Florence Through a Dreamy Lens: A Stay at Hotel Lungarno

There are five-star hotels, and then there are places that feel like they’ve lived a life of their own. Hotel Lungarno, tucked into a quiet street just steps from Palazzo Pitti on the south bank of the Arno, is the kind of place that doesn’t just host you — it holds you.

It’s refined, discreet, and soaked in stories. The kind of Florence you want to return to.

A member of the Ferragamo family’s iconic collection, Lungarno manages to be both polished and personal. Boasting 62 luxury rooms and suites, many with terraces overlooking the Arno or tiled rooftops framing the Ponte Vecchio, the hotel feels like a seamless part of the city’s rhythm. Our suite became a true oasis of calm — light-filled, serene, and gently pulled away from Florence’s busy pulse. After long days wandering between galleries and gelato stops, it was exactly what we needed.

What makes Lungarno stand apart isn’t just its location (though it's unbeatable) — it’s the feeling. A feeling that continues throughout its softly lit corridors, lined with pieces from the hotel’s impressive and recently expanded art collection, now offering over 450 works across themed itineraries. Guests are subtly guided through curated worlds, with some rooms dedicated entirely to a single artist — such as the Venna or Francesconi suites. And like any elegant boat, its fascination perseveres throughout — a hotel that truly carries its narrative, frame by frame.

The breakfast room, with its polished wood and brass touches, feels like an old-world yacht moored right on the river. And yes — that view of the Ponte Vecchio never gets old. The spread itself was beautifully thought out, with vegan and gluten-free options that felt intentional and appreciated. Add to that a team that’s warm and effortlessly helpful, and mornings at Lungarno were a gentle daily ritual.

Though we didn’t dine there ourselves, it’s worth noting that the hotel is home to the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo, known for its creative take on Tuscan cuisine, as well as Picteau Bistrot & Bar, a chic and art-filled space ideal for an aperitivo with atmosphere. Both are now firmly on our list for next time — because there will absolutely be a next time.

And beyond the Lungarno’s doors? Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood remains our favorite to explore. Less crowded and more creative, it’s home to Ditta Artigianale (Florence’s brunch and coffee gold standard), Cortese Café (gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free everything that somehow still tastes indulgent), and the forever magnetic Piazza Santo Spirito. A little further uphill, Piazzale Michelangelo gives you that sweeping, touristy view — but in the best way.

As a final note, Hotel Lungarno is pet-friendly, because of course: true hospitality includes the ones you love most. And with Florence’s best boutiques and Renaissance treasures within walking distance, it’s hard to imagine a better launchpad for exploring the city.

Whether it’s a nightcap on the terrace, a riverside weekend escape, or a quiet return to yourself — Lungarno is everything we adore about Florence: classic, curious, and impossibly charming.

Discover more and book on lungarnocollection.com