Florence – one of the most beautiful, historical and popular cities in the world. The fact that so many tourists come here every year, means that the city is teeming with hotels. And some of these hotels have great rooftops.
Most of the rooftops in Florence are actually located at luxurious hotels, with grand views over the city and surrounding landscape. To help you pick the top ones, we have assembled a list of the most fantastic hotels with rooftops in Florence. A list made by The Rooftop Guide, the world’s leading rooftop experts.
Explore our pick of the 9 best Florence rooftop hotels.
1. Plaza Hotel Lucchesi
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi / Photo: www.hotelplazalucchesi.it
Hotel
Located in Santa Croce, right by the River Arno, Plaza Hotel Lucchesi opened in 1860 as one of the very first in the city.
While it has been completely renovated, it still holds on to its original style. Here, modern and stylish meets historical in a true 5-star setting.
The hotel has 82 rooms and 10 family suites, some with views over the river and some overlooking the majestic Santa Croce.
All rooms are equipped with free WiFi, air-con and satellite TV, and every morning you can also enjoy an American breakfast buffet.
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi also holds a stylish and traditional restaurant, serving unique and tasty food, along with wines and craft beers of local producers and mixology of the highest class.
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi / Photo: www.hotelplazalucchesi.it
Rooftop
On top of Plaza Hotel Lucchesi you find Empiero, rooftop view American bar & pool. A name that pretty much sums it all up.
Up on the 5th floor you get some spectacular views over Florence, including the Doumo, Fiorentina's home stadium Artemio Franchi, the River Arno and all the way to the hills of Tuscany.
The spacious and stylish terrace is open during the warmer season, and during daytime it is a private rooftop oasis for guests staying at the hotel.
Relax in one of the comfy loungers, order something from the bar and go for a swim in the refreshing rooftop pool.
After 7.30pm, the rooftop turns into more of a stylish lounge, open for everyone to enjoy well made cocktails, Italian delicacies, live music and the magical sunset over Florence.
Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 38, 50122 Florence
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2. Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni / Photo: www.palazzoguadagni.com/
Hotel
Set in a historical Palace built in 1505, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni offers charming, historical and comfortable accomodation in Oltrarno, one of the most vibrant and characteristic neighbourhoods in Florence.
With a great location, here you are just a 10-minute stroll away from popular attractions like Pitti Palace and Ponte Vecchio.
An hotel aiming to provide the genuine atmosphere of an old private Florentine residence. All 14 rooms are unique and decorated with fine furniture. Some also has frescoed ceilings, ancient fireplaces and balconies with beautiful views.
And while the feeling of the old history is all around, the rooms at Palazzo Guadagni also offers all the modern amenities like free WiFi, A-C, satellite TV, minibar and hair dryer.
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni / Photo: www.palazzoguadagni.com/
Rooftop
Beautiful all around, but the true pride of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is found on the top floor, with the Loggia Roof Bar.
Decorated with classic lounge furniture, the terrace offers lovely views over Florence, including the Bellosguardo Tower, the Boboli Gardens and the Church of Santo Spirito.
Calm and harmonious in atmosphere, the Loggia rooftop is a fantastic spot for a relaxing glass of wine in the afternoon sun, or for a romantic al fresco night, surrounded by soft and cosy lighting.
Guests stayng at the hotel can also enjoy a very nice breakfast at the rooftop, served between 7.30am and 10am. The perfect start to a day in Florence.
3. Grand Hotel Minerva
Grand Hotel Minerva / Photo: www.grandhotelminerva.com
Hotel
Grand Hotel Minerva is a wonderful choice for those looking for a romantic stay, as its privileged location and charming construction make for a pleasant stay, no matter how short.
Located just steps away from the Santa María Novella Basilica and Museum, and a short stroll away from the Florence Baptisery, this hotel is perfect for those looking to relax in style after exploring what the city has to offer.
Each of the hotel's 97 rooms offers soundproofed walls, smart TVs, free WiFi, safe, hairdryers, premium toiletries, premium beddings, and the opportunity to enjoy in-room massages.
The hotel also boasts a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, valet parking, and a delicious morning buffet.
Grand Hotel Minerva / Photo: www.grandhotelminerva.com
Rooftop
If you thought the ground view was grand, wait until you see what the rooftop has to offer.
Split into three sections –pool, lounge, and private lounge–, this terrace is accessible year-round but only offers service from April to October.
