Hotel Continentale – Lungarno Collection

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Hotel Continentale? The location is absolutely ridiculous – and I mean that in the best possible way. You’re literally tucked into this tiny side street called Vicolo Dell’Oro (Gold Alley, if you’re wondering), which sounds made up but isn’t, right in the heart of Santa Maria Novella. I mean, you step out the front door and you’re maybe two minutes from the Arno River, with the Ponte Vecchio basically staring you in the face. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’ve discovered some secret Florence that most tourists miss, even though – honestly – you’re right in the thick of everything.

The hotel itself has this understated elegance that actually works. I’ve stayed in places that try too hard to be boutique-y, but Continentale gets it right. The rooms have this clean, modern vibe without feeling sterile, and the bathrooms are surprisingly spacious for a historic building (trust me, that matters in Florence). What really got me was the rooftop terrace – and okay, maybe every travel writer mentions the terrace, but seriously, when you’re up there at sunset with a drink, watching the light hit the Duomo in the distance… it’s pretty spectacular. The staff genuinely knows their stuff too, which isn’t always a given. They’ll point you toward that little wine bar on Via dei Benci instead of the tourist traps, or mention that the San Lorenzo market is way better early in the morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive.

Here’s the practical stuff that matters: the street is pedestrian-only, so if you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to coordinate with the hotel about getting to the nearby parking garage. It’s not a huge deal, but worth knowing ahead of time. The building is historic, so don’t expect massive rooms, but everything feels well-designed and comfortable. Noise isn’t really an issue – the location is busy during the day but quiets down nicely at night, unlike some of the spots closer to the main piazzas. And honestly, for a 4-star place with a 9 rating, it delivers on that promise. It’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in Florence, but it nails that sweet spot of being genuinely nice without the pretension. If you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere that locals would actually respect rather than just another tourist hotel, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $394. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $448. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $601. Prestige Double Room – Arno River View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $656. Deluxe Double Room – Arno River View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $929. Junior Suite – Arno River View with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,607. Penthouse Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $252. Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Great location – right on the Ponte Vecchio. Walking distance to everything – Jaredm20 from United States – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location! Right on Ponte Vecchio. Nice staff. Really good breakfast. Room was a good size and air conditioning worked well during the heatwave.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• It had all of the luxuries of the Lungarno collection at a reasonable price – Ghazaleh from United States – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very modern and spacious.
  
  What could be improved: The rooftop was extremely crowded and full of noisy tourists

• Exceptional – Richard from United States – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and facilities

• Lovely, but… – Ruth from Switzerland – 17 May 2025 (8/10)

  Really comfortable bed and room – great staff – – especially the excellent spa staff and the very kind and helpful staff member on arrival – rooftop bar is lovely.
  
  What could be improved: Odd layout of all common areas – breakfast in the sister hotel across the street. No coffee machine in room. €850 per night is very expensive for a small room – paid less in Venice during the Biennale last spring for a bigger room in a hotel of similar standing. This would all be fine, but freshly squeezed orange juice costs extra?!?

• Stylish hotel in a perfect location – Irina from Malta – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  We love the rooms that are in the old tower, the rooftop bar, and the location of the hotel. Not our first time here, keep coming back. Love the Ferragamo amenities.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast is served in another hotel across the street. Can imagine that in poor weather this could be a nuisance.

• Very good – Anna-clara from Austria – 10 April 2025 (8/10)

  Super friendly and helpful staff. Rooms very clean, very comfortable beds

• We loved the rooftop bar! – Phyllis from United States – 10 April 2025 (9/10)

  All the staff was wonderful!! The beds were very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: No where to set toiletries in the bathroom

• great service, delicious breakfast, comfortable stay – Jordan from France – 7 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean and stylish
  
  What could be improved: Room was too warm when I entered

• Wonderful service and hospitality in a beautiful city. I would stay again. – Iman from United Kingdom – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  Spectacular service, very attentive, polite, helpful, responsive and accommodating.
  Brilliant location, comfortable rooms, beautiful decor.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast spread was pretty mediocre, and add ons like eggs and porridge had to be paid for.
  The hotel didn’t have much by way of facilities. The spa was closed for refurbishment, and the rooftop bar was also closed. There was no other cafe or bar within the hotel.

• Exceptional – Arvind from India – 19 November 2024 (10/10)

  Great room,great staff,great location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities