Looking for the best Florence hotels for families? If you’re visiting this magnificent Italian destination with kids, here’s the ultimate guide to where to stay!
This list of the Florence hotels for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Can I tell you about the ceiling in our Florence hotel room?
There was an actual fresco painted on it. Like, a real Renaissance-era fresco that my 3rd grader kept staring at before bed.
And the room was huge by European standards, the air conditioning actually worked in August (this matters SO MUCH), and we could walk to Ponte Vecchio in literally one minute.
I’m talking about Hotel La Scaletta, and I’m still thinking about it months later.
But let me back up. We’ve been to Florence five times now. Three of those trips were with our boys, and I’ve learned some things the hard way about finding family hotels in Florence.
Like how those charming boutique hotels with the narrow winding staircases? Not charming at all when you’re dragging luggage up four flights with two tired kids who just want to go to bed.
Or how being right in the center sounds awesome until you realize you’re listening to drunk tourists yelling under your window at 2am.
Or how “air conditioning available” doesn’t always mean “air conditioning that actually works in July.”
So I’m going to tell you about the hotels that have actually worked for us, the ones I’d book again, and yeah, the downsides too because no hotel is perfect.
Here’s What Actually Matters When You’re Picking a Florence Hotel with Kids
Location matters more than you think it will. Florence is super walkable, which is fabulous, but you want to be close enough that you’re not hiking 20 minutes before you even start sightseeing.
At the same time, being RIGHT in the historic center means dealing with constant crowds and noise.
The sweet spot? Oltrarno neighborhood on the south side of the Arno River. You’re still close to everything but it’s quieter and feels more like actual Florence instead of tourist Florence.
Air conditioning isn’t negotiable if you’re going May through September. Florence gets hot and humid and those old buildings trap heat.
I don’t care how charming a hotel is, if there’s no working A/C in summer, you’re going to be miserable.
And elevators. Oh my gosh, elevators. After walking around Florence all day, climbing four flights of stairs to your room with whiny kids feels impossible.
A lot of historic buildings don’t have elevators or they’re tiny and old. Just… ask about this when you book.
Space is worth paying extra for. European hotel rooms are smaller than what we’re used to in the US, but in Florence especially, you want room to actually move around.
Four people crammed into a tiny room where you’re bumping into each other constantly? That’s a recipe for everyone getting cranky.
Okay, let’s talk about actual hotels.
The Hotel We Actually Stayed At (And Would Book Again Tomorrow): Hotel La Scaletta Al Ponte Vecchio
Check rates at Hotel La Scaletta
So that fresco I mentioned? That was at Hotel La Scaletta. We stayed there last summer and honestly, I keep comparing every other hotel to it now.
The location is pretty much perfect. You walk out the door and you’re at Ponte Vecchio in under a minute.
But because you’re on the south side of the river in Oltrarno, it’s way quieter than if you stayed in the tourist chaos on the north side.
The Uffizi is about a 5-minute walk, the Duomo is maybe 10 minutes, and you’re surrounded by little artisan workshops and restaurants where actual Florentines eat. It just feels more authentic.
Our room was shockingly big for a family of four. Like, we had space to walk around without tripping over each other’s suitcases, the boys each had their own bed instead of being crammed together, and there was still room for us to move.
And that ceiling fresco? The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. Every night before bed my younger one would just lie there staring at it.
The air conditioning worked perfectly, which I’m mentioning because it was August and Florence was HOT.
Some hotels claim to have A/C but it’s either broken or barely functional. This one actually kept the room comfortable even in peak summer heat.
The rooftop terrace restaurant is pretty special. We had dinner up there one night and watched the sunset over Florence. You can see basically the entire city from up there.
The food was good (not cheap, but good), and the view made it worth it. Fair warning though: the restaurant is only open May through October. But honestly, those are the months most people visit anyway.
Now let me tell you the downsides because there are some. There’s an elevator but it’s small and kind of temperamental.
We mostly used the stairs, which was fine for us, but if you have mobility issues or you’re bringing a stroller, definitely mention that when you book. There are quite a few stairs to deal with.
Breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, and if you add it, it’s pretty expensive. We ended up grabbing pastries and coffee from a cafe around the corner most mornings, which was cheaper and honestly more fun because we got to explore the neighborhood.
