Hotel Orto de’ Medici is tucked away on Via San Gallo, one of Florence’s oldest streets, and offers a stay that feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. The building itself is historically significant, as its peaceful internal garden was once the site of the Medici family’s private art school. According to local legend, this is where a teenage Michelangelo first crossed paths with Lorenzo the Magnificent while beginning his journey into sculpture.
Today, the hotel perfectly balances its rich heritage with modern, minimalist comforts. You’ll find guest rooms that feature clean, airy designs and private balconies, with many overlooking the tranquil, hidden courtyard. The property retains echoes of its past, including a 19th-century breakfast hall adorned with original frescoes and an entrance marked by the historic Socci family coat of arms.
For those looking to explore, the location is unbeatable. You are just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s *David*. Other major icons like the stunning Duomo and the bustling Mercato Centrale—a food lover’s paradise—are also within easy reach.
Whether you’re relaxing with an aperitif on the terrace or wandering through the nearby historic center, the hotel serves as a serene sanctuary from the city’s lively pace. It’s an ideal spot for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Florentine history without sacrificing the convenience of a modern boutique retreat.
Expert reviews
“This three-star hotel in San Marco redefines elegance with its majestic ceilings, chic oyster-grey colour scheme and contemporary furnishings, offset to perfection by the historic palazzo in which it languishes.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Clean rooms
- Great breakfast
- Boutique style
- Comfortable beds
- Central location
Location
Recent guest reviews
25 March 2026
Great hotel at really good location in beautiful city.
Great location, only 15min walk to most of important locations, 5min walk to tram stop if further trip is required. Staff is really polite and super friendly. Breakfast is excellent. Will be recommending to all my friends.
Everything was great.
24 March 2026
Amazing hotel, great staff
This is a great hotel. It is very conveniently located and, despite being close to the city center, is very quiet. The staff are super friendly and helpful. Upon arrival, we received a very good and unusually detailed explanation of the main attractions, sites, and dining options in the city.
The bartender later shared that the inner garden was once used by a young Michelangelo as a workshop or training ground. We looked this up online, and the information supported the story.
The breakfast was excellent - there was plenty of food to choose from, and everything was fresh and very tasty. We loved it and would definitely stay again!
22 March 2026
Florence in March
Beautiful hotel, only a short walk from the main city centre. Room was light and airy with a big bed. We had a balcony looking west and the sunset was stunning.
Breakfast was good, with Gluten free items available. The garden room for breakfast was delightful.
Great location if arriving by train or flight, the T2 tram line runs from directly behind the hotel for both the train station and airport.
We didn't have any negative experiences here. A delightful hotel which we hope to return to.
14 March 2026
Far From The Maddening Crowd
Location and it was quiet.
7 March 2026
Amazing hotel, perfect location, wonderful staff - fantastic stay!
This hotel was simply perfect the staff were all super friendly from the reception, bar, waitress’s, cleaners. Breakfast is amazing so much choice! Rooms lovely we had a great view of the garden and the bathroom and shower are big and shower is huge! Exceptionally clean, spotless! Location ideal 5/10 mins walk to all the main sites - simply perfect.
I took one mark off only because the mattress was quite hard but that’s a personal choice!
5 March 2026
Good location and generally comfortable.
Good location for main sites and transport but still quiet. Balcony view from Superior room.
Poor soundproofing between rooms in Superior room
28 February 2026
Wonderful and comfortable
Large airy rooms , great service. We loved staying here!
19 February 2026
A beautiful hotel and a relaxing stay
The hotel was itself part of history - and beautifully appointed - and a short walk to central Florence and points of interest. The staff were very friendly, the rooms very comfortable, and the breakfast (included), added to a great start on my days
16 February 2026
A lovely well-located hotel. A perfect base for visiting Florence
The location couldn't have been better. Very central, a short walk from all the sights, and right by the tram to the airport. The history of the hotel was fascinating, the room was cute, the bed very comfy and the TV had a good range of international and sports channels. The staff were so lovely, attentive and helpful, especially Estalyn at breakfast - she was fab! The breakfast each morning was yummy. Had a great time, and would definitely stay again.
