Decoding Tuscany’s Accommodation Options: From Hotels to Villas and Beyond

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, I began crafting a guide to help travelers decoding Tuscany’s accommodation options, from fancy hotels and luxurious villas to practical, economical Airbnbs and pensiones.

I was perusing my favorite Facebook chat on Florence and Tuscany Travel Tips, a virtual gathering of travel enthusiasts, each armed with their opinions and a keyboard. From this chat, I get a lot of inspiration for new topics for my blog. A constant question was on the types of accommodations. Amid the chatter about Tuscan sunsets and Renaissance art, someone dropped the bombshell: “Is Florence even worth a short stay?”

The Ignominious Question

“How dare you,” I thought, my virtual voice dripping with disdain. “Florence isn’t a mere pit stop; it’s a symphony of art, architecture, and gelato. It’s Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’ and Michelangelo’s David. It’s the scent of fresh basil wafting from trattorias and the echo of Dante’s verses in dimly lit alleys.”

The Great Divide

And so, the battle lines were drawn. Readers took sides like medieval knights jousting for honor. On one side stood the understanding souls—the ones who believed that all questions were valid, even if they seemed daft. “Let’s educate,” they said, brandishing their virtual quills.

On the other side, the indignant faction—the guardians of erudition—raised their brows. “Ignorance is no excuse,” they declared. “Google exists for a reason. Read a book, my friend!”

If your knowledge of Tuscany is limited to a few facts and well-known landmarks, I invite you to explore the many sources online that can help you learn more about the cultural and beautiful richness of Tuscany. Also, in my humble blog, I share with readers as much as I can in my articles and recipes diving into the region’s art, history, food, and year-round events. But if you’re one of those savvy and educated travelers who acknowledges Tuscany’s cultural richness, but is confused by the types of accommodations, fear not. In this article, I will focus on the quintessential element that will complete your Tuscan experience: finding the perfect accommodation that provides comfort and completes your dream vacation in Tuscany. 

I will help you decode the different types of accommodation options in Tuscany – Italy in general – from hotels and pensiones to villas and Airbnb. I will also explain what the star rating system means in Italy and what to expect in terms of comfort, service and costs.

However, my goal is to help you understand the options and criteria for choosing a place to stay in Tuscany, without recommending one over another. You will be able to make your own decision based on your budget, preferences, and travel style.

Florence Hotels

• Florence Hotels Overview: Hotels in Florence are very much aligned with other hotels around the world, and you can expect similar amenities, such as restaurants, bars, parking, room service, and common areas, some with great views.
• Ideal For: Travelers looking for full-service facilities and dining options that span the spectrum.
• Price Range: Florence hotels can range in price significantly, depending on their star-rating, from budget options to luxurious alternatives.
  

Hotel Star Rating

What can you expect from 3 to 5 star hotels in Florence? Let’s start the lower end, 3 star-hotels.

3-Star Hotels

• 3-star hotels provide basic comfort and essential services, such as private rooms with at least one bathroom for every three rooms or six guests.
• Daily room cleaning unless otherwise specified.
• Room size may differ due to historic building constraints.
• Elevators may be small or even nonexistent in older structures.
• Breakfast is included, but it’s nothing extravagant.

4-Star Hotels

• 4-star hotels often boast luxurious amenities and features and are newly refurbished.
• Friendly staff members with professional training who ensure a welcoming stay experience.
• Rooms are finely furnished.
• Breakfast is complimentary and exceeds the average quality.

5-Star Hotels

• 5-star hotels represent the height of luxury.
• Expect amenities such as spas, fitness centers, multiple restaurants, and concierge services.
• Rooms are spacious and elegantly finished.
• Food is excellent.

Remember that star ratings don’t capture purely subjective aspects like decor or bed comfort. So, when booking a hotel in Florence, consider both the stars and other factors to find your ideal stay!

Pensiones

• Pensiones are bed and breakfast and are family-run.
• They offer modest amenities and sometimes have shared bathrooms.
• The service is basic but functional.
• Pensiones are ideal for those on a budget who value simplicity and affordability.