Exclusive to guests throughout most of the day, the heated pool comes equipped with a powerful jacuzzi and comfortable sun loungers.
The poolside bar area, which transforms into a public cocktail bar after 7.30pm, offers delicious wines, well-crafted cocktails, a variety of spirits, and a gourmet BBQ selection.
The basket chairs and lounge furniture are as stylish as they're comfortable, and with the Cathedral as a stunning background, you can be sure that any visit to this rooftop is one you'll remember.
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16 50123 Florence
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4. Hotel degli Orafi
Hotel degli Orafi / Photo: www.hoteldegliorafi.it/
Hotel
Hotel degli Orafi is an upmarket hotel, located right in the heart of the historic centre of Florence. You are just steps away from the Arno and Ponte Vecchio.
Set in a prestigious building, the hotel mixes the classic with the modern in a beautiful way. From the breakfast ballroom (breakfast is included), with original frescoes that completely cover the vaulted ceiling, up to the top floor panoramic bar and garden.
All rooms at the Hotel degli Orafi includes independently regulated air conditioning and heating, digital safe, minibar, en-suite bathroom in marble and toiletries. There is also a special room, called the "Room with a View", set on the 4th floor, complete with a private and magnificent terrace offering a unique view over the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio.
Hotel degli Orafi / Photo: www.hoteldegliorafi.it/
Rooftop
When checking in at Hotel degli Orafi, you will be welcomed with a drink at the top floor Panoramic Bar, overlooking the river Arno, Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi's magnificent Dome and the splendid hills which surround Florence.
Here you also can enjoy aperitifs and light lunches with typical local and Italian dishes, accompanied by a glass of excellent Chianti Classico.
The rooftop bar used to be exclusive to guests staying at the hotel, but now outside visitors are also welcome to indulge in the 'AperiView' most nights of the week.
Address: Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 4, 50121 Florence
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5. Continentale - Lungarno Collection
Continentale / Photo: www.lungarnocollection.com
Hotel
A one-of-a-kind location, this quaint boutique hotel will charm you from the moment you look at it.
Each of Continentale's 43 rooms comes equipped with free WiFi, DVD players, in-room childcare, well-stocked minibars, room service, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.
Though the hotel isn't particularly large, it has a spa, a rooftop bar, and a small restaurant.
The White Iris Beauty Spa offers sports massages, body wraps, scrubs Ayurvedic treatments and aromatherapy, while La Terraza, the hotel's rooftop bar, offers incredible drinks and continental breakfast.
Valet parking is available as well as train-pick up service, though the later needs to be reserved in advance.
Despite its unique location, the hotel is just a short stroll away from the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza de la Signoria, and the Palazzo Vecchio.
Continentale / Photo: www.lungarnocollection.com
Rooftop
La Terraza Rooftop Bar offers excellent views of the Arno river, as well as the Cathedral and many more of Florence's historic buildings.
With a wooden and traditional construction, yet furnishing with modern and stylish decor, La Terraza is a location full of contrasts that somehow work in tandem with the medieval architecture of the building.
Here you'll be able to enjoy a large selection of Italian wines and champagne, as well as expertly-crafted cocktails, both classic and signature.
The atmosphere, luxurious and sophisticated, is elevated with the music selection, which prominently features jazz and other relaxing tunes.
A particularly popular spot with locals and visitors alike, this venue works on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are open only to hotel guests.
As you may have imagined, this bar comes with quite a hefty price tag, so if you're visiting, be prepared to spend, and make sure to dress to impress.
6. The Westin Excelsior
The Westin Excelsior / Photo: www.marriott.com
Hotel
The Westin Excelsior provides a luxurious stay with all the bells and whistles associated with the brand.
Located within walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum, and the Ponte Vecchio, this gorgeous boutique hotel couldn't choose a better location if it tried.
Each of the Westin's 171 rooms includes free WiFi, flat-screen TVs in-room dining options, well-stocked minibars, bathrobes, slippers, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, and designer toiletries.
The hotel has a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant, a bar, a business center, a fitness center, and an excellent town car service. Complimentary tea and coffee are served at the business center.
For an experience out of the ordinary, the suites at The Westin Excelsior comes with a private roof terrace, equipped with jacuzzi and sun loungers.
