Introduction
Florence is brimming with Renaissance art and architecture, prized Italian leather and gold, and decadent dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu and massive Florentine steaks. It is the capital of Tuscany, a region celebrated for its vineyards, truffle-filled forests, and sprawling hilltop villas. Consequently, visitors to this magnificent city seek a luxurious experience, meaning they have high hotel expectations. While they may retire for the night energized by culture and Chianti, they remain attentive to the lavish details offered by their preferred five-star accommodations. Florence is certainly not a city known for minimalism.
How Voting Works
Every year, GoTravelDaily conducts a World’s Best Awards survey to gauge readers’ travel experiences worldwide. Readers share their opinions on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. This year, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the survey, which signifies a remarkable increase of about 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique properties.
Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges, depending on their location and amenities, and were rated based on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each feature, respondents could choose from the following ratings: excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Consequently, the final scores reflect the averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Among the top hotels in Florence, the St. Regis brand won the hearts of readers this year by securing the No. 1 position in both Florence and Venice, while also taking the No. 2 spot in Rome. Rocco Forte Hotels, another prominent winner in Rome, also earned a place in Florence’s top five—one reader remarked that the brand’s “lovely” Hotel Savoy (No. 3) was simply perfect.
Each hotel on this selected list establishes a deep connection to the destination. Entering the lobby at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (No. 4) feels akin to stepping into the Accademia Gallery, with its grounds reminiscent of a miniature Boboli Gardens. Readers praised Helvetia & Bristol Firenze for its recent updates, as a significant 2019 renovation engaged skilled Italian artisans to bring back its original glamour. Additionally, No. 5, the Brunelleschi Hotel, gained admiration for its intriguing history: it was constructed within a medieval church and the city’s oldest tower.
The Winner
The St. Regis Florence
Elegantly situated along the banks of the Arno River, the St. Regis Florence evokes the feel of an exclusive club for modern-day Medicis (albeit in a palazzo originally built for the Giuntini family). With opulent balconies, canopied beds, brocade-adorned windows, and crystal chandeliers, the hotel encapsulates classic Florentine grandeur (guests may want to pay extra for a river view—many agree it’s worth it). “Our home in Florence! Magical!” one reader exclaimed. The hotel boasts 19 exquisite suites, including one crafted by Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta, in addition to private suites within its indulgent Clarins spa. Make sure to visit the Winter Garden restaurant, where aperitivi and Tuscan cuisine are served in one of the hotel’s most breathtaking settings.
The Full List
Reader score: 95.58
Reader score: 94.75
3. Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Reader score: 94.67
Reader score: 94.29
Reader score: 88.00