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
14 March 2026
Far From The Maddening Crowd
Location and it was quiet.
14 March 2026
Amazing hotel
Such a warm welcoming by reception staff. They provided a lovely birthday message and complimentary drinks. Judith and Alazne were so friendly and helpful with directions, recommendations for food and things to do locally. They are a great asset to the hotel and customers. Location is fantastic and lots local to see and do. I would strongly recommend this hotel.
Nothing
13 March 2026
Fabulous
Front desk Service and breakfast ladies were awesome!!
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
Fabulous
breakfast
noise
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!
27 February 2026
Exceptional
Great location to explore Florence. Attentive employees. Room was great, modern, quiet and restful. Enjoyed evening drinks at the bar & chat with Alexandros. Anna at breakfast was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Everything was GREAT!
27 February 2026
Exceptional
The staff were incredible, they really made us feel welcomed and helped us with any requests we had!
22 February 2026
Exceptional
What a treat! From the first moment on, you'll feel very welcome. The staff is friendly, and especially at breakfast, the two ladies will make sure you'll have a great start of the day. Tram T2 takes you from the airport and train station to San Marco University Square, which is only 3 minutes walking to the hotel. Great place to stay.
19 February 2026
Exceptional
Perfect location. Very beautiful and clean room. The hotel team is amazing, nice and helpful. We will be back for sure.
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
18 February 2026
Fabulous
The staff and check in were exceptional. Also really appreciated the packs breakfast when we had an early start on a tour.
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.
15 February 2026
Exceptional
This is a wonderful hotel in the very center of the city. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The hotel is very clean. There is nothing to complain about.
There is no such thing.
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.
30 January 2026
Exceptional
Extraordinary staff;, The history of the hotel, Location.
We wish we could have stayed longer.
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.
8 January 2026
Highly recommend
Location, beds, breakfast
Nothing
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.
3 January 2026
Wonderful 🙂
The location, the cleanliness, the staff everyone at the hotel is wonderful.
1 January 2026
Good location
Beautiful building with a nice garden.
Staff (esp during breakfast time) were a little too dismissive and service could be more thoughtful.
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
28 December 2025
Exceptional
Everything was very good: cleaning everyday, breakfeast, location.
Nothing to comment.
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
14 December 2025
Exceptional
Location was great. Walking distance to all the major sites and 2 minutes away from the tram that goes to the main station and airport. The staff were very friendly and gave great recommendations for authentic cuisine and a rooftop bar that we never would have found otherwise. We had a room with a balcony that had amazing views of the city
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
3 December 2025
Exceptional
Location is excellent Property was very clean Staff very friendly and cooperative
Room was nice and clean and comfortable
3 December 2025
Exceptional
Our stay at the hotel was perfect. The staff were exceptionally nice and incredibly helpful throughout the visit. Highly recommended!
29 November 2025
Exceptional
Fantastic staff, from the front desk to the bar man. Excellent rooms, great breakfast and wonderful service. The location is also very good. The best hotel I've ever stayed in, will be booking again when I next visit Florence!
27 November 2025
Amazing experience.
Amazing breakfast selection. Close to the centre, lovely staff and hotel. Would visit again!
N/A
24 November 2025
Exceptional
The breakfast was amazing and in such a beautiful room
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
15 November 2025
Definetely recommended!
Excellent location, renovated, clean, the room was large for family the walking closet was a life saver, the breakfast was good,
-
14 November 2025
Hotel Orto de' yMedici
A really good hotel with a strong historical background.
12 November 2025
Very good
A very convenient location for arriving from the airport and visiting the city’s sights.
The room window faced a closed courtyard, specifically an emergency staircase, which constantly emitted an unpleasant odor, including through the ventilation. The pillows in the room were uncomfortable.
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.
28 October 2025
Wonderful stay
Staff were amazing
Nothing
27 October 2025
It was restful and very comfortable
It was clean and beautiful!
Nothing
20 October 2025
Exceptional
Wonderful hotel. Fabulous staff. Gorgeous balcony room with a beautiful view of the duomo. Walking distance of all the sights. Breakfast was sensational and plentiful, your coffee made the way you prefer. We definitely will be returning. Highly recommend Hotel Orto de Medici
N/A
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.
17 October 2025
Great location!
The hotel was in a great location. We did pick the most economical room, but it was a bit small. I love that the breakfast was on the 6th floor and it offered everything! Staff was amazing!
16 October 2025
Great location and terrific service
breakfast and bar.
12 October 2025
Great hotel, great location, great staff experience.
Great hotel, befitting the four stars level, would stay again.
Friendly staff, great location in the city centre, but secluded and gluten free breakfast options were varied.
5 October 2025
Love the history, hospitality and breakfast service.
Excellent location
Had to ask for softer pillows 😊
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

22 March 2026
Florence in March