Photos courtesy of Hotel Kraft, Florence.
WHY I CHOSE IT
Hotel Kraft is a cosy, family-run four-star on a quiet residential street by the Arno, close enough to walk everywhere and far enough from the crowds to feel like you live here.
The rooms are classic and spotless. But the rooftop terrace is the real wow... breakfast with the Duomo in front of you, and a heated pool for hotel guests, open all year, with the whole city around it. After a long day of churches and museums, there is nothing better. A spa is on its way too, which will make it even harder to leave.
What stayed with me most, though, was the people. I went to hotel school, so I notice service, and I don't say this lightly: the staff here are sincere, kind and attentive. Not polished in a scripted way... genuinely warm. It's a definite yes for me.
There is a lovely story behind it, too. The Kraft family were hoteliers in Bern, Switzerland, as far back as 1854, and later ran some of Florence's grand hotels before opening Hotel Kraft in 1960. It is still run by the family today. Living in Switzerland myself, I have a soft spot for that mix of Swiss care and Florentine warmth.
A longer, slower stay: a calm base, a swim at the end of the day, and a taste of everyday Florentine life.
AT A GLANCE
Where
Via Solferino, a quiet residential street near the Arno
To the Duomo
About 15 minutes on foot
Rooms
75, from singles to family rooms for up to five
Breakfast
On the rooftop terrace
Pool
Heated rooftop pool for hotel guests, open all year, city views
Also
Rooftop restaurant and bar, sauna, fitness room, spa coming soon
From the station
About 10 minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella, or a short taxi ride with luggage
Lift and parking
Lift to all floors. Limited garage parking on request, best booked ahead
Check-in and check-out
Check-in from 2.30pm, check-out by 11am
AROUND THE HOTEL
The Florence that Florentines live in
This corner of the city is residential and quietly affluent, and it's changing: some exciting new hotels and restaurants are opening nearby, so it is very much a neighbourhood to watch.
What I love most is the walk. The Arno is just a few minutes away, and strolling along the river, into the centre in the morning or back to the hotel as the light goes golden, is one of the loveliest things you can do in Florence.
And honestly... the further you are from the tourist heart, the better the food. Staying a little away from the busiest streets means you eat real Florentine food, among locals, and see real Florentine life. And I love that.
Giardino Corsini (4 min walk)
A Renaissance garden just around the corner that opens its gates for some of Florence’s loveliest events. My favourite of the year is Artigianato e Palazzo in September, when around a hundred of Italy’s finest artisans and young makers show their work in the garden. In spring there’s the Firenze Flower Show, with rare plants from growers all over Italy, and other events through the year.
Ognissanti church (5 min walk)
Where Botticelli is buried. Next door is Ghirlandaio's Last Supper, painted in 1488 in the old refectory. It is closed for now, and I very much hope it reopens soon.
Bar Pasticceria Piccioli (5 min walk)
A proper neighbourhood bar on Borgo Ognissanti for your morning cappuccino and pastry, standing at the counter like a Florentine.
Consani & Giannini Pelletterie (10 min walk)
Some of my favourite leather artisans in Florence, across the river in San Frediano.
Zouganista (10 min walk)
Takafumi Mochizuki's tiny studio, where Japanese patience meets Florentine wood inlay.
Studio Galleria Romanelli (10 min walk)
A sculptors' studio and gallery on Borgo San Frediano, full of plaster casts and marble. One of the coolest places to wander into.
Trattoria Sabatino (10-15 min walk)
The famous old trattoria by Porta San Frediano, where you still eat among locals.
Cipriano (10-15 min walk)
Excellent Neapolitan-style pizza on Viale Ariosto, just beyond the old city gate.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY
“We’re currently staying at Hotel Kraft, and we love it!”
14 Apr 2026
“I’ve just come back from 4 nights at Hotel Kraft, and I would recommend it. Fabulous roof terrace to see the sunset and start your day with breakfast. Staff are really friendly and it’s an easy 15 walk into the centre right along the Arno”
12 Apr 2026
“I’ve just got back from Hotel Kraft. Lovely hotel with a beautiful roof terrace and small pool area. Easy 15 Stroll into the historic centre by the Arno. 10 min walk from the train station.”
12 Apr 2026
“Kraft hotel is lovely, great rooftop area with pool and fantastic views.”
11 Aug 2025
“Hotel Kraft on via Solferino has a heated rooftop pool, open all year round, with views towards the Duomo. The rooftop restaurant is rather good too.”
5 Jan 2026
“Kraft hotel is nice, window looking out over the hills.”
3 Apr 2026
"I definitely recommend Hotel Kraft."
STEP 1 · BOOK DIRECT
Book with the hotel and quote our code
Book directly with Hotel Kraft and you deal with the people who will look after you, with no booking site in between. You get the hotel's best available rate and any current offers, plus Privileges on top. Your booking, payment and any changes stay with the hotel.
THE HOTEL KRAFT CODE
ANA2027
Quote this code when you book direct. It doesn’t change the price. It tells the hotel you came from us, and it unlocks your Privileges. The code can’t be added after you’ve booked, so remember to mention it when you reserve.
On the hotel's website
Choose your dates, then type ANA2027 in the "Promo code" box before you pay.
By phone
Call the hotel on +39 055 284273 and give the code ANA2027 when you book.
Privileges comes with direct bookings only, not with stays booked through Booking.com, Expedia or other booking sites. Hotel Kraft pays Ana's Secret Guide a commission on direct bookings made with this code. It costs you nothing and never affects what we recommend.
STEP 2 · REQUEST PRIVILEGES