Florence on a budget is absolutely doable with hotels like Hotel Paris, set in a 17th-century palazzo with frescoed ceilings and stained glass windows, just 300 meters from the Duomo. Hotel David offers free happy hour drinks and a free minibar, plus free parking and Wi-Fi, though it's a 5-minute bus ride from the historic center. Most budget-friendly hotels cluster around Santa Maria Novella station and the Duomo, with rates often under €100 per night in low season. Expect amenities like air conditioning, satellite TV, and continental breakfasts served in frescoed dining rooms.
For a central location, Hotel Pendini overlooks Piazza della Repubblica at 300 meters from the Duomo, while Hotel Alessandra sits 250 meters from the Uffizi Gallery in a 16th-century noble residence. Hotel Silla offers a rooftop terrace with Arno views and spacious rooms with electric kettles. Book directly for the best deals, but note that Hotel Alessandra has a staircase before the lift, and Hotel David offers a free happy hour from 18:30 to 20:00. These hotels consistently score 80-96 on Booking.com, proving that affordability doesn't mean sacrificing character.