Parking isn’t on-site either. They work with a nearby garage that will pick up your car and deliver it back when you need it, but it’s an extra cost.
We didn’t have a car on this trip so it didn’t matter to us, but if you’re driving through Tuscany, just know you’ll need to budget for parking.
The other thing to know is that not all rooms are created equal here. Some rooms are way smaller than others.
We specifically booked a family room, which is why we had so much space. If you just book a standard double, you might end up in a much tinier room. So be specific when you make your reservation about needing a family room or suite.
Kids under 3 stay free and they’ll provide a crib, but kids under 5 stay free only if they share your bed. They can only fit one crib per room, and the smallest rooms don’t accommodate cribs at all.
Check-in is 3pm and check-out is 11am, which is pretty standard.
Would we stay here again? Absolutely. The location, the space, that amazing rooftop, and yeah, that ceiling fresco. It hit all the right notes for us. Check rates and availability.
If You Want Your Own Kitchen (And Free Parking): La Farina Apartments
Check rates at La Farina Apartments
Okay, so if you’re doing a longer stay in Florence or you just really want your own kitchen, La Farina Apartments is worth looking at.
These are actual apartments with full kitchens, which means you can make breakfast yourself, store snacks, heat up leftovers from dinner, all that good stuff that saves money and sanity when you’re traveling with kids.
The big selling point here? Free parking in their private garage. If you’re driving through Tuscany and doing Florence as part of a bigger Italy trip, this alone might make it worth staying here.
Parking in Florence is expensive and complicated, and a lot of hotels charge €40-60 a day for it. Having free parking included is pretty huge.
They’re in the Campo di Marte neighborhood, which is about a 15-20 minute walk to the historic center.
It’s not right in the middle of things, but there’s a train station (Campo di Marte) nearby if you’re taking day trips, and honestly, sometimes being a bit outside the tourist center is nice.
The neighborhood feels more residential and real. There are actual grocery stores and local restaurants where Florentines eat.
The apartments themselves are modern and clean. You get a full kitchen with a stove, fridge, dishwasher, all the appliances you’d have at home. There’s a washing machine too, which is awesome if you’re traveling for a while and need to do laundry.
The apartments can sleep 4-6 people depending on which one you book, and they have separate bedrooms so the kids aren’t right on top of you at night.
But here’s what you need to know about the downsides. The walk to the center is doable, but after a full day of sightseeing, it can feel long, especially with tired kids.
There are hills. You can take a bus, but that adds time and complication. If you’re planning to be in the historic center every single day, this walk might get old.
The reception desk isn’t staffed 24/7. They’re there from 9am to 7pm. If you’re arriving late or you need something outside those hours, you have to coordinate ahead of time.
Check-in hours are specifically 3-6:30pm, which is a pretty narrow window, so plan accordingly.
Also, I’ve read some reviews mentioning the air conditioning can be hit or miss. Some apartments have great A/C, some not so much.
Management says they’ve been addressing this, but if you’re going in summer, definitely ask about it specifically when you book. Actually, maybe even request a recently renovated apartment because those tend to have better A/C systems.
Check-out is at 10am, which is earlier than most hotels. Just something to be aware of so you’re not rushing around in the morning.
This is a good option if you’re planning to stay in Florence for more than a few days, if you’re on a tighter budget and want to save money by cooking some meals, or if having free parking matters to you because you’re doing a Tuscany road trip.
For a shorter trip where you want to be right in the action and don’t mind paying for the convenience, Hotel La Scaletta is probably a better fit. Check the latest rates and availability.
If You Want to Splurge on Something Really Special: Palazzo Vecchietti
Check rates at Palazzo Vecchietti
Okay, this one is fancy. Like, seriously luxurious. But if you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourselves, Palazzo Vecchietti is absolutely gorgeous.
This is a 16th-century palazzo right in the heart of Florence. You’re literally 200 meters from Via de’ Tornabuoni, which is basically Florence’s version of Fifth Avenue.
But it’s set up like a residence hotel, so it feels more like you’re staying in a beautifully appointed apartment than a traditional hotel. There are only 12-16 rooms total, which means it’s intimate and quiet in a way that big hotels just aren’t.
