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Where to Stay in Florence, Italy

Where to Stay in Florence, Italy

Florence, city of art and vibrancy and signature red rooftops, is likely to make it onto most Italy travel itineraries, so you’ll need all the best information on where to stay in Florence.

It was the seat of the Italian Renaissance and boasts incredible art, both inside its many notable museums and homes and also greeting you as you stroll through Florence’s many piazzas, or open squares. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone backstreets or strolling along the River Arno, there seems to be no end to the treasures you’ll encounter walking around town.

     READ MORE: Top Things to Do in Florence

Since you’ll be out exploring on foot a lot throughout the day, it’s more important than it is in most destinations to have a good place not too far away to rest your head at night.

Whether your priority is proximity to the train station for when you arrive, being easy strolling distance to some great restaurants, or being somewhere with a more neighborhood feel, this list has something for you.

Thanks to three years of living in Milan (and lots of visitors in that time that wanted me to show them Florence), I have a fair bit of experience with the city. Plus, let’s be real, I could never turn down the opportunity to go because one of the most amazing things about Florence is THE FOOD. I mean look at how thick that steak is!

Meal Bistecca Fiorentina Where to Stay in Florence ItalyDSC_0125 (2)Meal Bo Whole Spread including Ribollita Where to Stay in Florence ItalyDSC_0127Meal Cantucci in vin santo Where to Stay in Florence Italy image (5)

I’ve probably visited the city at least a dozen times – and almost never stayed in the same place twice! My accommodation each visit depended on who I was traveling with, their budget, and how many of us were in the group. Plus, which places were available on any given set of dates.

There are lots of lists out there with accommodation suggestions, but this list is a bit different because . . . I have personally stayed everywhere on this list!

I am lucky in that I have positive things to say about most of the places, although I did have one hotel I probably wouldn’t stay again that I’ve included at the end of the post.

Happy trip planning!


Overall Information and Tips about Staying in Florence

In the next section I’ve organized my accommodation recommendations by category, and they cover quite a range. Each property is a little different, and which one will be the best fit for you depends on what you’re looking for.

I’ve included some rough rates as a general guideline, but the exact price you’ll be able to get also depends. It can vary with the time of year of your visit, the days of the week, and which type of rooms happen to be available.

So be sure to click each link to check on prices during the dates of your stay! Even if one of my recommendations appears to be out of your price range, you might be pleasantly surprised when you do. Hotels and guesthouses often run specials with cheaper rates periodically, and will typically be more affordable in low season or during the week.

TIP! If you are visiting in summertime (June to September) I recommend that you stay somewhere with air conditioning, as it can get quite hot. Many places in Italy don’t have A/C, so definitely check!

TIP! Be sure to look closely at all listings before you book, as they may not mirror the typical availability of amenities that you are used to back home. Like whether a room is non-smoking or has free WiFi or there is breakfast included – or any requirement, really.

     CHECK OUT: Travel Checklist for Booking Accommodations


Also think about your priorities for accommodation:

Are you arriving by train and want to stay somewhere close to the train station? I did this on 3 of my stays.

TIP! Be sure you check which train station you’ll arrive at, as Florence has more than one!

Do you have specific restaurants where you’ll be dining that you want to be easy walking distance back to hotel? You know I’ve done this one!

     READ MORE: Where to Eat: Best Bites (& Sips) in Florence, Italy

Do you want to stay somewhere close to the historical center, by the Duomo (Cathedral)?

Or do you want to stay somewhere away from the peak crowds? Or close to the river?

River Views Where to Stay in Florence Italy DSC_0077

Do you want to stay somewhere with access to a kitchen to cook some of your meals or have breakfast on your own?

How many people are in your group? Is it more economical to get 2 hotel rooms (or a suite) or stay in an AirBNB?

     READ MORE: 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions (Answered!) about Florence, Italy

Not to worry, all of the listings below include some key landmarks around Florence and the walking distance to each, and options that fit all the questions I’ve included above. Decide which destinations are a priority for *YOU* to be close to where you’re staying and also realistically how much walking you’re willing to do in a single day – it adds up quickly!

