Pros

  • 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
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Cons

  • No fitness center, pool, or spa
  • No full restaurant on-site
  • Sparse decor in rooms
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Bottom Line

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. 

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Amenities

  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Balestri

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Balestri

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. 

See More Scene

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. 

See More Location

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.

See More Rooms

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. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Room Service

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.