Gay Florence Florence City Guide City Guides > Italy > Gay Florence Florence Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura TuckerRich in culture, rife with charm and oh so very alluring; Florence is synonymous with everything we love about Italy. Cradle of the Renaissance, birthplace of the Negroni and one of Europe’s great art cities, Florence has long held allure with design-oriented gays – from Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci to Machiavelli and – we wouldn’t be surprised, based on his depiction of little David – Michelangelo. Florence is an urban dream best savoured slowly, teeming as it is with the world’s best museums, iconic medieval architecture and sigh-worthy shopping. As for the food, traditional mom-and-pop trattorias stand side by side with Michelin-starred affairs, serving up international cuisine as regularly as perfections on pasta, pizza and peasant stew. Florence nightlife is also joyfully mixed, although the Gay Street next door to the Coliseum hosts a fab few gay bars. Despite Italy remaining slow on the gay rights front, its big cities are generally considered gay friendly, with the Florence Queer Festival in November acting as testament to this. Confused about what to see in Florence? Let our definitive Florence gay scene guide lead the way. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in FlorenceOur Florence gay travel guide starts with a roundup of the best places to stay in Florence. Elegant, effortless and stunningly beautiful, these hotels are some of the best for drifting into sweet, Tuscan dreams. Situated in one of Florence’s most covetable neighbourhoods, Portrait Firenze offers exquisite elegance and unparalleled views of both the Arno River and iconic Ponte Vecchio. While all guests to the Portrait Firenze will find a modern chic aesthetic tempered with a dose of Italian warmth thanks to its carefully curated collection of mid-century furnishings, our favourite rooms are in the Lungarno Collection. Nearby, just steps from Stazione Santa Maria Novella is the J.K. Place Firenze, boasting a location that is nothing short of idyllic. This modern 5-star hotel is both luxurious and convenient, complete with a lounge area serving afternoon aperitivos and leisurely dinners.While the enticements of Firenze can last well into the night, at some point the time will come to say buona notte. For an alternative accommodation option away from the tourists, try Oltrarno Splendid, a boutique bed and breakfast housed in an 18th century palazzo right at the edge of the River Arno, an area known for its artisan locals and creative atmosphere. Offering individually designed rooms of ornate frescoes and intentionally faded wallpaper, Oltrarno Splendid will make you feel like Italian royalty. For ultimate extra-ness, check into the King Room for views of Brunelleschi’s cathedral cupola from the bubbly comfort of your bathtub. Another Oltarno-based boutique babe, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio bridge, is Soprarno Suites, boasting restoration period stylings fused with hipster quirks. Filled with vintage finds, roll-top baths and original artwork, the Soprarno suites are deliciously retro, with the Deluxe suites just that bit more divine.Last up is The Borgo Pinti Collection Suites, a selection of private, luxury apartments perfect for an extended stay. Conveniently located on a main (although still quiet) road, the Borgo Pinti suites offer guests close proximity to many of the best Florence points of interest, as well as access to its spa centre. Oltrarno Splendid | Photo: Dario GarofaloiRecommended hotels in Gay Florence - Florence Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Portrait Firenze Featuring panoramic views of Florence and the Arno River, Portrait Firenze offers luxurious rooms with handcrafted furniture. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence J.K. Place Firenze Set just 7 minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella Basilica, J.K. Place enjoys superb panoramic views from its rooftop terrace. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Soprarno Suites Centrally located in Florence, Soprarno Suites is a 5-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The Pitti Palace is 100 m from the property, while Piazza della Signoria is reachable on foot in 10 minutes. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence The Borgo Pinti Collection The Borgo Pinti Collection is situated in Florence, 600 m from Convent of San Marco. Sant’Ambrogio Market is 600 m from the property. The Borgo Pinti Collection also includes a spa centre. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Oltrarno Splendid Located 600 m from Pitti Palace in Florence, Oltrarno Splendid provides accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi. The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Hotel Garibaldi Blu Set in the centre of Florence, in Santa Maria Novella Square, Hotel Garibaldi Blu features a unique décor, mixing modern design and frescoed ceilings. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Hotel Milù Hotel Milù boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of Florence’s historical centre and offers beautiful views of the city and the hills from the rooftop terrace. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Gay Florence - Florence Hotel Glance In Florence Located in central Florence, 400 m from Fortezza da Basso, Hotel Glance In Florence offers a lounge bar, a rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic views of the city. Book on Booking.com Explore more hotels like this in Florence View on Booking.comPowered by Booking.comThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Book Explore more Design Hotels™ - stepping into a realm of infinite experienceDesign Hotels™ represents and markets a hand-selected collection of privately owned and operated hotels in hundreds of destinations around the globe. Mr Hudson speaks to Peter Cole, CEO, about trends in travel, the Design Hotels™ brand, his priorities, and some of his favourite places. 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