Each room has a kitchenette tucked away in this beautiful custom cabinetry. The design is stunning – contemporary and clean but with all the historic details preserved.
You get the old-world palazzo charm but with everything functioning perfectly and looking modern.
What really sets this place apart is the service. The staff is incredibly attentive, they know everyone’s names, and they genuinely care about making your stay perfect.
This is Small Luxury Hotels of the World level service. They provide surprise gifts for kids. There are baby bathrobes. I mean, come on.
Breakfast is included and they’ll serve it in your room if you want. That right there is worth a lot when you have kids who wake up at weird times or aren’t quite ready to be presentable in a hotel dining room.
The location is unbeatable. You’re in the absolute center of everything. Walk out the door and you’re immediately surrounded by shops, restaurants, museums. Everything is within a few minutes’ walk.
Now for the reality check. This place is expensive. Really expensive. Parking is €60 a day at a nearby garage, and it’s not even on-site.
Kids under 6 stay free, which is great, but kids 6 and up are €100 per night extra. That can add up fast if you have older kids.
The rooms, while beautiful, aren’t as large as you might expect for the price. You’re paying for location and service more than square footage.
And because there are only 12-16 rooms, it books up really fast, especially in peak season. You need to book this one well in advance.
Family rooms can fit 4 people, and some suites accommodate 4-5. They have cribs available but it’s subject to availability, so definitely request one when you book. Babysitting is available but it’s an extra charge.
This is for when you want the Florence experience to feel really special. Maybe it’s a milestone birthday or anniversary, maybe you’re celebrating something big, or maybe you just want to splurge and make this trip memorable.
The location alone makes it worth considering if you have the budget for it. Check the latest rates and availability.
For That Iconic Ponte Vecchio View: Hotel Lungarno
If you want to wake up to views of Ponte Vecchio from your hotel room, this is your place.
Hotel Lungarno literally sits right on the Arno River, and if you book a river-facing room (which you absolutely should if you’re staying here), you get balconies overlooking the water and the bridge.
The hotel is owned by the Ferragamo family. Yes, THE Ferragamo family. And you can feel that design pedigree everywhere you look.
The whole place has this nautical theme with blues and whites, which sounds weird for Florence but somehow works perfectly for a hotel on the river.
There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant (Borgo San Jacopo), a rooftop bar, and over 450 pieces of art throughout the building. We’re talking Picassos. My kids actually found the art collection interesting, which never happens in hotels.
For families, they have proper family rooms with separate sleeping areas so you’re not all on top of each other.
They also have two-bedroom suites if you need more space, and there’s even a Lungarno Apartments building in the same courtyard with full kitchens if you want that option.
The location is fantastic. You’re steps from Ponte Vecchio, a short walk to the Uffizi, and you’re in the Oltrarno neighborhood which is quieter and more authentic than the tourist-packed north side of the river.
They offer free bike rentals, which is actually kind of awesome for exploring Florence. And they have spa services they can do in your room, babysitting if you want a night out, and a concierge who can arrange family-friendly activities.
But here’s the thing. This is expensive. This is luxury-level pricing. And breakfast isn’t included, which at €40 per person adds up really fast for a family. The babysitting is also an extra charge.
The other thing to know is that city view rooms are significantly cheaper than river view rooms. But honestly, if you’re going to stay at Hotel Lungarno and not get a river view, what’s the point? That view is what you’re paying for.
The whole vibe can feel a bit formal for families with really young kids. It’s not unwelcoming at all, but it’s definitely an upscale atmosphere.
If your kids are at the age where they can appreciate nice things and behave in fancy environments, great. If they’re at the throw-food-and-scream age, you might feel stressed here.
If you want that iconic Ponte Vecchio view from your hotel room and the budget allows for it, this place delivers.
Just plan to grab breakfast at one of the great cafes nearby instead of paying €40 per person at the hotel. Check the latest rates and availability.
If You’re Watching Your Budget: Hotel Alessandra
Check rates at Hotel Alessandra
Let’s be real. Florence hotels are expensive. If you want a good central location without spending your entire vacation budget on lodging, Hotel Alessandra is a solid choice.
