The Best Cheap Hotels to Book 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, making it one of the best hotel deals in Florence. Dating back to the 1830s, the hotel’s neoclassical interiors have been updated with colourful soft furnishings while still allowing the building’s original charm to shine through. The 11 rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings and raw silk curtains, with small balconies overlooking the courtyard.

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 (sandstone) 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 tasteful four-poster beds. The welcoming 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 27 spacious guest rooms are classically styled, with herringbone wood flooring and an assortment of comfortable retro furniture contributing to the relaxed, homely environment. The hotel has a fully stocked honesty bar – help yourself and pay upon check-out – and a rooftop patio. Just a few minutes’ walk to famous attractions including Ponte Vecchio, this simple accommodation is a perfect base from which to enjoy Florence without the hefty price tag.

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 such as red-and-white-striped accent walls. 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 nearby artisan studios – which include violin makers, ironworkers and sculptors.

Just across from the train station, Hotel Bella Firenze is an ideally situated budget hotel in Florence, a short walk away from many popular attractions – including the world-famous Duomo. Twelve rooms are spread over 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 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 Dimora Johlea is a peaceful townhouse in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the San Marco Museum. Filled with antique knick-knacks and colourful rugs, the atmosphere is akin to a comfortable private residence. The delightful hotel’s six guest rooms boast four-poster beds with fine silk curtains, tiled flooring and a vibrant colour scheme. Complimentary breakfast 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 10-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 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 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.

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 antique furniture to create a sophisticated, comfortable place to stay. 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 is served in the salon every morning, and a bar is open for service all day – otherwise it’s just a short walk to the lively nightlife of Piazza Santo Spirito.