Florence is a treasure trove of elegance, opulence, and style. And the best luxury hotels in Florence come up trumps. From internationally renowned hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Hyatt, and Rocco Forte, to independent boutique gems including Portrait Firenze and Riva Lofts, the suites, bars and, of course, the restaurants, deliver on every tortellini and Aperol-based front.

Whether you want an inner-city enclave to lay your head after exploring all day, or a more sprawling palace complete with enchanting frescoes, sprawling spas, scene-y pools, and bountiful gardens, we’ve rounded up the best hotels that magical Firenze has to offer.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, San Marco

Lavish, luxurious, and utterly spectacular, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze provides a lush and tranquil hideaway just outside the manic city centre. The inviting pool (which is hard to come by in this jam-packed city) sits within a blooming garden, dotted with historic statues and fountains as well as pizza-eating posers and glamourous sun worshippers. Famed for its al fresco dining by day, it’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s afternoon before venturing into town come sundown. Choose the decadent historic suites for a true taste of authentic, old-school Italy, or the friends-and-family option for a more pared-back stay.

From £1,116 per night.

Portrait Firenze, Centro Storico

An elegant and understated all-suite property, the very grown-up Portrait Firenze hotel is the perfect boutique bolthole. Owned by fashion royalty, the Ferragamo family’s signature style is obvious throughout, from the neutral colour palette of one suite to the jewel-toned vibrancy of another. Set right in the heart of the action, the intimate, off-street address is somehow still private and serene. Float on the rooftops of Florence with a cool cocktail in your hand at La Terrazza rooftop bar or delight in the very best of contemporary Italian cuisine at the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo.

From £814 per night.

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze, Centro Storico

A truly timeless hotel and spa (not always a given when space is limited here), the name may not roll off the tongue, but you’ll certainly get a taste for la dolce vita at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze. Steeped in history, the grand hotel, with its sumptuous suites and beautiful interior flourishes, has been welcoming guests since 1885, when Florence was a fashionable stop on the Grand Tour. Don’t miss the new wing, designed by Anouska Hempel, and the largest luxury spa in central Florence, which includes two spectacular pools. Breakfast buffet pastries by Maestro Iginio Massari are all but legendary, while the restaurant and bar by Cibrèo is a stalwart on the Florentine food scene.

From £442 per night.

Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, Centro Storico

Set pride of place on the Piazza della Repubblica, just steps from the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and Via de Tornabuoni, Hotel Savoy gives guests a taste of glamour the moment they walk through the door. Dressed by Laudomia Pucci and Olga Polizzi, the décor is all signature prints and Renaissance antiques, while the spacious suites pair Florentine heritage with a contemporary twist. Don’t miss the newly launched Spa Suite on the fifth floor of the hotel, with treatments created in collaboration with Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Famed for its Irene restaurant, as well as its bar of the same name, it is a place to see and be seen with a Tuscan Negroni in hand.

From £885 per night.

The Place Firenze, Santa Maria Novella

A pocket-sized, boutique gem just steps from the Renaissance church of Santa Maria Novella in central Florence, The Place is a stylish hotel with only 20 luxurious rooms and suites, curated with flair and littered with artwork and books to resemble a collector’s beautiful home. The terrace overlooks the Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its magnificent church, providing genuine local and artisanal products, while The Alcove rooftop terrace overlooks the Duomo and the city’s iconic rooftops – the perfect place to sip a Chianti as the evening draws closer.

From £398 per night.

The St Regis Florence, Centro Storico

Sitting on the banks of the Arno River, with vistas across to the Ponte Vecchio and the postcard-perfect rolling hills of Tuscany, the opulent, old-school St Regis hotel has been a Florence icon since the 18th century. Choose the Bottega Veneta Suite, exclusively designed by famed creative director Tomas Maier, who has decorated the room with his unique design pieces, while the large furnished balcony allows seductive riverside views. Keep an eye out for the Liquid Art System, Franco Senesi's brand of art galleries, which made its Florence debut here with a selected collection of sculptures.

From £514 per night.

Grand Hotel Minerva, Santa Maria Novella

Panoramic views and frescoed suites set the interiors apart at the handsome Grand Hotel Minerva, as well as its rooftop pool (yes – you can swim at the very top of a 13th century palazzo), boutique gym and hot plunge bath. The hotel's La Buona Novella restaurant looks out onto the Santa Maria Novella square: designed by Carlo Scarpa, it has art on every wall, and entices diners with ancient Florentine flavours. Bistrot Bar holds all manner of ancient tales within its centuries’ old walls, going back to the 13^th century monks.

From £250 per night.

Riva Lofts, Bellosguardo

A favourite with the fashion crowd and a true hidden treasure, the designer Riva Lofts have been created by architect Claudio Nardi, each with their own character and position. Fusing early 20th century and modern antique furnishings, the feel is very much tradition meets modernity in a light, bright and natural mix. Each loft has its own independent entrance, with the park, river, garden, and pool just outside. Experience pasta making classes, truffle hunting, Tuscan wine tours, and private yoga lessons through the dedicated concierge team.

From £120 per night.

La Gemma Hotel, Centro Storico

Located in the heart of Florence, this plush, contemporary, and striking hotel overlooks the
famous cathedral with an unparalleled panorama of the entire historical city. Decked out in moss green velvets, pale pinks, and beautiful wall coverings, gourmet restaurant Luca's takes dreamy Tuscan fine dining to new heights in a gorgeous Art Deco setting. Unwind at La Gemma's Allure spa with a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, or choose the beautiful lobby lounge, library, or one of two interior courtyards to kick back and relax after a day enjoying the sites.

From £361 per night.

Il Tornabuoni, Centro Storico

Located within one of the oldest and most prestigious palaces of Florence dating back to the 13th century, the 62 stunning rooms at Il Tornabuoni recall the artistic magnificence of the Renaissance. The restored building retains much of its unique heritage while embracing a mix of old-meets-new interior design. Il Magnifico Ristorante celebrates an eclectic international menu where Italian ingredients are fused with the modern and exotic, while The Butterfly bar is a suspended haven ideal for indulging in live acoustic music with a drink and nibble in hand.

From £390 per night.

Read more: The holiday hot list: Where to travel in March