It’s in a great spot – about a 5-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio and maybe 10 minutes to the Uffizi.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and they have quad rooms with a double bed plus two singles, which works perfectly for a family of four.
This is a no-frills, straightforward hotel. You’re not getting fancy amenities or over-the-top service, but you’re getting a clean, comfortable place to sleep in an excellent location.
And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. You’ll be spending most of your time out exploring Florence anyway.
The building is historic but the rooms have been updated with modern stuff that actually matters: air conditioning that works, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi.
Everything functions like it should. The rooms are smaller than the fancy hotels, but they’re not tiny. It’s just European-sized instead of American-sized.
There’s no on-site restaurant or bar, which means you’ll be eating out for all your meals. Breakfast is available but it’s pretty basic. Nothing special but it gets the job done.
Here’s what you need to know about potential issues. Some rooms don’t have elevator access. If you’re on an upper floor and there’s no elevator to that part of the building, you’ll be taking stairs. Definitely ask about this when you book if it matters to you.
This is not going to be Instagram-worthy or charming in that Florence palazzo way. It’s just functional and clean and well-located.
But if your priority is spending your money on experiences (museums, tours, amazing meals) instead of expensive hotels, this is perfect.
Quad rooms are available, cribs are available on request, but there are no special kids’ amenities or babysitting services. It’s basic, which at this price point is totally fair. Check the latest rates and availability.
For Something Totally Unique (Especially Big Families): Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni
This one is unique because it’s actually inside a 13th-century tower. I mean, how cool is that? Your kids will genuinely feel like they’re staying in a castle.
What makes this especially great for families is that they have apartments that sleep up to 7 people.
If you’re traveling with grandparents or you have more than two kids, finding accommodations that fit everyone is tough in Florence. This solves that problem.
The location is fantastic – right in the center, walking distance to everything. Each apartment has been beautifully restored with antique furniture mixed with modern amenities.
There’s a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Florence, a small library, and get this: they’ll set up a mini tipi tent in the room for kids. My boys would have gone absolutely crazy for that.
They’ve thought about the family details too. Electrical outlets are baby-proofed. They have board games and kids’ books available. Cots and cribs are available. It’s clear they’re used to hosting families.
But here’s the thing about staying in a historic tower. There are lots of stairs. Like, a LOT of stairs. It’s a tower. If you have mobility issues or you’re lugging a stroller up and down, this could get old really fast.
Also, being in a historic building means you get historic building quirks. Sometimes those quirks are charming, sometimes they’re just inconvenient.
The apartments can feel cramped if you book one of the smaller units. If you’re going to stay here, I’d say splurge for one of the larger apartments so you actually have space to spread out.
It’s also pricier than standard hotels for the location. You’re paying for that unique tower experience and for apartments that can fit big groups.
This is perfect for multi-generational trips or larger families who want something really special and memorable.
Your kids will be talking about the time they stayed in a medieval tower for years. Check the latest rates and availability.
So Where Should You Actually Stay?
After five trips to Florence with my kids, here’s my honest take based on your situation.
First Florence trip? Go with Hotel La Scaletta. The location is perfect, it’s comfortable without being over-the-top, and you can walk to everything.
You’ll get the authentic Florence experience without feeling overwhelmed by being in the middle of the tourist madness.
Staying four days or longer, or maybe doing a Tuscany road trip with Florence as your base? La Farina Apartments makes the most sense.
That kitchen will save you so much money on meals, and the free parking is huge if you have a car. The walk to the center becomes totally worth it when you’re not rushing around.
Celebrating something special like an anniversary or milestone birthday? Palazzo Vecchietti all the way. Yes, it’s expensive. But the service and location are unbeatable, and sometimes you just want to feel pampered and make the trip extra memorable.
Want those iconic Florence views from your hotel room? Hotel Lungarno. Waking up to Ponte Vecchio from your balcony is pretty unforgettable. Just skip the expensive hotel breakfast and grab pastries from a local cafe.
Trying to stick to a budget but still want a great location? Hotel Alessandra. It’s clean, it’s comfortable, it’s well-located, and you can spend your money on experiences instead of fancy hotels. That’s a totally valid choice.
