Hotel Kraft, Florence

• Hotel pools are uncommon in the historic center, so having a heated rooftop pool with hydromassage jets is a real perk.
• From the terrace, you'll get sweeping panoramas of Florence, including Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower, the Arno, and surrounding hills. Sunset up here with a drink from the bar is worth planning around.
• You're close to the river, within walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella train station, and well placed for exploring the historic center on foot.
• The Kraft family's hotel roots date back to 1854, giving the property a more personal, established feel than many chain-style city hotels.
• Complimentary cribs and high chairs, babysitting (fee), elevators, and larger rooms make this an easier Florence base if you're traveling with kids.

• Entry-level rooms are compact, which is fairly standard in Florence, but worth knowing if you like extra space.
• Private parking is a plus, but spaces are limited and must be requested in advance.
• With views this good, the terrace and restaurant can be lively at peak times, especially summer evenings.

Authenticity

Owned by the Kraft family, whose involvement in the hospitality industry dates back to the 1850s, the Beaux Arts-style Kraft Hotel combines a sense of history with modern touches. The Florence property itself was established in 1960 and remains family-run today. There's also a strong sense of place here: rooftop dining highlights Tuscan cuisine, occasional cooking experiences offered to guests introduce regional food traditions, and views over Florence's domes, bell towers, and terracotta-tiled rooftops constantly remind you where you are. 

Location

Set on Via Solferino near Piazza Ognissanti, Hotel Kraft places you in a strategic pocket of central Florence that feels slightly calmer than the busiest tourist lanes. You're within easy walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella train station (10 minutes) and the Arno River (2 minutes). Landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery are all within a 20-minute walk. This area is especially handy for travelers arriving by train or car, as it offers easier access and private parking (upon request). Local cafés, trattorias, and elegant piazzas nearby give you a more everyday side of Florence beyond the museum crowds.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 75 rooms have been recently refurbished with warm tones, parquet floors, and a polished, classic-contemporary style, which may also include patterned drapes, ornate Persian rugs, and period furnishings. Categories range from compact Singles to Triple, Quadruple, and Family Room options with connecting Classic Rooms, while the balconied Deluxe and Superior options add private outdoor space. Accessible options are available for those with limited mobility. Marble-and-chrome bathrooms include bidets, and some have a bathtub in addition to a shower. 

Amenities

The rooftop terrace receives top marks, home to one of Florence's few hotel pools—heated in cooler months and fitted with hydromassage jets. From the water or a terrace table, you'll have sweeping views of Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower, the Arno, and the surrounding hills. There's also the Terrazza Rossini restaurant and bar for sunset drinks or dinner with a panorama, plus a spa, sauna, massage (upon request), and a small fitness area. Practical comforts include 24-hour reception, elevators, hotel parking (subject to availability), and laundry services.

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Kraft is a practical choice for families who want central Florence without squeezing into a single standard room. Dedicated Family Rooms combine two adjoining Classic Rooms with a private entrance, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Triple and Quadruple Rooms offer more budget-friendly alternatives for smaller groups. Helpful extras such as free cribs, high chairs, babysitting services (for a fee), elevators, and a year-round, heated pool make city stays easier with younger travelers in tow.

Sustainability

Energy-saving systems that reduce the hotel's environmental footprint include renewable energy use, thermally sealed windows, electronic room keys, and computerized heating systems that adjust room and water temperatures based on outdoor conditions. These behind-the-scenes upgrades matter in a historic city where many older buildings can be energy-intensive.