And without further ado . . .

Where to Stay in Florence

On a Budget or With a Group

AirBNB

Location: All over town!

Price: as little as $100/€80 per night or less for 2 people

Why I Liked It:

I’ve stayed at 2 different AirBNB‘s in Florence. One was a 2-bedroom apartment close to the train station for 4 guests and the other was further afield in a neighborhood east of the historical center for 2 guests. Both hosts were very hospitable and the properties were great value, especially when it was a larger apartment with the cost split four ways. It’s especially helpful because nearly all AirBNB properties will have a kitchen available so you can feel more at home and try your hand at cooking local ingredients or stick to a tight budget by not eating out.

     READ MORE: 10 Ways to Experience Italy Like a Local

If you’ve never tried it before, click THIS LINK to get a $40 credit after your first AirBNB stay!

AirBNB ReferralWidget

Basic Accommodations

Hotel Nuova Italia

Location: 5-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, 2-minute walk to the Mercato Centrale (central market), 7-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)

Price: $100/€85 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:

Although the décor is a bit dated, the rooms are comfortable and this hotel is all about location, location, location. It’s only a short walk from most places, and probably quite close to everywhere you want to go. Great value for money.

Explore prices and availability HERE.

Le Stanze del Duomo

Location: 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, 2-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)

Price: $150/€120 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:

The name says it all – these rooms are incredibly close to the Duomo (Cathedral) in Florence, although surprisingly quiet despite the proximity. The rooms are bright and comfortable, and there was a great breakfast included at a nearby cafe on Piazza Duomo.

Explore prices and availability HERE.

More Upscale Hotels

Hotel Principe

Location: Close to the river and many great restaurants, 15-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)

Price: $200/€160 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:

Lots of hotels around Florence have arrangements with garages, but honestly, I’ve never had much luck since they are often hard to find. Between one-way streets, poor signage, weak GPS signals in between buildings, and street closures for markets and events, parking a car in Florence is often a time-consuming (and sometimes expensive) adventure when you can’t find your intended garage. So having their own (FREE!) parking lot out back was a huge draw for my first visit to Hotel Principe and one of the main reasons this is the only hotel on the list that I’ve stayed at more than once.

     READ MORE: Top Tips for Taking a Road Trip in Europe

Even beyond the parking, the hotel is upscale but not too pricey, and includes a wonderful breakfast. Plus the location is great – right by the river and a short stroll to some of my favorite restaurants in Florence.

Explore prices and availability HERE.

Hotel Santa Maria Novella

Location: 2-minute walk to the Santa Maria Novella train station and many great restaurants, 5-minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral)

Price: $300/€250 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:

This is a very nice hotel. It’s also an easy stroll from the main train station in Florence, even if you have a lot of luggage. The hotel is set on a beautiful, grassy piazza near a lovely church and is close to some of my favorite Florence dinner spots. It’s also quite close to the main attractions in Florence, so it is easy to pop back during the day to rest for a bit or take a nap if you’d like.

Explore prices and availability HERE.

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Wouldn’t Stay Here Again

Hotel Cestelli

While the location was great, the couple that ran this hotel was a bit awkward interacting with guests. They were weird about leaving keys behind and what time of day our group would be coming and going. And although the location was central and close to the water, it was hard to find places open early for breakfast nearby, which was not included with the room. With so many great accommodation options in Florence, I wouldn’t stay here again unless in a pinch.

     READ MORE: Top Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy

Well there you have it, that’s my rundown from my many nights staying over in the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence. There are a wealth of options no matter your budget or location preference, so pick the spot that is right for you and you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your time in Florence.

Happy travels!
Lana


Do you have any questions about any of the accommodations? Have you stayed anywhere on this list? I’d love to hear about your experiences staying in Florence, let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!

Enjoyed this post? Planning a trip to Florence sometime soon (or want to)? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!

Where to Stay in Florence Italy

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

 

How does one person become an expert on where to stay in Venice, Italy?

In this case, live in Milan for several years, under 3 hours by train from Venice, and visit often like I did!

