not couples.

Apart from the shower, included in the hotel’s downsides are the lukewarm attitude of the staff and the lack of parking.

? The price per night is 150€, which is very reasonable for the location, the benefits and mainly the mean average of the prices in the city. The price also includes a decent breakfast. Good Choice (G)

Accommodation Score: 7.9
Cleanliness: 7.5
Staff Kindness-Service: 7
Breakfast: 8
Value for Money: 8.5
Room Quality: 7
Location: 10
Benefits: 7.5

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Scores, opinions and reviews about accommodations are completely subjective, but fully capture everything we saw and experienced without any preconception, affinity or distaste. Also, prices may vary depending on time period and demand.