Picturesque location on the banks of Arno River
Within walking distance to several of the city's main attractions
Some rooms have river views and balconies
Free breakfast with hot
and cold items
Small, modern bar with
tall ceilings
Small roof terrace with panoramic city
views
Free Wi-Fi
No fitness center, pool,
or spa
No full restaurant on-site
Sparse
decor in rooms
Re-opened in 2015 after a
renovation, the mid-range Hotel Balestri is a 50-room boutique located on Arno River within a
five-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio and other prime attractions. Part of the local WTB hotel chain, this property has attractive public spaces, but minimal, neutral-colored guest rooms; some have balconies and lovely views of the Arno River and all have rain showers and mini-fridges. There’s no full restaurant on-site, but the hotel
offers a free breakfast with hot and cold items. There's a modern bar inside the hotel, and a small roof terrace with gorgeous city views. Guests should compare rates with Hotel Laurus al Duomo, an upscale hotel offering views of the Duomo from some of its rooms.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Modern, mid-range boutique hotel with roof terrace offering beautiful city views
Hotel
Balestri makes a good first impression with its beautiful lobby, a space of vaulted ceilings, blue walls, and striking black-and-white marble floors. A black lacquered front desk, a pair of white leather armchairs, and purple-shaded floor lamps add to the contemporary style. Breakfast is served in a formal room with arched windows, wooden walls,
white linens, and emerald-colored chairs. Next to the
breakfast area, a brushed gold bar and a chic seating area outfitted with purple chairs
and a gray banquette gives a restful spot to enjoy a drink. But arguably the hotel's best feature is the small, wooden roof terrace with potted shrubs, wrought-iron chairs, and a wooden bench. It's here guests can relax and drink in a panoramic view of the city's rooftops.
Location
On the Arno River near Ponte Vecchio
The Hotel Balestri is in a particularly convenient location
for exploring Florence, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby. It’s
located on the Arno River within a five-minute walk to the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the
Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery. The Duomo is within a 10-minute
walk, and the airport can be reached in under a half-hour drive.
Rooms
Plain, modern rooms, some with balconies overlooking the river
A renovation in 2015 updated the hotel's guest rooms, which are decorated in a straightforward, minimal style. White walls, stained oak parquet flooring, white bedding, and dark leather headboards add to the overall neutral palette. The views vary per room -- some offer river views while others offer
postcard-worthy city views. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea
facilities, and minibars. Bathrooms are sleek and modern with rain showerheads in stand-up showers or shower/tub combos, makeup mirrors, and heated
towel racks. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the river.
Features
Lovely roof terrace with city views, free breakfast, and modern bar
The breakfast selection at Hotel Balestri is better
than average including European standards such as cereals, cheeses, cold cuts, pastries,
and juice, but with the addition of hot items like bacon, scrambled eggs, or
sausages. It's served in an attractive, wood-paneled dining room with elegance sconce lighting. The hotel bar is equally attractive set under vaulted ceilings. But the most attractive feature could be the roof terrace, where guests can sit and gaze over the city's rooftops. There is no full restaurant on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