Venice was so close to Milan that I visited often, sometimes even as part of a last-minute weekend plan. So when people ask me about where to stay in Venice, Italy, I have quite a few ideas from all of the great places I’ve stayed.

Amazingly, I never repeated a hotel or B&B stay in my many trips. Partly because it’s fun to explore new neighborhoods and get to know the city, and also because there was one trip with my parents when they visited, one as a solo traveler, another with friends, and so on.

Which is good news for you, because I have *personally stayed* at almost all of the places listed below. And can attest to what great jumping off points they are for exploring this magical city.

I don’t know that there is one singular best place to stay in Venice – either a specific hotel or neighborhood – but there are certainly are many best places to stay in Venice, Italy.

And let’s be real, this is life, not every experience was completely magical. So I’ve also included plenty of TRAVEL SAVVY TIPS and resources to help you avoid common pitfalls that come along with staying in Venice – so you can focus on enjoying this incredible city!

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Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

As you’ll see in your research, there is no one right or easy answer as to where to stay in Venice.

It may depend on:

  • Whether you are traveling solo or as a couple or in a group
  • Whether you are traveling with family or friends
  • If this is your first trip to Venice or a return visit
  • How many nights you’ll be staying

Are you overwhelmed yet?

I am all smiles strolling around Venice, Italy and the side canals
I am all smiles strolling around Venice, Italy and the side canals

Not to worry, while the options are many, I think there are really some very basic things to keep in mind.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Most visitors when deciding where to stay in Venice will either want to be close to the train station OR close to the main tourist sights around St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco. → Decide which you’d prefer.

And it’s also important to keep in mind that Venice is not like other cities you’ve ever visited. For one, there are NO CARS.

So it helps to have some idea of what sights you’ll see on your visit, and how much walking you’d like to do to pick the best location to stay in Venice.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Regardless of where in Venice you stay, I always recommend staying close to a stop for the vaporetto, which is Venice’s metro system – by boat! It is a great way to get around the city and even to some of the islands you can’t reach by strolling across a bridge, like Murano and Burano.

Best Places to Stay in Venice, Italy

Now this is the part you’ve been waiting for – specific recommendations of places you can stay that are convenient, affordable (or maybe even a splurge!) and considered to be in a best location to stay in Venice

Best Places to Stay in Venice Close to St. Mark’s Square

If this is your first trip to Venice, let’s face it, you probably want to stay close to St. Mark’s Square, known in Italian as Piazza San Marco. That is where many iconic sights are located, and you’ll get to view them at all hours of the day as you explore.

While you’ll need to get yourself from the train or bus to your hotel (most likely by boat, of course!) once you have dropped off your luggage, Venice will be at your doorstep.

Arriving at the airport in Venice?

Check out options for airport transfers HERE

There is also a bus from the Marco Polo airport to Piazzale Roma (right by the train station and main vaporetto metro boat stops) that runs every 20-30 minutes and costs €8 one-way or €15 for a round-trip ticket.

Find the current bus timetable for the “Venice Marco Polo Airport – Venice Piazzale Roma (express service)” HERE

FOR AFFORDABLE LUXURY

Locanda Al Leon

St. Mark's Square Piazza San Marco in Venice Italy
Just a few steps from here to get back to Locanda al Leon

Location:
3-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
3-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats) with a lot of available routes

Price:
$150/€130 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
I got lucky and was able to stay here last minute on a July visit and can attest that even though it is a gorgeous, historic building with a traditional Venetian feel, the A/C is modern and will combat the hottest day you might face in Venice. The staff is very hospitable and it really is a beautiful property. Plus, the hotel is in a great location, so it’s really great value for money.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! They also have some cheaper single rooms if you are a solo traveler.

Read Reviews | Book Now

QUAINT B&B

Residenza Corte Antica

View of Ponte all'Accademia Where to Stay in Venice Italy
View of Ponte all’Accademia, the bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice

Location:
10-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
4-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)
2- minute walk to the Bridge of the Accademia/Ponte dell’Accademia (one of the few bridges that crosses the Grand Canal!)