Only complaint was wishing the bar was open longer in the evenings. The sliding glass shower door could also do with a stopper so it doesn't hit the wall when opened.
12 February 2026
Very very satisfied.A great hotel that has so much to offer.
From entering the hotel to leaving the experience was primarily beyond expectation excellent.Temperature control within the room was a slight issue but cleanliness and all other aspects of ‘human’ service were fabulous.I will com again and recommend anyone I know to do so.
As mentioned; ability to temperature control the room would have been better …(too hot).
2 February 2026
We will come back.
All the staff were so nice.
23 January 2026
Central, welcoming and comfortable.
We enjoyed a large, clean room. I had to change rooms once because I booked late. Both rooms were great. Staff was very accommodating and friendly. Breakfast had a wide variety of food for every preference. I especially appreciated the cappuccino with oat milk and fresh fruit.
6 January 2026
Would highly recommend this boutique hotel to families for a nice stay in Florence.
The hotel was very welcoming and a great location for our stay in Florence. We appreciated the included breakfast which was a nice assortment of American fare and italian specialties. The location was good for taxi access and close to where we had day tours to the Uffizi and Accademia. The room was small but quaint and had all the amenities that we needed for the trip.
Everything was to order. Hotel staff was friendly enough and we appreciated that they held our luggage while we were at a cooking class before our train reservation. Everything about the stay was wonderful.
29 December 2025
Friendly abd helpful staff. The location is great.
It’s centrally located and easy to walk around. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Na
22 December 2025
Beautiful and historical hotel. Kudos to the owners!
The Hotel staff went beyond our expectations, an especial mention to Alazne, Judith & Francesco from the front desk, to the wonderful breakfast staff as well! We had a wonderful stay. We will come back when we return to Florence.
Great stay
7 December 2025
Beautiful hotel in Florence! Will stay again when we return
Beautiful property! We stayed in 3 cities in our visit to Italy and this hotel is our favorite! There is so much counter space and the view from the balcony is gorgeous! We also enjoyed the breakfast! Food was really good and staff was attentive!
4 December 2025
It was one the best 4 star hotels i have stayed in italy.
Staff were so nice and very clean place ,location is very good and they gave us a very nice big room free of charge although was not booked with same size.
Amazing hotel and nice fresh breakfast
Reception desk staff are great people.thanks to all of them.
Nothing
16 November 2025
Lovely luxurious hotel near main sights in Florence
Beautiful building, clean, nice garden and dining room, good location - quiet but close to main sites, lovely staff, very helpful and friendly, nice to have a welcome drink on arrival, room clean and well maintained
The bed was quite hard but we asked for mattress toppers which helped, breakfast could have had more savoury options, there was a lot of cake but it was a bit dry
14 November 2025
Hotel Orto de' yMedici
A really good hotel with a strong historical background.
10 November 2025
An ideal, comfortable base for exploring Florence
The staff were very friendly and helpful; the breakfast is superb - if you've overdone it the night before, you can help yourself to a Bloody Mary; if you want to prolong the party, why not put prosecco on your cornflakes?
We could not find a spare blanket
5 November 2025
Wonderful location a beautiful Florence hotel
Great location delicious breakfast lovely facilities
28 October 2025
Spacious and comfortable
Room keepers did a great job in keeping our hotel room tidy and replenishing amenities.
The room is spacious and its convenient layout made the stay comfortable.
Breakfast service staff and bartender were attentive and courteous.
27 October 2025
It was restful and very comfortable
It was clean and beautiful!
Nothing
17 October 2025
Excellent hotel! Book without any concerns.
The room was very large. It overlooked a beautiful, small garden. The bathroom, closet, and entire room was so much larger than expected. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone coming to Florence.
There’s nothing that could have been better. The location was excellent. I was impressed by how close it was to everything but how quiet it was. We would certainly stay here again.
Hotel facilities
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service
- - Daily housekeeping
Food & Drink
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
Activities
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - Key access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

31 March 2026
A perfect stay in Florence.