9 Best Affordable Hotels in Florence: Top Boutique Stays in Oltrarno & Santo Spirito

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9 Best Affordable Hotels in Florence: A Comparison

Hotel	Neighborhood	Best For	Price Range
The Hoxton	Near San Lorenzo	Social Butterflies & Modernists	$$
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni	Santo Spirito	Romantic History Lovers	$$
25Hours Hotel	Santa Maria Novella	Design Buffs & Families	$$
Hotel Number Nine	Duomo / Central	Wellness & Spa Seekers	$$$
Stella d’Italia	Via de’ Tornabuoni	Vintage Aesthetic Enthusiasts	$$
Casa G Firenze	Central	Artisanal Craftsmanship	$$
4F Boutique Hotel	Lungarno / Oltrarno	Quiet Residential Retreat	$$
Ottantotto Firenze	Oltrarno	Clandestine Design Lovers	$$
Numeroventi	Santa Croce	Artists & Minimalists	$$$

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The New Wave of Florentine Hospitality

Florence is currently experiencing a quiet but profound renaissance in hospitality. For decades, the city’s accommodation landscape was bifurcated: one could either retreat into the gilded, high-priced splendor of a riverside palace or settle for the sterile, dated rooms of budget pensions. Today, the middle ground has become the most exciting place to be. A new generation of hoteliers is breathing life into dusty palazzos, proving that "affordable" can also mean deeply atmospheric, culturally rich, and aesthetically curated.

If you are looking for the best affordable hotels in Florence, the answer lies in a shift of perspective—moving away from the shadow of the Duomo and toward the artisan-scented streets of the Oltrarno. Here, you can find stays like The Hoxton, which masterfully blends Renaissance bones with mid-century flair, or Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, where the echoes of the 16th century remain undisturbed. For those who crave a more provocative stay, 25Hours Hotel offers a maximalist journey through Dante’s Divine Comedy. This new wave ensures that staying in Florence is no longer just about where you sleep, but about the story the walls tell while you’re there.

Why Stay in Oltrarno & Santo Spirito?

To truly understand Florence, one must cross the Ponte Vecchio. While the "Centro Storico" holds the weight of the city’s major monuments, the Oltrarno (literally "the other side of the Arno") holds its soul. This is the district of the artigiani—the wood-carvers, goldsmiths, and bookbinders whose families have occupied the same narrow workshops for generations.

The atmosphere here is decidedly more residential. Morning begins with the clatter of shutters opening onto Piazza Santo Spirito and the scent of strong espresso wafting from local caffès. Statistics show that staying in this neighborhood provides a living experience that is approximately a 10-to-15-minute walk from the high-end shopping district of Via de’ Tornabuoni, yet the price point for boutique accommodation is significantly more accessible.

Furthermore, the architectural integrity is staggering: over 75% of the featured boutique hotels in this guide are located within restored historic structures. These are not mere hotels; they are 16th-to-19th-century residences where original frescoes and vaulted porticos have been preserved, allowing guests to inhabit history rather than just observe it.

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1. The Hoxton: Where Renaissance Meets Modernism

The Hoxton has a knack for finding the "cool" in any city, and their Florentine debut is no exception. Located just a short stroll from the bustle of the Duomo, the hotel is a sprawling complex that encompasses two distinct buildings: a late-Renaissance palazzo and a modernist 1950s structure designed by the celebrated architect Andrea Branzi.

The design language here is a conversation between eras. You might find a 16th-century frescoed ceiling overlooking a curved, velvet sofa that feels distinctly mid-century. It is a hub for the city’s creative class, with a lobby that feels like a communal living room and a courtyard that serves some of the best cocktails in the neighborhood.

Room Highlights:

• The Categories: Rooms range from "Snug" (perfect for solo travelers or short stays) to "Biggy" and "Studio" (featuring kitchenettes for longer residencies).
• The Aesthetic: Thoughtful details like Roberts radios, local curated snack corners, and bathrooms with bold, geometric tiling.
• The Vibe: Functional, hip, and deeply connected to the local scene.

Check Rates at The Hoxton →

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2. Hotel Palazzo Guadagni: The Edwardian Dream

If you’ve ever fantasized about living in an E.M. Forster novel, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is your destination. Perched on the corner of Piazza Santo Spirito, this 16th-century palazzo is widely considered the best Florence accommodation for travelers seeking local atmosphere.