Price:
$160/€140 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
With a 5.0 score on Trip Advisor with 500+ reviews, who doesn’t love this Bed & Breakfast? Although I have not been able to stay here yet, this is my top choice for my next visit to Venice. While an easy walk to St. Mark’s Square and the main tourist sites, it is also close to a bridge across the Grand Canal that gets less attention than Rialto Bridge, but is just as beautiful. Plus, some of my favorite Venice attractions are right across the bridge. The B&B is recently renovated and reviewers talk about the beautiful property, delicious breakfast, great service, and excellent recommendations around Venice from staff. This is in a quieter part of San Marco quarter, which is a plus for me as well.

Read Reviews | Book Now

Best Places to Stay in Venice Close to the Train Station

Train Station Santa Lucia in Venice Italy
Train Station Santa Lucia in Venice Italy

The main train station in Venice, Stazione Santa Lucia, has the advantage of also being close to most of the various metro (vaporetto) lines, so it is an easy jumping off point, regardless of where you’d like to explore around Venice.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Be aware that a “hotel close to the Train Station” may also be over a bridge with a lot of stairs, so consider the exact location of your accommodation when deciding which luggage to use for your trip.

READ MORE: 10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

This is my favorite part of Venice to stay, because it is accessible to boats and exploring by foot, but is far away enough from the main tourist hub to have a more relaxed feel. You also have better food options nearby if you’re tired after a day of sightseeing and want to stay close by.

GRAND CANAL VIEW & ROOFTOP BAR

Hotel Carlton

Hotel Carlton Grand Canal view from the room
Hotel Carlton Grand Canal view from my room!

Location:
5-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station (over a tall bridge)
5-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$200-300/€190-270 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
This is one of the absolutely closest hotels you can find by the train station, which is your likely arrival point. It’s just a short walk from the station and over a bridge, with plenty of locals lined up to help you with your luggage (for a charge, of course). As for the hotel, it’s the only room I’ve stayed at in Venice with a view of the Grand Canal, so if you splurge for a canal view room you are in for a treat. When my parents visited we stayed here, and they were able to get a good deal through a travel agent back home. Plus, their rooftop bar, the Sky Lounge, is a luxurious spot to spend the evening sipping away as you look out over the water.

Read Reviews | Book Now

TOP-RATED HOTEL ON TRIP ADVISOR

Hotel Moresco

Bridge to cross in Venice Italy

Location:
8-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station (over a bridge)
8-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$250-300/€230-280 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
Although I haven’t stayed here, this would be the ultimate splurge hotel in Venice, still with the convenience of the location close to the train station. Those who have been lucky enough to stay here rave about the service and note that staff members exceed expectations so everyone had excellent stays. Although close for getting around, it is also in a quieter neighborhood than the Hotel Carlton above.

Read Reviews | Book Now

CHEAPEST OPTION (& FOR SOLO TRAVELERS/GROUPS)

Ca’ Riza

An alleyway all to myself on the way to Ca' Riza in Venice Italy
An alleyway all to myself on the way to Ca’ Riza

Location:
10-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station
20-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
10-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$110-160/€100-150 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
The word ca’ is a shortened version of casa, or house, and there is definitely a homey feel for this place. This was my favorite spot to stay as a solo traveler, and is more affordable than other spots due to having a shared bathroom for the single rooms. The property also has double, triple, and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms. The location is in easy walking distance to stop of my favorite cicchetti and restaurant spots, and also has been renovated since my last stay.

Read Reviews | Book Now

READ MORE: How to Eat Like a Local in Venice – Best Spots to Sample Cicchetti

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Where to Stay With a Group or Family

While there’s always the chance of scoring a great hotel or B&B deal, I find that for more than 2 people, an AirBNB is typically the cheapest and most convenient accommodation option – not just in Venice, but in all of Italy!

If you’ve never tried it before, click THIS LINK to get a $40 credit after your first AirBNB stay!

AirBNB ReferralWidget

Before booking your AirBNB, definitely read reviews and make sure that other guests have had their stay go smoothly, as not all Venice AirBNB experiences are good ones.  (For my one bad AirBNB experience in Venice, I ended up staying the rest of the weekend at the lovely Locanda al Leon – the first spot on this list – which completely redeemed the trip!)

