Families traveling in Europe are often surprised at the size of the average hotel room; except in modern upscale hotels, rooms with two double- or queen-sized beds are not standard, nor are cribs or rollaway beds for children. One of the most popular cities for tourists, Florence is no exception. But you can find hotels with family-sized rooms in all price ranges and near the major tourist attractions.
The closer you are to the historic center, where most of the sights are, the less time you will have to spend getting to them, so neighborhoods around Santa Croce, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella are convenient. Unlike many popular cities, Florence has a surprising number of hotels in all price ranges in the historic center and nearby neighborhoods.
But don’t overlook more distant hotels that offer free shuttles. The center of Florence can be crowded, especially in high season, and your family might enjoy the relative quiet of more distant neighborhoods or hotels along the river. You’ll also find neighborhood restaurants less crowded — and often better — than the ones close to the Duomo and Uffizi. Many of these hotels have restaurants and, after a day of trying to keep the family together in Florence’s crowds, retreating to a quiet spot for dinner may sound appealing. If you’re there for a few nights, you may even find your family greeted as “regulars” in a neighborhood restaurant.
Across the Ponte Vecchio, near the Pitti Palace, the Oltrarno neighborhood is one to consider. Several mid-priced hotels on this side of the river are close to palace museums and Boboli Gardens, and you’ll enjoy shopping and browsing in the many studios and workshops on the atmospheric side streets.
Many of the older hotels in Florence began life as the homes of wealthy Renaissance families, so don’t be surprised at the palatial ceilings and often grand decorations — frescoes, gilded stucco, carved woodwork — in even modest hotels. That grandeur may have its cost, however: These older buildings often lack elevators, so pack light and be prepared to climb stairs, especially at budget hotels.
These hotels all have family rooms or suites and welcome children:
A beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo with elegantly appointed suites, close to the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria
A 15th-century palazzo with luxurious suites, gardens and a swimming pool, about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo with a shuttle service to the historic center
Moderately priced small hotel only five minutes from the Duomo and San Lorenzo; there are laundry facilities and breakfast is included.
Moderately priced with luxury touches, opposite Santa Maria Novella station and close to the main sights; kids love the rooftop terrace and pool.
Moderately priced hotel near Santa Maria Novella Station and the Duomo; airport transfers are available.
A budget option only five minutes from the Duomo, with rooms large enough for families
Another budget option near San Lorenzo and about 10 minutes’ walk from the Duomo; breakfast is included in the rate.
A peaceful alternative to the crowded center, in a converted water mill overlooking the river; there’s a swimming pool, restaurant and shuttle bus to take your family to the historic sights.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 22, 2024Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels invites family travelers to experience sustainable practices across its global portfolio. The brand prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism through its Because We Care program and various partnerships with eco-friendly brands.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Parents
Apr 22, 20244 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day fast approaches, and all mothers and mother figures deserve something extra special this year. Treat the mom in your life, whether she’s an outdoor enthusiast or host extraordinaire, to these four great gifts.
Multigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
North America
Apr 17, 2024A New, Family-Friendly Hotel Opens on Orlando’s Universal Boulevard
Family travelers to Orlando have a new option for family- and pet-friendly accommodations thanks to the recent opening of Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located on Universal Boulevard and minutes from theme parks, the convention center and the airport, Hotel Landy takes over the former Hotel Kinetic, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection.
ShareThis