Best Historical Hotels in Tuscany

Belmond Villa San Michele is one of the priciest five-star hotels in Florence located in a serene woody hillside near the village of Fiesole. The hotel is established on a building that was once a Franciscan Monastery. Its currently weathered portico and imposing terrace are said to have been sculpted by the infamous Michelangelo. The peaceful gardens, as well as the massive pool bordered by a lush lawn, are perfect spots to unwind. Being a historical building, the rooms sport vaulted ceilings, bottle glass windows, and some rustic bedsteads. The main restaurant is designed with a veranda that offers a magnificent view of the city. The menu consists mainly of Tuscan dishes prepared by competent chefs.

This majestic Westin Excelsior hotel is established in a 14th-century palace and is one of the time-honoured five-star hotels in Florence. It doesn’t cease to amaze with its opulent interior, outstanding service, and a host of luxury amenities. The property still dons the original rustic furnishings including terracotta floors, coffered ceilings, and massive stained glass windows. However, there have been refurbishments to add a touch of modernity without compromising its contemporary character. Located in the northern bank of Arno, Westin Excelsior hotel is adjacent to a series of high-end fashion boutiques along Via Tornabuoni Street. You can also access the infamous Domenico Ghirlandaio’s workshop displaying his masterpiece fresco, ‘The Last Supper’. Guests occupying the three top floor suites get to enjoy a hot tub, massive terraces, and a magnificent view of the city. The has 171 rooms, each supplied with the hotel’s signature ’Heavenly Bed’, whose comfort is hard to beat. The rooftop Sesto bar & restaurant is a game changer. Besides its great food, it also offers a 360-degree view of the city, which couldn’t be more magical, especially at sunset.

This historic property is located in the eastern part of Centro Storico. It was initially one of Florence’s oldest townhouses built by the Pope’s treasurer in the 19th century. The hotel is currently a five-star hotel with 24 chic rooms decorated with original frescos and antique furnishings. Palazzo Firenze delivers a perfect blend of both contemporary styling and modern luxury and comfort. The rooms are spacious and graceful offering amenities such as room service, spa, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Guelfi e Ghibellini, a three-star Michelin restaurant located within its vicinity, offers delicious menus. Its strategic location offers quick access to the Santa Croce church and the Duomo.

Named after the piazza in which it’s found, Palazzo Dipinto was once a 13th-century palace. Now it is an elegant design hotel. Bedrooms feature Italian made wooden parquet flooring, stylish furnishings in muted tones and spacious bathrooms. There isn’t a restaurant in-house, but there is a bar (in which breakfast is served), an inner courtyard and room service. And, bringing all of the senses into the experience, the hotel has its own scent, chosen in partnership with Acqua dell Elba, so guests staying at the boutique property, are welcomed with a delightful aroma, as well as a smile.

Offering superb views over Saint Martino’s Cathedral and many of the city’s monuments, the Grand Universe Lucca is a fusion of old and new. Its wall foundations date back to Roman times and there are the remnants of an ancient glassblower’s fountain in the cellar. But in terms of interior design, there’s plenty of contemporary flair, with luxe features such as modern glass chandeliers. Legacy Bistro Wine Bar is the hotel’s restaurant, while the Symphony Lounge pays subtle homage to Lucca’s musical connections. There’s also a stunning rooftop bar, Sommita, with wonderful views over the old town and Piazza del Giglio. And you can book a horse and carriage ride with canapes and aperitifs.

Hotel Savoy part of the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotels collection is located on the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, this five-star hotel captures the essence of Florentine elegance. The interior design, led by Olga Polizzi and Laudomia Pucci, beautifully marries contemporary style with the city’s rich artistic heritage, featuring elegant Tuscan materials and custom-made furnishings.

The hotel’s 80 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, offering comfort and luxury with views of the historic cityscape. Each room combines classic Italian design with modern amenities, such as marble bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious linens. The suites, particularly the Duomo Presidential Suite, provide unparalleled luxury with expansive spaces, private terraces, and unique artwork.

Dining at Hotel Savoy is an exceptional experience. Irene, the hotel’s restaurant, is named after Sir Rocco Forte’s mother and reflects her dedication to authentic, seasonal cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini, celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany, with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in the stylish dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling square.

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel offers a luxurious Spa Suite where guests can indulge in a range of treatments using Irene Forte Skincare products, made from organic Sicilian ingredients. The fitness centre, equipped with the latest technology, ensures that guests can maintain their wellness routines while travelling.

Hotel Savoy’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Florence’s cultural landmarks. The hotel offers a range of bespoke experiences, from private tours of the Uffizi Gallery to exclusive wine tastings in the Tuscan countryside. The attentive concierge team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s stay is tailored to their desires, whether they are seeking cultural immersion or simply wish to relax in the lap of luxury.

Villa Cora is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Florence, set within a historic 19th-century villa that exudes the charm and sophistication of a bygone era. Perched on the hills overlooking the Boboli Gardens, it offers panoramic views of Florence and a serene retreat from the bustling city. The hotel features 44 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with lavish details and period furnishings.

