Like many of the top destinations in Europe, Florence has its issues with overtourism. Sightseers flock to the city year-round, and the old centre can feel like it’s under attack—an invading army of travellers wielding phone cameras like weapons.
To enjoy some Tuscan tranquility while still reveling in everything that makes Florence such a draw, look to the quieter corners of the city: where some of our best hotels offer an escape from the masses of street-side tour groups and other wayfarers. Several of the hotels below take advantage of the more bucolic spots within or just without the city limits. Others are right in the city, in walking distance of the Duomo, in quiet neighborhoods or hotels that feel like an oasis.
In both cases, the hotels below reward travelers for looking outside the typical spots by the city centre. At any of the hotels below, an unspoiled take on Florence.
Four Seasons Hotel Florence
Style: High renaissanceDistance from Duomo: 15-minute walk
Great for: Feeling like royalty
The favourite escape of many of Florence’s most illustrious visitors, the Four Seasons occupies a pair of Renaissance palazzos adorned with assiduously restored frescoes and ornate detailing throughout. Still, its aristocratic grandeur is positioned north of the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio and next to the botanic gardens, in Santissima Annunziata, the rare neighborhood that still feels quiet and authentic in Florence—while retaining incredible proximity to the city's beating heart.
The neighborhood is one level of peace. Stepping inside the gated property amidst its private gardens is another. Inside, decor harks back to an earlier era of the city: peak Medici splendour mixed with modern amenities, like the antique fountain transformed into outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Within the garden of one of the 15th-century palazzos that makes up the hotel is the One MICHELIN Star Palagio restaurant. In the other palazzo, this one dating to the 16th-century, is a brand new seafood restaurant overseen by the same chef.
Restaurants Nearby: Il Palagio, Nugolo, Trattoria Cibrèo - Il Cibrèino
Torre di Bellosguardo
Style: HistoricDistance from Duomo: 20-minute drive
Great for: Romance
Perched above the rest of Florence in an ancient hillside neighborhood known for its historic villas, Torre di Bellosguardo is among the city's best-kept secrets, a romantic getaway with tremendous views of the Duomo and the rest of the city centre. Originally a 13th-century tower and hunting lodge, it later became the summer residence of the Medicis.
Today, the 16-room hotel retains an unspoiled historical ambiance, with antique furnishings under carved, wooden ceilings. The patina of modern luxury thoroughly eschewed, Torre di Bellosguardo is a trip back in time, immersed in green gardens, complete with a number of farm animals, as well as a welcome swimming pool. A 15-minute walk downhill to the lively Santo Spirito neighbourhood, the steep climb back home is best handled by taxi.
Villa La Massa
Style: Tuscan chicDistance from Duomo: 30-minute drive
Great for: Chic poolside lounging
Along the Arno river, just barely outside urban Florence, this lush, 16th-century summer villa feels a world away in every sense. The clientele skews high-society and the occasional star (David Bowie and Iman stayed here for their honeymoon), and although a shuttle brings guests to the Ponto Vecchio a quick ride away, many choose to spend their entire stay on the grounds, with its pool, spa, and extensive gardens.
In the rooms, four-poster iron beds and brightly-coloured brocades provide rooms with an exuberant interpretation of local traditional interiors, the Grand Duchy past of Tuscany feeling very much alive.
Restaurants Nearby: L'Insolita Trattoria Tre Soldi
Book Villa La Massa with The MICHELIN Guide →
Ad Astra
Style: Romantic bohemianDistance from Duomo: 20-minute walk
Great for: Garden daydreams
Tucked away on a side street of the hip San Frediano neighbourhood, Ad Astra is central to all the top spots of Florence, but quiet, thanks to its location overlooking the magnificent grounds of the sprawling Torrigiani gardens—known as the largest privately-owned urban gardens in Europe (the gardens are private, but guests get a view from hotel's large wrap-around terrace). That's to those who know it. The 16-room hotel is as much of a hushed, secret getaway as Torrigiani (where two of its best suites are nestled in huts among the grass).
Once an 18th century villa, Ad Astra is now filled with floral wallpapers, clawfoot bathtubs, crystal chandeliers, and midcentury furnishings—a charmingly unconventional mix of antiques conceived by owner Betty Soldi, the discerning eye behind this and several other beloved Florence stays (including Stella d’Italia, SoprArno Suites, and the Oltrarno Splendid).
Restaurants Nearby: Cucina, Cuculia, Gunè San Frediano, Cestello Firenze, Il Santo Bevitore
Riva Lofts
Style: Modern industrialDistance from Duomo: 20-minute drive
Great for: Urban aesthetes
Enjoying the peaceful vibe from the location on the banks of the Arno river, in the residential neighbourhood of Isolotto, Riva Lofts is walkable to the centre, or there's the quick ride from the nearby tram stop. But if you can, borrow a bike from the hotel and ride along the lovely waterfront path into town. The views along are easily among the very best ways to take in and appreciate Florence’s medieval cityscape beauty.
The hotel itself occupies a former factory from the early 20th century, where floor-to-ceiling picture windows hint at the contemporary transformation inside. Expect cross-vault ceilings, exposed brickwork, and old fireplaces, a historic backdrop that makes minimalist interiors, filled with modern and midcentury furniture, pop. The striking, heated pool in the garden—flanked by greenery—along with an honesty bar for aperitivo and a few hammocks strung between the trees, are unique luxuries in Florence. So too asis the contemporary onsite restaurant, Riva K, serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Restaurants Nearby: Io Osteria Personale, Il Gusto di Xinge
Top Image: Torre di Bellosguardo