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Pay extra attention to the availability of the host in case of a problem. Also check reviews to see if people met their host quickly or waited a long time, which happens more frequently with AirBNBs in Venice vs. other places.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you visit in summer, be sure that there was adequate A/C noted by other guests (and that the property has it in the first place!).

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you are arriving very early or late in the day, make sure there will be someone available at your arrival time.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Be sure to have the ability to call local phone numbers and/or be on a data signal to use apps to get in touch with the person you are meeting, if needed.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Of course, you may be surprised to learn that AirBNB can sometimes be more expensive than a hotel, so I always recommend checking your options so you can make an informed choice:

Explore AirBNB options in Venice HERE

Check Hotel and B&B prices in Venice HERE

Tips on Where to Stay in Venice and Booking Strategies

For most visitors, the challenge is not where to stay in Venice, but how to get to your accommodation once you arrive in the city!

Since cars are not allowed in Venice, visitors basically arrive by bus or train (the stations for both are close to one another), and then make their way to a hotel or guesthouse on foot or by boat.

While some hotels offer shuttle service to arrive, I’ve always found my way on my own.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Whatever your plan, take into account how you will arrive and how far somewhere is from the train station when making your hotel booking.

When deciding on where to stay in Venice, you can quickly check details using the public transportation option on Google Mapsin Venice, it shows you boat routes!

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Sometimes B&Bs are more expensive than hotels – and sometimes the reverse is true – so be sure to check for Venice accommodations with your dates inserted to compare prices and availability.

TripAdvisor

However you decide to book, be sure to consult the Travel Savvy Gal Checklist for Booking Accommodation to make sure there’s nothing you forget to check when you decide where to stay in Venice.

Once you’ve booked, wherever you’re staying will likely provide information on the best way to arrive, whether it is by foot or boat.

Actv metro boat/vaporetto in Venice, Italy
Actv metro boat (vaporetto) in Venice, Italy

BOAT OPTIONS

If you are figuring this out on your own, there are 2 main boat options:

Boat Taxi – this is different from the metro boat (vaporetto) and different from a gondola. Just like you can hail a car taxi on a city street, you can grab a boat taxi leaving the docks next to the train station.

Boat Metro (vaporetto) – Like in any other city, the public transportation option will be the cheapest. You can purchase vaporetto tickets from a machine in person when you arrive, or arrange it ahead of time as part of a Venice City Pass. There is also an app for your mobile phone: the AVM Venezia Official App.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! No matter how you purchase your vaporetto ticket, be sure to validate the ticket by scanning it with the machine on the dock outside of the train station. They will come and check sometimes and you could be fined if you forget!

READ MORE: Top Tips to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy

Want to know more about Venice and making the most of the city? Check out my other Venice posts!

READ MORE: 10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

READ MORE: How to Eat Like a Local in Venice – Best Spots to Sample Cicchetti

READ MORE: 11 Things That Look Just a Bit Different in Venice

READ MORE: Venice Cheat Sheet

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Going to other places in Italy on your visit?

READ MORE: Top Aperitivo Spots in Milan

READ MORE: Where to Stay in Florence

READ MORE: Best Bites: Where to Eat in Rome

READ MORE: Naples Cheat Sheet

And for some more tips on traveling across Italy:

READ MORE: Top 10 Ways to Experience Italy Like a Local

READ MORE: Where to Find the Best Gelato in Italy

Plus, invest in a hard copy (or electronic!) guide for extra trip planning details and inspiration:

Lonely Planet Italy Guidebook

Italy Travel Guide

Venice City Guide, including Day Trips

Pocket Venice Guide

Italian Phrasebook & Dictionary

Happy travels!

Lana

Are there any questions about staying in Venice that I haven’t answered yet? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below.

Planning a trip to Venice sometime soon (or want to)? Or not ready to book yet? ‘Pin’ this post to save for later!

Where to Stay in Venice Italy Best Places for TravelSavvyGal websiteWhere to Stay in Venice Italy St. Mark's Square Piazza San Marco

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