The hype
An urban oasis that ruins you for other hotels, with grounds so beautiful you might forget to visit Florence.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
$900-1500+/ night
Book this if You want to live like a Medici in a private 11-acre park without leaving the city limits.
Why People Love It
- The largest private garden in Florence (Giardino della Gherardesca)
- Michelin-starred dining at Il Palagio
- A resort-style pool deck that feels miles away from the crowded Duomo
Quick Take: It’s a stunning museum piece that charges a fortune for the privilege, but you're paying for the garden, not just the room.
Reviewed by @destinationsbyj: Staying here was a total bucket list moment. I couldn't believe I was sleeping under original frescoes! The breakfast was incredible, and wandering the halls felt like I owned a palace. Definitely the most romantic spot I've ever stayed.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can be surprisingly inconsistent for the price—guests report missed housekeeping details (water glasses not replaced) and luggage mix-ups by the concierge.
- You crave silence and green space after a day of fighting tourist crowds
- You are traveling with kids (the pool and garden are a godsend)
- You want a full resort experience with spa and dining on-site
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.4
- Housekeeping: Generally impeccable twice-daily service, though rare reports of missed details like water glass replacement.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are spotless; no grout or mold issues reported.
- Maintenance: Historic property maintained to a high standard; gardens are manicured daily.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count Pedersoli linens and plush, heavy towels.
- Odors & scents: Signature fresh floral scent in the lobby; rooms smell neutral and clean.
Sleepability™
9.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional garden maintenance equipment in the morning
- Street noise in lower-floor street-facing rooms (rare)
Before you book
Good to know
- The walk to the city center is flat but takes about 15 minutes
- Valet parking is steep (~€55/night) but necessary as street parking is non-existent
- Sunday Brunch at Il Palagio is legendary but requires advance booking
What to pack
- Swimsuit (even in shoulder season for the heated jacuzzi)
- Walking shoes for the gravel paths in the garden
- Dress code attire for dinner at Il Palagio (jackets for men)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Conventino rooms for a 'hotel-within-a-hotel' vibe and extreme privacy
- Garden Suite for a private terrace in the former greenhouse
- Palazzo rooms for high ceilings and original frescoes
Rooms to avoid
- Street-facing rooms in the main Palazzo if you are sensitive to traffic hum
- Ground floor rooms near the service elevators
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would prefer a room in the 'Conventino' building for maximum quiet and privacy, ideally facing the Giardino della Gherardesca.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated year-round?
No. The main swimming pool is seasonal (May-October). Only the outdoor jacuzzi is heated and open year-round.
How far is the Duomo?
It is a 15-minute walk (approx. 1km) or a short taxi ride.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. Unless booked in a specific package, expect to pay ~€49-55 per person for the buffet.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are allowed for a fee of €250 per stay (not per night).
Is the gym open 24 hours?
No, the fitness center operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Which building is better: Palazzo or Conventino?
Palazzo is grander with high ceilings and frescoes; Conventino is more intimate, private, and quiet.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a key to the private gate that shortcuts you closer to the city center.
- ✨
The 'Chianti Massage' in the spa uses actual wine and is a unique local treatment.
- ✨
You can request a picnic basket to eat lunch anywhere in the 11-acre garden.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Conventino' building was literally a 16th-century convent and still feels like a sanctuary.
💡You might spot tortoises roaming the private gardens.
💡The room service menu includes a 'midnight spaghetti' that is surprisingly good.
💡The lobby floral arrangements are massive and changed weekly—a spectacle in themselves.
💡There is a small, stunning chapel with original frescoes right in the lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is located and what's nearby.