The highlight is undoubtedly the roof-top loggia—the first of its kind in Florence. Here, you can sit under the vaulted stone arches with a glass of Chianti as the sun sets over the terracotta roofs and the Pitti Palace. The interior is a masterclass in understated elegance: antique furniture, silk wallpapers, and grand fireplaces that have seen centuries of Florentine winters.

Room Highlights:

• The Views: Request a room overlooking the Piazza to watch the daily market and evening revelry from above.
• The Decor: Hand-painted ceilings and period-appropriate antiques that feel authentic, not staged.
• The Breakfast: Served in a dining room that feels like a private family chapel.

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3. 25Hours Hotel: Divine Comedy in the City Center

For those who find traditional Florentine hotels a bit too precious, 25Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino offers a refreshing, maximalist antidote. Located near the Santa Maria Novella station, the hotel is themed entirely around Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.

The design is split into "Paradiso" (celestial blues and ethereal whites) and "Inferno" (moody reds and playful devilish motifs). It is perhaps the most unique budget-friendly stay in Florence, boasting a central glass-domed courtyard, a cinema, and even a grocery store. It’s a hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet the execution of the design is flawless.

Room Highlights:

• The Themes: Guests can choose to sleep in "Heaven" or "Hell" based on their mood.
• The Amenities: Complimentary Schindelhauer bikes for exploring the city.
• The Garden: A lush private garden featuring outdoor showers for a refreshing summer rinse.

Experience 25Hours Florence →

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4. Hotel Number Nine: Five-Star Luxury on a Budget

Can you find luxury amenities in an affordable hotel? Hotel Number Nine answers with a resounding yes. Situated in the heart of the city near the Medici Chapels, this hotel offers facilities usually reserved for five-star establishments at a far more accessible price point.

It operates more like a private members' club than a standard hotel. Guests have access to an incredible state-of-the-art gym, a full-service spa, and "Daisy’s," a restaurant that hosts live jazz and serves sophisticated Mediterranean fare. The rooms are a blend of contemporary art and classic Florentine architecture, often featuring oversized windows that flood the space with Tuscan light.

Room Highlights:

• Wellness Focus: Some rooms include in-room fitness equipment or direct spa access.
• Artistic Flair: Each room is uniquely decorated with original contemporary artworks.
• The Bathrooms: Spacious, marble-clad sanctuaries with high-end Italian toiletries.

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5. Stella d’Italia: Matteo Perduca’s Latest Masterpiece

Matteo Perduca, the visionary behind some of Florence’s most beloved boutique stays (like SoprArno and AdAstra), has worked his magic again with Stella d’Italia. Located on the prestigious Via de’ Tornabuoni, this hotel occupies a 16th-century palazzo but feels like a curated flea market in the best possible way.

The style is "eclectic-vintage." Expect to see original 1950s posters alongside 17th-century oil portraits, and flea market finds from Paris and Florence tucked into every corner. It is a place for travelers who appreciate the "lived-in" luxury of a collector’s home.

Room Highlights:

• The Secret Loggia: A hidden terrace filled with red velvet armchairs—the perfect spot for a morning coffee.
• The Curated Mix: No two pieces of furniture are the same; every lamp and chair has a story.
• The Location: Right in the heart of the high-fashion district, yet remarkably quiet.

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6. Casa G Firenze: Artisanal Craftsmanship

Occupying an 18th-century palazzo that once served as a Ginori porcelain factory, Casa G Firenze is a love letter to Florentine craftsmanship. The renovation was a painstaking process that prioritized the preservation of original frescoes and woodwork.

The result is a hotel that feels incredibly high-end. The common areas feature an honesty bar with deep green velvet sofas and a library filled with art books. It is the kind of place where you feel the history of the building in the creak of the original parquetry floors and the height of the ornate ceilings.

Room Highlights:

• Historical Echoes: Original Ginori porcelain pieces are integrated into the decor.
• Artisanal Bedding: Linens and fabrics sourced from local Tuscan mills.
• The Quiet: Despite its central location, the thick stone walls provide a silent sanctuary.

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7. 4F Boutique Hotel: The Residential Retreat

Perched along the Lungarno (the road running parallel to the river), 4F Boutique Hotel is a hybrid of a family residence and a social club. It is located in the San Frediano neighborhood—voted by many as the "coolest" neighborhood in the world—which is just a short walk from Santo Spirito.

The hotel is small and intimate, designed to make you feel like a guest in a very stylish friend’s home. The furniture is all handcrafted by local artisans, and the social spaces encourage interaction among travelers.

Room Highlights:

• River Views: Several rooms offer stunning views of the Arno and the Cestello dome.
• The Communal Table: A large, hand-carved table where guests gather for locally sourced breakfasts.
• The Design: A mix of industrial metalwork and warm, reclaimed wood.

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8. Ottantotto Firenze: The Secret Design Bolthole

Tucked away on a quiet street near the Pitti Palace, Ottantotto Firenze is a seven-room sanctuary that feels like the ultimate insider secret. The building was once a charitable house for "pericolate" (at-risk) girls, but today it is a masterclass in boutique design.

The owner, an architect, has preserved the exposed wooden beams and traditional cotto floors, but updated the spaces with bold wallpapers and contemporary lighting. It is intimate, quiet, and feels miles away from the tourist throngs, despite being in the heart of the Oltrarno.

Room Highlights:

• The Garden: A small, walled garden where you can hear nothing but the local church bells.
• The Suite: Features a stunning lofted bedroom with views of the hidden gardens of the Oltrarno.
• The Texture: A beautiful use of linen, velvet, and raw stone throughout.

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9. Numeroventi: The Creative Studio Hub

For the traveler who identifies more as a "creative" than a "tourist," Numeroventi is the choice. Located in the Palazzo Galli Tassi, this is a hybrid of a boutique hotel, a creative residency, and a workspace.

The aesthetic is "Scandinavian minimalism meets 16th-century grandeur." Imagine high, frescoed ceilings paired with low-profile Danish furniture and plenty of negative space. It is a place that invites contemplation and focus, making it a favorite for artists and writers.

Room Highlights:

• The Light: Massive windows designed for artists allow incredible natural light into the living spaces.
• The Kitchens: Most suites come with minimalist, fully equipped kitchens.
• The Community: Guests are encouraged to interact with the artists-in-residence during open-studio events.

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Essential Planning Tips for 2026

Florence in 2026 is busier than ever, and a successful trip requires a bit of strategic pacing. To make the most of your stay in these boutique hotels, keep these tips in mind:

1. Book the Classics Early: Tickets for the Uffizi and the Accademia (to see Michelangelo’s David) should be booked at least 2 to 3 months in advance. The same applies to the top-tier affordable hotels; their limited room counts mean they fill up quickly.
2. Avoid "Renaissance Burnout": Don't try to see every museum in three days. The best way to experience Florence is one major museum in the morning, followed by a long, lingering lunch in the Oltrarno, and an afternoon spent wandering the artisan shops.
3. The Sunday Market: If you stay near Santo Spirito, don't miss the organic market in the piazza on the third Sunday of every month. It’s the perfect place to pick up local honey, cheeses, and handmade ceramics.

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FAQ

Is it safe to walk in the Oltrarno at night? Yes, extremely. The Oltrarno is a vibrant residential neighborhood. While you should always be aware of your surroundings as in any city, the streets around Santo Spirito and San Frediano are filled with locals and diners well into the night.

How do I get to these hotels from the train station (Santa Maria Novella)? Most hotels listed are within a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the station. For hotels like 25Hours, it is a simple 5-minute walk. If you are staying in the Oltrarno, a taxi is recommended if you have heavy luggage, as the cobblestone streets can be a challenge.

Do these affordable hotels have elevators? Because many are housed in historic palazzos, some smaller boutique stays may not have elevators or may have very small ones. If mobility is a concern, always check with the hotel specifically—The Hoxton and 25Hours are fully modernized and accessible.

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Discover Your Own Florence

The beauty of Florence is that it rewards the curious. By choosing a stay that prioritizes character over cookie-cutter luxury, you aren't just saving money—you're gaining a richer, more textured experience of the city. Whether you're sipping an aperitivo on the loggia of Palazzo Guadagni or discussing art with a resident at Numeroventi, these hotels provide the perfect backdrop for your own Florentine journey.

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