Where to Stay in Florence: Group-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Looking for the perfect place to house your crew in Florence? You’re not alone. Finding accommodation that works for large families or friend groups can feel overwhelming with literally hundreds of options scattered across the city. Whether you’re planning your first magical visit or returning for another dose of Italian charm, the key is knowing exactly where to look and what to prioritize for group travel. Check out our recommendations for where to stay in Florence.

Where to Stay in Florence with a Group - Groups Are A Trip

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Most Florence accommodations cater to couples or small families, leaving larger groups scrambling to find spaces that actually work. You need room to spread out after long days of sightseeing, probably want some authentic Florentine character, and you need easy access to the Duomo, Uffizi, and the best gelato spots.

The secret isn’t just finding a place with enough beds, it’s about matching your group’s energy and travel style with the right neighborhood vibe. Some areas are perfect for families with young kids, others shine for friend groups who want easy access to wine bars and restaurants, and a few special spots offer that sweet combination of space, charm, and convenience that makes everyone in your group feel like they’ve discovered their own slice of Florence.

Best Places to Stay in Florence with Your Group

1. Grand Hotel Minerva

Neighborhood: Santa Maria Novella

You will be hard-pressed to find a more crowd-pleasing hotel in Florence than the Grand Hotel Minerva. This sophisticated four-star hotel is in Piazza de Santa Maria Novella, steps away from Florence’s main train station. It boasts a rooftop pool and sun loungers with an incredible view of the Florence Duomo. 

Grand Hotel Minerva Florence
Photo credit: Grand Hotel Minerva

Aside from the location, the amenities inside make this a top pick for groups. Start every day with a free breakfast together. Order room service when you’d prefer to enjoy a relaxing night in. Upgraded suites have sitting areas so you can hang out and many rooms have balconies, four-poster beds, and marble bathrooms. 

2. Well-Appointed House by MMega

Neighborhood: San Frediano

Sleeps: 5 (2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

This short-term rental offers the best of both worlds. It’s still a historic building in the center of Florence with wooden beams and a chandelier. However, it’s been totally renovated with comfortable beds and large bathrooms. With your own open-plan dining/living area, kitchen, and washer, this house offers good value for a longer stay.

Located south of the Arno River, it’s a quieter area of Florence with fewer tourists. But the house is still in a brilliant location near the bridges and great restaurants like I’Brindellone and the famous wine window at Babae. 

3. The St. Regis Florence

Neighborhood: Santa Maria Novella

If your group wants to go big and stay in one of the best hotels in Florence during your trip, book the St. Regis Florence. This five-star luxury hotel might empty your bank account during peak season but your best bet to find good deals is during the off-season or by using Marriott points. Trust me, it’s worth it. 

St Regis Florence room
Photo credit: Marriott International

The St. Regis’s large, opulent suites with antique furnishings will make you feel like you’re living in the Renaissance. Balconies offer panoramic views over the River Arno. Go all out and book a butler service and afternoon teas. Live like the aristocracy on their ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe!

4. Cozy Duomo View Apartment

Neighborhood: Duomo Area

Sleeps: 6 (2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

Let’s face it, first-time visitors in Florence care about one thing more than anything else in accommodation. Booking a room with a view à la the classic E.M. Forster novel! There are plenty of luxury hotels with Duomo views (several are on this list). However, this cozy apartment is perfect for your group if your travel style is better suited to short-term rentals.

Unsurprisingly, this apartment is in the best location only a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. Its kitschy, homespun decor is ideal for people who prefer a local feel to a clean minimalist style. With an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room, it’s much easier to spend quality time together!

5. Villa Cora

Neighborhood: Oltrarno District

Want to stay on a quiet street in a Tuscan villa within walking distance of Florence? The 19th-century Villa Cora is the perfect place. This formal hotel offers an outdoor pool with views of the surrounding countryside, formal rooms, and tons of charm. Upgraded suites have living rooms so your group can enjoy room service together.

Villa Cora Florence pool
Photo credit: Villa Cora

Free parking is available so Villa Cora is a good choice for those driving through Italy. But you won’t need to drive to Florence; Boboli Gardens is just a 15-minute walk away!

6. Luxury Renaissance Palace

Neighborhood: Santa Croce

Sleeps: 8 (4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

Staying in the heart of Florence often means sacrificing space for a convenient, central location. Not at this magnificent rental property! You’ll all breathe a sigh of relief when you see high ceilings, spacious living room, and lots of floor space for open luggage. The kitchen and dining area are open plan so no one has to miss out on the fun!

Luxury palace apartment Florence
Photo credit: VRBO

This apartment is within walking distance of all the main sights in Florence’s historic center. You could crawl to Piazza di Santa Croce and the Basilica, it’s that close! And you’re a hop skip and a jump from Piazza della Signoria and Gelateria dei Neri, one of the best gelato spots in the city. 

7. Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1

Neighborhood: San Giovanni

Stay in this medieval tower-turned-chic boutique hotel on your next group trip to Florence. It’s a block from the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Plus, some rooms have views over the River Arno.

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 is a colorful yet elegant four-star hotel. Think built-in bookcases, terraces, and a spa where you can unwind in a whirlpool or steam room. There is even a kitchen in some rooms which is essential when traveling with kids! Otherwise, you can dine together on their rooftop bar and restaurant with 360-degree views.

8. Le Terrazze Luxury Penthouse

Neighborhood: Duomo Area

Sleeps: 6 (3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

This apartment also boasts unobstructed Duomo views. It also offers great value with more amenities than your group could possibly need. This luxury penthouse has a washer and drier (rare in Italy!), a terrace, a hot tub, an outdoor grill, and a parking area. It’s a great base if you’re stopping in Florence on a road trip around Tuscany.

View of the Duomo Florence
Photo credit: VRBO

As well as the great location (if you can see the Florence Cathedral, chances are you’re only a short walk away), the interiors are fun and comfortable. Think bright rugs and large, modern bathrooms. One even has double sinks so there won’t be fights while you’re getting ready for a full day of exploring.

9. Sina Villa Medici

Neighborhood: Santa Maria Novella

Ever want to stay in an Italian villa with friends? This 19th-century villa is a good option for groups who want to stay close to the city’s train station. The last thing your group wants is an early morning rush to catch public transport! And there are so many easy day trips from Florence like Sienna, Lucca, or Pisa. 

Sina Villa Medici Florence
Photo credit: Marriott

Sina Villa Medici is the right place to stay for exploring Florence during the day and relaxing at night too. Manicured gardens and an outdoor pool surround this stately property. Some suites have whirlpool tubs, sitting rooms, and fireplaces to make this the ultimate luxurious escape.

10. Faenza 37 Apartment

Neighborhood: Santa Maria Novella

Sleeps: 7 (3 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms)

If your family or group of friends are hopping around Italy and you only have a short time in Florence, that’s also a good reason to stay near the train station! This large apartment is less than a 10-minute walk from both the station and Florence’s Centro Storico (city center). 

You can dine together at il Mercato Centrale Firenze just around the corner. Relax in the bright, spacious rooms with high ceilings and original fireplaces. With a large kitchen/dining area and renovated bathrooms, this apartment offers great value for money.

11. IL Tornabuoni Hotel

Neighborhood: San Giovanni

If your group is looking for where to stay in Florence that nails decor, IL Tornabuoni Hotel ticks every box. This five-star hotel plays with color, pattern, and texture in its interior design. The result is a contemporary space in a centuries-old building with original crown molding and chandeliers.

Il Tornabuoni Hotel
Photo credit: Hyatt

Aside from the comfortable rooms, IL Tornabuoni Hotel has all the amenities your group will need. Eat great food at their complimentary breakfast buffet and nearby restaurants like Ristorante Pensavo Peggio. Don’t worry about bringing younger kids or pets; it’s an accessible child-friendly and pet-friendly hotel with elevators and welcoming staff.

12. Magnificent Tuscan Villa

Neighborhood: San Niccolò

Sleeps: 16 (8 bedrooms & 8+ bathrooms)

Do you dream of staying in a Tuscan villa during your first time in Florence? Do you think it’s impossible to find one close to the city? Think again! This spectacular villa is just 1 mile south of Florence nestled in the surrounding hills outside the small town of Arcetri. The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens are just a three-minute drive away.

Tuscany Villa VRBO
Photo credit: VRBO

What the villa lacks in walkability it makes up for with … well, everything else! Every bedroom has an attached bathroom for privacy and comfort. There’s an outdoor pool and sun loungers for a siesta (ok, that’s a Spanish custom, but you can do what you want on vacation!). Plus, you’ll adore the traditional sunshine-yellow decor, alfresco dining area, and huge sectional. Your group will never want to leave.

13. SoprArno Suites

Neighborhood: San Frediano

Heading south of the river, SoprArno Suites is a boutique bed and breakfast just a one-minute walk from Pitti Palace. It’s an eclectic hotel for groups that don’t want a cookie-cutter stay. With original frescoes and salvaged furniture, every room is unique and anything but dull!

Larger suites have kitchenettes and a free-standing tub perfect for families. There is also a separate living room and balcony so you can congregate in one room. 

CLICK HERE FOR RATES AT SOPRARNO SUITES

14. Large Central Apartment

Neighborhood: San Lorenzo

Sleeps: 13 (7 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms)

Large groups looking for accommodation at a reasonable price will love this short-term rental. It has cozy, clean rooms with lots of space. Air conditioning, a full kitchen, WiFi, and a TV are just some amenities this apartment offers.

