Budget hotels in Florence right in the heart of the city centre are perhaps surprisingly common. These are cheap hotels where you can walk to all of the major attractions of Florence and the train station if you want to independently discover Tuscany and beyond.
As you would expect, room rates in Florence are highly seasonal with peak rates on the shoulder months of April to June and September to November. You also pay a sizable premium at most hotels for staying at the weekend over midweek for most of the year.
If you are looking to stay in one of the peak months and especially at the weekend, try to book at least two months or more in advance to avoid availability issues at the best choices.
What you need to know about staying in Florence Budget Florence hotels
Staying in the historic centre of Florence is not a great idea if you are travelling by hire car, but for everybody else the major train station, Santa Maria Novella Train Station is on the western edge of the historic centre.
As so often there are many budget hotel choices around the main railway station in the city. The airport bus from Pisa, also terminates here.
Once in the historic centre you are no more than 15 minutes' walk from anywhere. There is a bus service if you need it, but for most, walking is the way to get around the historic centre of Florence.
Most budget options in Florence include breakfast in the room rate, but not all, and what you get will also vary widely. Free Wi-Fi is also the standard in budget properties, but again there are exceptions and in some properties it is only available in public areas not in rooms.
Like many major cities in Italy, Florence now imposes a small daily tax on tourists.
The tax is levied by hotels and is usually not included in any prepaid arrangements or package deals. The amount you pay will differ according to the grade of accommodation and should be stated at the time you reserve.
Again, even if you have prepaid for your accommodation you will still have to pay this tax when at the hotel during your stay.
Offering both indoor and outdoor pools, sunloungers, sauna and a rooftop bar with 360 degree views across Florence. This ultra-modern hostel is ten minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi in public areas, on-site coffee house, 24-hr front desk, live sports events, cooking classes, walking tours, horse riding.
Rooms: 4/6/8 bed dorms, double/twin, triple & quad rooms, private rooms
Location: Duomo 1.2km, Uffizi Gallery 1.2km
Features spacious, traditionally furnished rooms with antique furnishings, and attentive personal service, with breakfast included. Some have frescoed walls, private bathrooms and views of the cathedral. It is just 150m from Florence Cathedral and a 7-min walk from the Uffizi Gallery. Free Wi-Fi, library, tickets service, paid parking, 24-hr front desk and shared lounge.
Rooms: Double/Twin Rooms
Location: Duomo 150m, Uffizi Gallery 400m
Just a 5-min walk from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. The hotel features free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and tea and coffee maker. All rooms are soundproofed and have a private bathroom. Breakfast can be included in room rate and can be taken in your room. Paid parking, bar, library.
Rooms: Double/twin, triple & quad rooms
Location: Duomo 500m, Uffizi Gallery 700m
Featuring a spacious communal terrace with a view towards Florence Cathedral, offering a central location and friendly service. Soundproofed and air conditioned rooms offer a flat-screen TV, with free Wi-Fi throughout. Both breakfast and drinks can be enjoyed on the terrace, and can be included. Paid parking, bar, library.
Rooms: Single and double rooms
Location: Santa Maria Novella Station 400m
Only 300m from Santa Maria Novella Station in central Florence, on the 1st floor of a building with no lift. Rooms have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Private parking area nearby where charges are applicable. The property is an easy stroll from Fortezza da Basso, where the Florence Biennale contemporary art fair is held.
Rooms: Single, double & triple rooms
Location: Santa Maria Novella Station 300m, Cathedral 500m
Just 200 metres from the Uffizi Gallery, Hotel Por Santa Maria is located in Florence’s historic centre, a 5-minute walk from Florence Cathedral. It offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are decorated in classic style with artwork. Each one is air conditioned and features wood furniture and either a private or shared bathroom. Santa Maria Hotel is 200 metres from the Ponte Vecchio bridge and less than a 15-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella Station.
Rooms: Single & double rooms
Location: Uffizi Gallery 200m, Cathedral 400m
Boasting an ideal location in Florence city centre, 350 metres from San Lorenzo Square, with the famous basilica and open-air market. Air conditioned and en-suite rooms have tasteful décor and free toiletries, tea and coffee maker. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi at reception, and free luggage storage.
Rooms: Single, double & triple rooms
Location: Santa Maria Novella Train Station 300m, San Lorenzo Square 350m
Well set in the centre of Florence, located 300 metres from Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with free private parking. Some rooms will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo di Firenze and Uffizi Gallery. Luggage storage.
Rooms: Single, double & triple rooms, suites & apartments
Location: Cathedral 300m, Santa Maria Novella Train Station 1.3km
Hotel Cestelli offers rooms with free Wi-Fi in Florence, 200 metres from the Old Bridge and 300 metres from the Piazza della Signoria square. There is concierge service at the property. Rooms at the Cestelli Hotel come with a private or shared bathroom. They all include hypoallergenic linen.
Rooms: Single & double rooms with shared or private bathrooms
Location: Cathedral 750m, Santa Maria Novella Station 1km
A family-run establishment located inside the famous San Lorenzo market, and just a short stroll to the most important museum of Florence, with free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located in a 15th-century palace where the Aldobrandini family lived until 100 years ago. Hotel Aldobrandini is provided with a pleasant breakfast room. Most of the guest rooms are en suite.
Rooms: Single & double rooms with shared or private bathrooms
Location: Cathedral 400m, Santa Maria Novella Train Station 500m