Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
A five-star hotel in two Renaissance palaces set in one of Florence's largest private gardens, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
Hotel Brunelleschi
A central hotel built around the Pagliazza, one of Florence's oldest standing towers, with an osteria, a bar in the tower and suites with rooftop views.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic boutique hotel
- Area
- Duomo, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- hotelbrunelleschi.it
Good to know
- Byzantine tower
- Osteria della Pagliazza
- Tower Bar
- Rooftop-view suites
Why we recommend it
Hotel Brunelleschi is built around one of the oldest structures in Florence: the Pagliazza, a round tower on the small Piazza Santa Elisabetta that dates back to Byzantine times, centuries before most of the city around it. The hotel describes it as Florence's oldest standing building. The tower, with neighbouring medieval houses, was joined into a hotel that keeps much of the old stonework visible inside. It is part of the Collezione Em group of hotels.
Rooms and suites are decorated with leather, velvet and details that reflect the building's long history, and some have views across the rooftops towards the cathedral dome and the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. Breakfast is served beneath Liberty-style ceilings. Osteria della Pagliazza serves fresh pasta, seasonal dishes and Tuscan classics, and the Tower Bar is known for its afternoon aperitivo inside the ancient tower. The hotel has received recognition in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.
The location is the hotel's great strength. Piazza Santa Elisabetta is a tiny square just off Via de' Calzaiuoli, the main pedestrian street linking the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, yet it is quiet at night. Almost every major sight in the centre is within ten minutes on foot.
The hotel suits couples and first-time visitors who want to be in the very heart of Florence, and anyone interested in history. Rates are in the upper range, especially for suites with views and in high season, so book early. Because the centre is a restricted traffic zone, taxis can drop off close by, but it is worth confirming arrival arrangements with the hotel in advance.
The Duomo is about three minutes' walk north, Piazza della Repubblica two minutes west and Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi around five minutes south. The Bargello and the Casa di Dante are also nearby, and Santa Maria Novella station is about ten minutes away on foot. Even if you are not staying, the Tower Bar is worth a visit for an aperitivo inside one of the oldest structures in the city. Ask for a room with a view when booking if that matters to you, as views vary from room to room. The hotel is also well placed for early starts at the Uffizi or the dome climb, which avoids the morning crowds.
Hotel Brunelleschi FAQs
What is special about Hotel Brunelleschi?
It incorporates the Pagliazza, a Byzantine-era tower that the hotel calls Florence's oldest standing building.
Where is the hotel?
At Piazza Santa Elisabetta 3, just off Via de' Calzaiuoli between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, Osteria della Pagliazza serves fresh pasta and Tuscan dishes.
Is there a bar?
Yes, the Tower Bar inside the ancient tower is known for its afternoon aperitivo.
Do rooms have views?
Some rooms and suites have rooftop views towards the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.
How far is it from the Duomo?
About three minutes' walk.
How can I contact the hotel?
By phone on +39 055 27370 or by email at [email protected].