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We have already investigated the best luxury bed and breakfasts in Florence & Rome, and now we review the best luxury guesthouses in Florence.
Italy is wonderful. Florence is probably the most magnificent city in Italy. Florence in Tuscany oozes romance, stunning historic architecture, charming culture, and the most divine food and wine. This beautiful and historic city is packed with Renaissance art and architecture. The enchanting 13th-century Duomo Cathedral is one of my must-see sights here. Then, wander the narrow-cobbled lanes and feast your eyes upon elegant palaces, marble basilicas, and epic art museums.
1. Casa Howard Guest House
Casa Howard Guest House in Florence is the most exclusive Guest House in Florence. It is situated near Santa Maria Novella and the historical Renaissance center. Located in Via della Scala, near the famous Officina dè Profumi, the baptistery, the Duomo with its beautiful dome, Tornabuoni Street, and just ten minutes away from the fascinating Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, guests are truly immersed in the heart of Florence and at the core of its daily life.
Casa Howard offers a harmonious blend between a boutique hotel and a B&B, perfect for unique people looking for an exclusive escape. It features original antique flooring as well as precious striking and elegant décor that characterizes each luxury room.
The house features 12 highly individual bedrooms, several of which have private terraces. There is a real variety in the décor, but every room is very glamorous and creative. It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite – every angle seems to hold a perfect Instagram shot!
Some rooms can be taken as apartments, some are ideal for families, and there’s even a bedroom in a library! Communal areas include a Turkish Hammam Bath, a lounge, and a Music/TV room.
The decor throughout is achingly stylish and chic, with lots of quirky finishing touches. A delicious breakfast in bed is offered, and restaurant recommendations are given and very useful as you are spoilt for choice with the central city locations.
It’s the extra touches that really elevate the Casa Howard; you are met and dropped off at the airport by a “Greeter” carrying a flower, fresh flowers are placed in the rooms, and you are given a key and complimentary olive oil made on their Tuscan estate. With all this, you can’t fail to feel welcome! Concierge services go that extra mile and can organize tours, museum visits, horseback or quad-bike rides through the countryside, massages, wine-tasting sessions, and even cookery classes.
The mood in the Casa Howard Guest House is very much that you’re staying with a friend who wants to look after your every need. All the luxury, comfort, and amenities of a 5-star hotel but without the formality. This is a true luxury property.
Conde Nast Traveller, Sunday Times Travel, and many others have featured Casa Howard Guest House, Florence. It’s that special. With flight times from London coming in under the 2 and a half hour mark, Casa Howard is almost on your doorstep, yet a million miles away. Your completely unique home from home in Italy.
2. Antica Dimora Firenze
Antica Dimora Firenze is set in a stately building in Florence center, this historical residence offers a charming and elegant atmosphere, typical of a Florentine home. Rooms have been carefully furnished with antiques and offer all major comforts.
This exclusive and intimate boutique B&B in Florence preserves the original character and atmosphere of Florence as it used to be in the past, combined with all the modern comforts. The romantic common room is perfect for relaxing, welcoming you with a cup of tea and a slice of cake when you come back from your daily activities.
3. Johanna Guesthouse
Residenza Johanna I is located in a beautiful nineteenth-century building in the center of Florence, minutes away from all of the main attractions of the city. All rooms are, in fact, set in an ancient Florentine palace, displaying coffered ceiling, tile floor or parquet, and furniture crafted by Tuscan artisans. This guesthouse is located in a central, peaceful zone of the city, only 15 minutes away by foot from Santa Maria Novella Station.
4. Casa dei Tintori
Casa dei Tintori is located in a medieval building that dates from around the 13th century. Each of the 5 rooms embraces original architecture with original brickwork and uneven walls. Located in a tranquil street in the heart of Florence, the terracotta bricks and dark wood beams seem to transport you back in time to how Florence used to be. Being located close to Piazza Santa Croce, you are an easy walk from the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and all of the principal museums and monuments in Florence.