Traveling with grandparents or you’ve got more than two kids? Antica Torre. Those apartments that sleep 7 are really hard to find in Florence, and the whole staying-in-a-medieval-tower thing is memorable. The kids will love it.
A Few Things That Will Make Your Florence Hotel Stay Easier
Book early. Like, really early. Florence hotels fill up fast, especially May through September. If you can book 3-4 months in advance, do it. The good family rooms go first.
When you book, don’t just assume you’ll get a family room. Actually request the specific room configuration you need. Then follow up with the hotel directly to confirm.
I’ve had too many friends show up thinking they had a family room only to find out they got a regular double.
Even if the hotel website says they have air conditioning, double-check that it actually works. Some historic buildings have limited A/C or only run it during certain months. If you’re going in summer, this is worth a direct email to the hotel.
Pack light if you possibly can. You’re going to be walking on cobblestones, climbing stairs, navigating narrow medieval streets. The less luggage you’re hauling, the happier you’ll be. I know it’s hard with kids but try.
If your schedule allows it, stay at least three nights in Florence. It takes a full day just to get your bearings and figure out where everything is. Two nights feels too rushed. Three or four nights lets you actually settle in and enjoy it.
And build in downtime. This is important. Florence is intense – it’s crowded, it’s hot in summer, and there’s so much to see that you feel like you should be going nonstop. Don’t.
Plan for rest time back at your hotel. Let the kids decompress. This is why picking a comfortable place actually matters. You’ll be spending more time there than you think.
Quick Take on Florence Neighborhoods
Oltrarno is where we stayed, and it’s my favorite. It’s on the south side of the Arno River, so it’s quieter and has more of a local feel, but you’re still totally walkable to everything.
This is where you’ll find artisan workshops, better restaurants, fewer tourists, and it just feels more like actual Florence. I’d pick this neighborhood every single time.
The historic center is maximum convenience but also maximum crowds. You’ll pay more to be right in the thick of things, and you’ll be dealing with noise and tourist chaos.
If that doesn’t bother you and you want to be able to walk out your door and immediately be at the Duomo, this works. It didn’t work for us.
Campo di Marte is more residential and about 15-20 minutes from the center. It’s cheaper, quieter, and near the train station if you’re planning day trips.
This makes sense if you’re doing the apartment thing and want to save money, but it’s less convenient for quick trips back to your hotel during the day.
Santa Maria Novella is near the main train station. Super convenient if you’re doing lots of day trips or arriving by train, but the neighborhood itself isn’t particularly charming. You’re basically staying near a busy train station.
For me, Oltrarno wins hands down. Best balance of local atmosphere and tourist convenience.
Don’t Forget About These Planning Resources
If you’re planning a Florence trip, grab my free Italy with Kids Travel Guide which includes a detailed 10-day Italy itinerary with Florence as a major stop.
I also have free 5-day email courses that walk you through exactly how to plan your trip – there’s one specifically for planning a trip to Italy like a pro that covers Florence in detail.
And if you want family photos in Florence, which I honestly think is worth it, book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link. Getting professional photos in front of the Duomo or on Ponte Vecchio is something you’ll treasure forever. We did this and I’m so glad we did.
The Bottom Line on Florence Hotels for Families
Florence is one of those places that can feel overwhelming when you’re planning, but magical when you’re actually there. Picking the right hotel makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy the city.
My advice? Prioritize location and space over fancy amenities. You want to be walkable to attractions but not in the middle of the chaos.
You want enough room that you’re not tripping over each other. And you definitely want working air conditioning if you’re going in summer.
We’ve stayed everywhere from budget hotels to luxury apartments in Florence, and honestly, Hotel La Scaletta hit the sweet spot for us.
But every family is different. Figure out what matters most to you – budget? location? space? those Instagram-worthy views? – and pick accordingly.
Florence is incredible with kids. They’ll be bored in some museums and amazed by others.
They’ll complain about walking and then suddenly be fascinated watching gelato being made. It’s messy and unpredictable and absolutely worth it.
Book your hotel, pack light, lower your expectations for perfect behavior, and go enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world with your family.
Ready to book your Florence hotel? Start with these:
- Palazzo Vecchietti (splurge option)
- Hotel La Scaletta (our favorite)
- La Farina Apartments (best for longer stays)