Meal Plans

Most hotels and some pensiones offer meal plans:

Full Board (Pensione Completa):

• Included Meals: Your accommodation provides all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Ideal For: Travelers looking for an effortless experience who plan to spend most of their time at the property.
• Price Range: All-inclusive packages tend to command higher fees.

Mezza Pensione: (Half Board):

• Included Meals: Breakfast and one other meal (typically dinner) are provided as part of this stay.
• Ideal For: Travelers who spend their days exploring, then return to their accommodation in time for dinner.
• Price Range: Mid-range prices make for convenient choices for families.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B):

• When booking with a B&B, only breakfast is included.
• Ideal For: Couples and solo travelers looking for flexible dining options.
• Price Range: Typically more affordable.

Luxury Accommodations

Here are a couple of examples. There are many more luxury hotels in Florence. Check TripAdvisor for a detailed list with reviews.

The St. Regis Florence

• Description: A 5-star hotel in the heart of Florence, known for its Renaissance art and luxurious amenities.
• Price Range: High-end luxury.

Grand Hotel Minerva

• Description: A 4-star hotel in Greve in Chianti, offering Tuscan charm and stunning views.
• Price Range: Mid-range luxury.

Villa Rentals in the Tuscan Countryside

Villa Montalcino

Located in the gorgeous Tuscany region, this charming villa offers an exclusive panorama of Montalcino and Val D’orcia.

• Description: A beautiful villa with a private pool, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
• Ideal For: Families or groups seeking relaxation and Tuscan countryside views.
• Price Range: Mid-range.

Villa Margherita Uno

Situated in a panoramic location on the hills around Cortona, at 750 meters above sea level.

• Description: An independent property with a private pool, perfect for exploring Tuscany and Umbria.
• Ideal For: Couples or families who appreciate peace and relaxation.
• Price Range: Affordable.

Airbnb

Airbnb offers American tourists seeking an immersive Tuscany experience an appealing option. Through more personalized and localized lodgings, Airbnb listings allow visitors to stay in charming towns or the bucolic countryside. Some Villa rentals may offer luxurious spaces, but Airbnb listings may cater to a wider range of budgets while giving travelers a chance to connect with hosts locally and immerse themselves into authentic Tuscan lifestyle more intimately. However, recently Florence mayor has initiated an interesting battle against Airbnb tourism. I’ll explain in the next section.

Florence’s Fight Against Airbnb: A New Ban on Short-Term Rentals

The population in Florence is in an uproar due to the housing shortage caused by the proliferation of short-term rentals on platforms such as Airbnb. Landlords find it by far more lucrative to rent to tourists for short stays, than to local families. While these rentals provide travelers with more personalized and local experiences, they have negative ramifications for its housing market, tourism industry, and cultural heritage.

As part of his initiative to address this problem, Florence Mayor Dario Nardella unveiled in October 2023 a ban on short-term rentals in its historic center of Florence, taking effect November 2023 and prohibiting any newly constructed properties within UNESCO-protected areas from becoming short-term rentals. Existing short-term rentals remained unaffected, while tax incentives are offered to owners to switch into long-term lease agreements.

Nardella said the ban is both “drastic and necessary“, as rental rates had doubled since 2016 with average rent increasing 42% over that timeframe. Furthermore, Nardella expressed concerns that historic center was losing its identity by becoming an “apartment-hotel”.

The ban has been met with mixed reactions from different stakeholders. Some property owners, tourism operators, and political opponents have criticized the ban as a “wrong choice” that goes against the market and the freedom of choice. They have also questioned the legality and the effectiveness of the ban.

On the other hand, some residents, students, and cultural associations have welcomed the ban as a positive step to protect the city’s heritage and livability. They have also expressed their hope that the ban will encourage more responsible and sustainable tourism in Florence.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my article on decoding the variety of accommodation options available in Tuscany. I hope this guide can assist you in finding your ideal stay and experiencing Tuscany as you want!  

To answer the initial question from that Facebook reader if Florence is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding YES, of course. Florence is more than a mere pit stop; it deserves to be explored, appreciated, and experienced. You will want to come back time and time again. 

What do you think about Florence’s recent decision to ban short-term rentals? Do you agree or disagree with its mayor’s decision? Have you stayed at any Airbnb accommodation in Tuscany before? Please share your experiences in the comments section.

Buon viaggio!🌿