The architecture of Villa Cora reflects a blend of Neo-Classical and Baroque influences, with intricate frescoes, opulent chandeliers, and exquisite marble accents throughout. The interior design harmoniously combines historical elements with modern comforts, providing a timeless elegance that appeals to discerning travellers. The hotel’s lush, Italian-style gardens are an extension of this luxury, offering a peaceful oasis with manicured lawns, towering trees, and colourful flower beds.

One of the highlights of Villa Cora is its expansive outdoor heated swimming pool, set amidst the gardens. This area provides a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the Tuscan sun, with poolside service offering refreshments and light meals. Adjacent to the pool, the hotel’s spa, located in the Moorish Pavilion, offers a variety of treatments and wellness experiences, including a sauna, hammam, and a small gym.

Dining at Villa Cora is an experience in itself. Le Bistrot, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves a menu inspired by traditional Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying views of the gardens and the Florentine skyline. The hotel also features the Bar Longhi, known for its elegant atmosphere, rich with antique mirrors, and a selection of fine wines and signature cocktails.

Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel is located in the historical centre of Florence and is within easy walking distance to the main cultural attractions, including the Duomo complex, the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Medici Chapel and the San Lorenzo market. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station and a 20-minute drive from Amerigo Vespucci Airport. This boutique hotel comprises 86 guest rooms, including eight suites with The presidential suite boasting a panoramic terrace with breath-taking views over the city´s skyline. Originally made up of two historical buildings belonging to two aristocratic Florentine families – the Gaddis and the Arrighettis, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi showcases its noble past with unique historical and artistic treasures, such as frescoed rooms, artist’s paintings and art objects, many dating back to the 16th century. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary experiences including Tuscan and Italian fine dining at Terrae, a cosy meal at The Secret Garden, cocktails, snacks and sunsets at Aria Rooftop bar and pre-dinner drinks or cheese and wine at the Milton Bar. The hotel also offers a range of experiences to the guests, from the romantic dining delight dinner by candlelight in a frescoed ballroom, to a cooking class with Chef Iside de Cesare, a Michelin-starred chef (who also leads the restaurant offering at the hotel) to discover the art of homemade pasta or an unforgettable Tuscan meal in the private winery of the hotel.

Set in the historic centre along a cobblestone lane, La Bandita is a 12-bedroom residence owned by ex Sony Music mogul John Voigtmann. A rambling 15th-century palazzo (home to nuns for over five centuries), the townhouse has exposed walls and original features, melded with industrial touches. Its Caffe restaurant and bar enables diners to interact with the chef as meals are prepared using the freshest Tuscan ingredients. And there’s a covered outdoor area for drinks, inside the hotel’s walled medieval garden. La Bandita also has a library lounge with a collection of vinyl, an honesty bar and a relaxation area with a Turkish bath.

Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxurious 83-room retreat set on a scenic hillside in Florence, offering breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed city and Tuscany’s rolling landscapes. Once a historic educational institution, the 16th-century property has been meticulously restored, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Guests can enjoy curated cultural experiences, including private fashion atelier tours, chef-led cooking classes, and exclusive opera performances. The hotel features four dining venues, including La Gamella and the historic Bar Bertelli, a serene Aelia Spa in partnership with Furtuna Skin, and stunning event spaces such as a restored chapel and grand theatre. With its exquisite design, immersive experiences, and unparalleled hospitality, this first Italian property from Auberge Resorts Collection redefines luxury in Florence.

The Hoxton, Florence has brought the brand’s distinctive blend of contemporary design and community spirit to the heart of Florence’s historic centre. Following the success of The Hoxton, Rome, this much-anticipated opening spans two contrasting buildings – a beautifully preserved 16th-century Renaissance palazzo and a striking modernist structure by renowned architect Andrea Branzi. The result is a seamless fusion of historic grandeur and bold contemporary style, with interiors by AIME Studios, featuring lime-washed walls, original frescoes, and vintage furnishings.

The hotel offers 161 stylish rooms, with palazzo rooms showcasing elegant marble tones and Renaissance motifs, while Branzi-designed rooms embrace vibrant colours and postmodern influences. For a more exclusive stay, The Hoxton, Florence introduces House, a luxurious three-bedroom apartment with a private entrance, fully equipped kitchen, and terrace, complete with a dedicated House Manager.

Guests can enjoy two exciting dining venues: Alassio, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving classic Italian comfort food with Ligurian influences, and Enoteca Violetta, a sophisticated wine bar offering an extensive selection of local and international wines. Ideally located for exploring Florence’s cultural landmarks, including the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, the hotel also embraces local collaborations, showcasing emerging Italian artists in the Hox Gallery and offering curated goods in its Best Of shop. Additional perks include complimentary Sergio Bianchi bicycles and exclusive access to local fitness studios, ensuring a stay that’s as immersive as it is stylish.

Welcome to the cinematic landscapes of Tuscany, where the outskirts of the famed medieval town of Montepulciano hold a hidden gem – the Poggio Alla Sala estate. This enchanting retreat offers a timeless escape well-suited for families and couples seeking a peaceful, rejuvenating getaway. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and farmhouses, this enchanting retreat captivates guests with its natural beauty, exotic cuisine, wonderful wines and mystical ambience.