The 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Florence

Situated on a modest side street in the historic city centre, Palazzo Galletti offers a taste of 19th-century opulence without the hefty price tag of a luxury hotel. Dating back to the 1830s, the hotel’s sober Neoclassical interiors have been updated with colourful soft furnishings while still allowing the building’s original charm to shine through. The 11 piano nobile rooms (the main floor of Renaissance buildings; typically with high ceilings and ornate interiors) are individually decorated with antique furnishings and raw silk curtains, with small balconies overlooking the courtyard. Buffet breakfast is served in the Renaissance scullery from 8am–10am, and minibars are stocked with wines from the owner’s family’s estate. From here, stroll to famous attractions including the Duomo and Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo.

Located on the picturesque Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Loggiato Dei Serviti occupies a former monastery dating back to the early 16th century. Inside, stone staircases, pietra serena columns and cross-vaulted ceilings preserve the old-world atmosphere, while various antiques and family photos create a comfortable lived-in feel. Its 35 bedrooms vary in size with original parquet flooring, oriental rugs and tastefully done-up four-poster beds. Breakfast is served downstairs with the usual spread of cheeses, meats and fresh pastries. The cosy bar area, with its arched ceilings, is the perfect place to relax or plan out your day.

Set inside a Florentine-style building dating back to 1507, Alessandra is a quaint family-owned hotel in the heart of the historic city centre. The 25 spacious guest rooms are classically styled, with muted tones on the walls and patterned bed covers complementing basic furnishings, while herringbone wood flooring and an assortment of comfortable retro furniture contribute to the relaxed, homely environment. The hotel has a fully stocked honesty bar – help yourself and pay upon checkout – and a rooftop patio. Just a few minutes’ walk to popular shopping streets and famous attractions including the Ponte Vecchio, this simple accommodation is a perfect home base from which to enjoy Florence without the hefty price tag.

Within walking distance of the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, CoDe Rooms is a modern hotel with a youthful spirit. Hip contemporary furnishings, clean hardwood flooring and colourful accents create an energetic atmosphere. Utilising a special app and keyless entry, the fully automated hosting makes check-in and check-out effortless. The interior decoration is cool and fun, with dark wooden floors, white walls and brightly coloured furnishings alongside plenty of personal touches such as quirky ornaments, plants and unusual artwork. There’s 24-hour access, and the friendly staff are easily contacted via smartphone and always on hand to help.

Nestled in the vibrant Oltrarno quarter, a quirky collection of bungalows centre around a sun-bathed courtyard at Drom Florence. The serene grounds house four one-bedroom units, each with a different interior theme. A-frame ceilings and terracotta flooring complement colourful artistic flourishes like red-and-white-striped accent walls. Breakfast (included) is served in the comfort of your room every morning by the attentive and friendly owner. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Piazza Santo Spirito, Drom Florence is in an ideal location to stroll to the picturesque Boboli Gardens or duck into one of the many trendy bars or nearby artisan studios, which include violin makers, ironworkers and sculptors.

Just across from the train station on the west side of Florence, Hotel Bella Firenze is ideally located a short walk from many popular attractions including the Uffizi Gallery and the world-famous Duomo. Twelve rooms are spread over three storeys of the 19th-century building, with tiled floors, colourful accent walls and stylish modern furniture. Varying in size and shape, the well-priced lodgings can accommodate from two to four people. Complimentary breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, pastries, and juice or coffee is served every morning in the modern dining room.

Antica Dimor Johlea is a peaceful townhouse in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the San Marco Museum, where Fra Angelico’s famous frescoes can be seen. Filled with antique knick-knacks and colourful rugs, the atmosphere is akin to a comfortable private residence. The charming hotel’s six guest rooms boast four-poster beds with fine silk curtains, tiled flooring and a vibrant colour scheme. Complimentary breakfast consisting of eggs, fruit and cheese is served daily, alongside endless coffee and cakes all day. For a relaxing evening, pour a glass of wine from the honesty bar and head to the rooftop terrace for 360-degree city views.

A ten-minute bus ride from Florence’s city centre, Casa Schlatter is housed inside an elegant villa built in the 1890s. The former family home of Swiss painter Carlo Adolfo Schlatter, this urban oasis retains much of its authentic appeal with polished wood flooring, retro wallpaper and portraits hung on the walls. The three pristine guest rooms each have a unique theme; the Carlo Adolfo room has a mosaic-tiled private bathroom while the deep green-and-pink-coloured Emma room boasts direct access to the backyard. After a long day of sightseeing, the private garden is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate.

Directly on Piazza Santo Spirito, in the heart of the Oltrarno neighbourhood, Palazzo Guadagni occupies a rustic Renaissance-era building in a lively location. With its magnificent entrance hall, vast arched doorways and ornate pietra serena (a grey sandstone often used in Renaissance Florence architecture) staircase, this home-away-from-home exudes old-world charm. Fifteen bright guest rooms are furnished with antiques and vary in size from quiet singles to large doubles with frescoed ceilings and private balconies. A generous buffet breakfast is served daily in the decadent salon and aperitivo is held on the wrap-around loggia, which offers romantic city views.

Also centrally located in the hip Oltrarno district, Hotel Annalena resides on the first floor of an elegant 14th-century palazzo. Inside, coffered ceilings and original cotto flooring mingle with faded rugs and antique furniture to create a sophisticated place to stay that also feels comfortable and lived-in. The hotel’s 20 charming guest rooms are old-fashioned and cosy, and some have balconies overlooking the gardens for an additional cost. A buffet breakfast of pastries, fruit and boiled eggs is served in the salon every morning, and a bar is open for service all day. Just a short walk to the lively nightlife of Piazza Santo Spirito, here you can stay close to the action while feeling worlds away from the bustle of the city.