The Westin Excelsior / Photo: www.marriott.com
Rooftop
SE·STO on Arno, the rooftop at Westin Excelsior, works both as a luxurious bar and a delicious restaurant.
Focusing on Mediterranean food, the bar is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and serves what they describe as "Tuscan cuisine with an innovative touch".
The bar is known for its signature cocktails, as well as its lengthy wine list and fantastic aperitifs served daily between 7pm and 9pm.
Thanks to its international atmosphere, stunning views and comfortable lounge areas, SE·STO on Arno is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day in the city.
7. Hotel Kraft
Hotel Kraft / Photo: www.krafthotel.it
Hotel
Located in the heart of Florence, just a short walk away from the Maria Novella Basilica and the Ponte Vecchio; the Hotel Kraft is an excellent choice for tourists and business travelers alike.
Each of the hotel's 78 rooms are soundproofed and features complimentary toiletries, premium beddings room service, and beautiful showers.
The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a business center, laundry facilities, and offers a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Valet parking and airport shuttles are also available, though the latter need to be booked in advance.
If you don't mind a longer walk, the Fortezza da Basso and the Florence Baptistery are also nearby.
Hotel Kraft / Photo: www.krafthotel.it
Rooftop
Spacious and elegant, the beautiful terrace at Hotel Kraft offers awe-worthy views of the Arno River, as well as the rest of Florence, particularly the old town.
Split into two different areas, the restaurant and the bar, this terrace is the perfect spot to start or finish your day.
The Terrazza Rossini, the hotel's restaurant, offers comfortable lounge seating and delicious Italian food.
It also features expertly crafted cocktails, delicious aperitifs, and a fantastic menu of martinis.
The hotel's rooftop also has a large, guest-exclusive pool, as well as comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas.
Whether you choose to spend your day at the pool or enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant, rest assured that few places in Florence match the atmosphere of this rooftop terrace.
8. Grand Hotel Cavour
Grand Hotel Cavour / Photo: www.albergocavour.it
Hotel
This family-friendly hotel is located within steps of the Bargello and the Piazza del Duomo, making it an excellent choice for sightseers.
The Cavour has a restaurant, a wellness center, a Turkish bath, free WiFi a business center, meeting rooms, a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a rooftop bar.
Each of the hotel's 100 rooms comes equipped with premium linens, a well-stocked minibar, room service, in-room childcare, premium toiletries, and free WiFi.
The hotel also provides valet-parking and a car rental service.
Grand Hotel Cavour / Photo: www.albergocavour.it
Rooftop
Located on the sixth floor, this rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the city, as well as the chance to wine and dine on the premises.
At the Divina Terrazza, you'll be able to enjoy expertly mixed cocktails and fine wines while gazing upon the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
In the restaurant, you'll be able to enjoy delicious Italian food while overlooking the Palazzo Vecchio and the Cupola del Brunelleschi.
Service is excellent in both areas, with fresh, seasonal ingredients dominating both the food and cocktail menus.
Thanks to its awe-worthy looks, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service, both the restaurant and the bar are popular locations, so reservations are encouraged.
Both locales can be booked in their totality for private events.
9. Hotel Calimala
Hotel Calimala / Photo: www.hotelcalimala.com
Hotel
Located in the heart of Florence, the Hotel Calimala is a short walk away from the Piazza della Signoria, and the Palazzo Vecchio, making it the perfect choice for those looking to explore the entire city.
Each of the hotel's 38 soundproofed rooms comes equipped with a minibar, rainfall showerheads, premium linens, and plush bathrobes.
Though this stylish design hotel is on the small side, it does have a restaurant, a lounge bar, a fitness center, and free WiFi.
There's also a complimentary buffet breakfast served between 7am to 10.30am, as well as valet parking service.
Hotel Calimala / Photo: www.hotelcalimala.com
Rooftop
This multi-level rooftop is an oasis in the middle of a busy city.
Known as The Angel Roofbar & Dining, this beautiful venue offers stunning three-sixty views of Florence's skyline, as well as charming architecture, top-notch service, and delicious food.
Open evenings, the indoor restaurant focuses on Italian food and is available for aperitivo and dinner for outside visitors, while in-house guest also can enjoy breakfast with a view.
The rooftop serves both classic and signature cocktails, carefully curated wines, live DJ shows and an exclusive, yet fun atmosphere.
At the moment, reservations are required at the rooftop.
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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