5. Antica Dimora Johlea
Antica Dimora Johlea guesthouse in the center of Florence, is located on the top floor (with elevator) of a beautiful ancient building and enjoys a stunning view of all Florence from its rooftop terrace, where you can have breakfast, enjoy an aperitif, read a book, or just relax.
It’s a few steps away from its historic city center. The area is outside the limited traffic zone of the center, so you can easily drive to Villa Antea and park in the private parking. Otherwise, public transport is only 50 meters away.
6. Villa Antea
Villa Antea is a classy guesthouse in an elegant historic building. With plenty of marble, antiques, and precious tapestries, the guesthouse feels almost regal. The rooms offer original features and surround a beautiful courtyard containing large linden trees and poplars. Enjoy a romantic glass of wine out under the trees or walk to the historical center of Florence.
7. Il Palagetto Guest House
With 5 rooms, the elegant Florentine Il Palagetto Guest House dates from the 1800s. It is located in a quiet residential area in the Oltrarno, from where it is easy to reach Ponte Vecchio and the heart of Florence. Easy to reach by car, the B&B is well connected to the center of Florence by public transport, or you can simply walk.
8. Marignolle Relais & Charme
In the hills surrounding Florence and only 3 km from the city center, Marignolle Relais & Charme offers elegant rooms, a panoramic pool, attentive staff and easy access to restaurants, shops & museums. It also offers free parking if you want to explore Tuscany.
The Deluxe Double comes with a king-size bed or two twin beds, the Deluxe Double with a private patio is scented by the cypress trees from the garden, the Deluxe Triple is perfect for a small family. There’s also a Junior Suite and a Superior Junior Suite for bigger groups. Each and every room is supplied with a well-stocked minibar, including a selection of wines, prosecco, and more in the panoramic gazebo area.
Marignolle Relais and Charme is located 6 km from the train station and 10km from the airport and is ideal if you want to enjoy driving about in the Tuscan countryside. To reach the city center, you can use public transport.
9. B&B La Nuvola Sospesa
Stay at B&B La Nuvola Sospesa, and you can embrace the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle while discovering Florence. This guesthouse sits in the suburbs of Florence. It is ideal for a couple or a small family who can share the one, two, or all three bedrooms available. The bedrooms are decorated in natural tones to capture the natural lifestyle of its bio/vegan owners.
Located between the historical center of Florence & the Cascine Park, in one of the largest green oasis in the city, you can find trails, outdoor yoga & concerts, and a unique view of the Arno River for biking & jogging while visiting museums, monuments & art. This guesthouse is also convenient for shops, markets & restaurants.
Vegan owner Chiara has created a hidden world filled with organic, vegan, and vegetarian options, from the soaps in the bathroom to the breakfast buffet and even full meals for lunch or dinner.
10. Four Seasons Florence, Italy
OK, Four Seasons Florence in Italy is not a guesthouse (you caught me!). But Four Seasons Florence is a great place to stay, and we couldn’t resist. We had to include one of our favorite hotel brands to finish this list, shoehorned into position 10, not because it isn’t great, it is, but because it isn’t really a guesthouse!
This is also the perfect venue for your wedding or a romantic break, and this hotel has at least two amenities that are very rare in Florence: an 11-acre private park perfect for your wedding photos and an on-site spa. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze takes luxury living to new heights in this Renaissance capital.
Original frescoes and reliefs grace the walls, while outside, a centuries-old private park invites quiet exploration. The Uffizi and Duomo are just a short stroll away.
Your room will either be in the 16th-century Conventino, formerly a convent, or the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca, once a palace. No two of the 116 bright guestrooms are alike. As for the spa, it boasts an outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and myriad treatments.
If your budget allows, splurge on the Duomo Suite for a truly romantic wedding or honeymoon night. You may never want to leave the room!
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