Three-star hotels in Florence offer a reliable middle ground between budget-friendly prices and historic settings. Most are housed in centuries-old palazzos, meaning you often get frescoed ceilings, antique furniture, and a location right in the center. The trade-off is typically less space and smaller elevators, but you also get perks like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a buffet breakfast included in the room rate. Expect to pay around $100 to $150 per night in peak season, though rates drop significantly in winter.
Top-rated options include Hotel Paris, a luxury boutique hotel in a 17th-century palace with frescoed ceilings and a rooftop garden overlooking the cathedral. Hotel David is another standout, offering free happy hour and a minibar just a 5-minute bus ride from the historic center. For those who want to be steps from the main sights, Hotel Pendini has been family-run since 1879 and sits right on Piazza della Repubblica, within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.