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Formal gardens at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Gardens and villa at Collegio alla Querce, Florence
Florence · Seen in person

Four Seasons Firenze or Collegio alla Querce?

A historic palazzo in the heart of the city, or a bright retreat in the hills above it. Here is how I help clients choose, and how to book either one with perks you won’t get booking direct.

The short answer

Both are exceptional. The choice is really about how you want Florence to feel.

Book Four Seasons if…

You want to walk out the door and be in Florence. It’s a strong pick for a first visit, for families, and for anyone who loves history, grand gardens and polished, formal service.

Book Collegio if…

You want quiet, light and a view, with the city a scenic walk away. It’s ideal for return visitors, couples and families who want a countryside feel without giving up Florence.

Courtyard lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Guest room with hand-painted walls at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Garden pool at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
In the city

Four Seasons Firenze

The classic Florence stay. A historic palazzo close to the city center, set in sprawling private gardens that feel impossible this near the Duomo. The design is old-world and the service is refined and formal, the kind of place where every detail is handled before you think to ask.

Location
Close to the city center, walkable to the sights
Dining
Michelin-starred restaurant on site
Design
Historic and old-world, with grand, traditional rooms
Families
Very family friendly, with gardens to roam
Booking
Preferred partner (Four Seasons): upgrade when available, daily breakfast, hotel credit
Read my full review →
Above the city · Auberge Resorts Collection

Collegio alla Querce

A brighter, more modern take on Florence, in the hills about a 30-minute walk from the center. It’s quiet and green, with an impressive art collection and sweeping views from almost every room. The mood is a little more romantic and it draws a slightly younger crowd, while still being wonderful for families.

Location
In the hills, about a 30-minute walk into Florence
Views
Sweeping views from almost every room
Design
Modern and bright, with an impressive art collection
Families
Very family friendly, with room to breathe
Booking
Preferred partner (Auberge): upgrade when available, daily breakfast, hotel credit
Read my full review →
Soaking tub with a view over Florence at Collegio alla Querce
Guest room at Collegio alla Querce
Light-filled dining room at Collegio alla Querce
Side by side

How they compare

Four Seasons
Collegio
Location
Close to the city center. Walk out the door and you’re in Florence.
In the hills, about a 30-minute walk into the city.
Setting
Historic, with sprawling private gardens in the middle of the city.
Quiet and green, with sweeping views from almost every room.
Design
Classic and old-world.
Modern and bright, with an impressive art collection.
Service & dining
Refined and formal, with Michelin-starred dining on site.
Warm and relaxed, with a slightly younger crowd.
Mood
Grand and polished.
Calm and a little more romantic.
Best for
First visits, families, and anyone who wants Florence on the doorstep.
Return visitors, couples, and families who want space to breathe.

You can’t go wrong with either one.

Why book through me

Same rate as booking direct. A better stay.

I’ve been to both

I’ve stayed at Collegio and toured Four Seasons in person, so I can tell you which rooms, views and layouts are worth asking for, and which property fits your trip.

Partner perks

I’m a preferred partner of both Four Seasons and Auberge Resorts Collection, so my clients receive a space-available upgrade, daily breakfast and a hotel credit, plus my direct line to the team on property.

I can hold the room

Found the one you want but need a night to talk it over? I can ask the hotel to hold it while you decide.

No planning fee

You pay the hotel the same rate as booking direct, and nothing extra to me.

Plan your Florence stay

Trying to decide which property is right for you?

Send me your dates and who’s traveling. I’ll come back with live availability at both, the room I’d book at each, and my honest take on which fits your trip.

— Keith
I’m leaning toward

No newsletter, no drip campaign. One personal reply from me.