This apartment really is in the best location. You’ll stay near Florence’s major attractions like the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and San Lorenzo Market. This is a great place to pick up Italian leather goods and eat in a food hall where you can sample different foods and still dine together.

15. Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

Neighborhood: Santa Croce

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is both on the River Arno and near Basilica di Santa Croce. You can spot the Duomo from the rooftop pool, so the location couldn’t be better! Staying here means your group can easily walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset or Vivoli—one of the oldest gelaterias in Italy—for a sweet treat.

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi Florence rooftop pool
Photo credit: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

Built in 1860, Plaza Hotel Lucchesi has elegant rooms, some with furnished balconies and city or river views. Groups will love the 2-story suites with sitting rooms. You’ll also love the free breakfasts, high-end on-site restaurant, room service, and lounge where you can sit around the fireplace.

16. Alfani Modern Loft by MMega

Neighborhood: San Marco

Sleeps: 8 (2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

This newly-renovated modern apartment is nestled in a quiet area of Florence that’s still close to the top sights. San Lorenzo Basilica and the Accademia Gallery (where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David) are a few minutes’ walk. 

Inside, the loft’s decor has a trendy industrial feel with completely new furnishings and fixtures. The bathrooms are new with a washer, air-conditioning (it’s not a given in Italian apartments, always check!), and TVs in every bedroom. There’s even a balcony with great views over the rooftops of Florence.

17. Brunelleschi Hotel

Neighborhood: Duomo Area

If you choose wisely, your family or friend group can stay in a piece of Florentine history! Brunelleschi Hotel is part-converted church, part-Byzantine tower dating back to the 6th century. 

Today, it’s a four-star luxury hotel offering Duomo views and short walks to attractions like the Uffizi Gallery. Upgrade to one or two-bedroom suites to make your group stay extra comfortable. 

18. Luxury Historic Apartment

Neighborhood: San Giovanni

Sleeps: 6 (3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms)

When you dream of local life in Florence, this apartment is what you’re dreaming about. It’s a well-appointed luxury rental with sky-high ceilings with wooden beams. The decor is a blend of ornate, charming pieces with modern furniture for comfort. Everyone can fit on the couch at the same time!

Luxury Florence Italy apartment
Photo credit: VRBO

Located south of the river, this apartment is close to Palazzo Pitti and the great restaurants in Piazza Santo Spirito. You won’t have far to walk to admire the great views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Every bedroom has an attached bathroom for fairness and there are walk-in closets for all your luggage.

19. Hotel Lungarno

Neighborhood: Oltrarno District

Looking for where to stay in Florence for a special occasion or milestone? The five-star Hotel Lungarno offers a luxe vacation you’ll never forget. Interiors that look like a Ralph Lauren catalog decorated with the hotel’s private art collection are paired with River Arno views. The Ponte Vecchio is steps away from the hotel lobby.

Hotel Lungarno Florence 5 star
Photo credit: Lungarno Collection

And that’s just for starters! Hotel Lungarno also offers free breakfasts, free parking, and a refined restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Your group will love getting together in the spacious lounge or rooftop bar. 

20. La Culla di Dante Luxury Apartment

Neighborhood: Duomo Area

Sleeps: 6 (2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms)

It’ll be difficult to find a short-term rental in one of the best areas of Florence with such great views and elegant rooms. Yes, you can see the Duomo, the piazza, and across the city from the apartment. Not only that, you can enjoy the view while enjoying a glass of wine outside on the huge rooftop terrace.

La Culla di Dante where to stay Florence
Photo credit: VRBO

The interiors, the bedrooms, in particular, won’t disappoint either. Snooze in beds with ornate headboards, thick curtains, and marble side tables. There’s a modern bathroom for every bedroom and a large traditional-style kitchen. Parking is available for groups on a Tuscan road trip.

21. Hotel degli Orafi

Neighborhood: San Giovanni

Turn the fantasy into a reality and book the original hotel from the 1985 movie A Room With a View. Hotel degli Orafi really does boast phenomenal views over the Arno. It’s super close to the medieval Ponte Vecchio and its artisan boutiques and jewelry stores.

Hotel degli Orafi entrance
Photo credit: Hotel degli Orafi

This four-star hotel includes complimentary welcome drinks and breakfast. The rooms are cozy and understated (like staying in a real pensione!) and some have balconies and frescoes on the ceilings. Get this—there’s even a library at Hotel degli Orafi! Borrow a book and sip a glass of chianti in the rooftop bar.

Choose Where to Stay in Florence for Your Trip

Florence is one of the most popular Italian cities to visit for a reason. Luxury hotels and spacious, mid-range apartments offer comfort and amenities for groups of all ages. Choosing where to stay in Florence isn’t difficult with so many good options in this guide. No matter which you pick, your Florence group trip will be an unforgettable experience!