Hotel Balestri – WTB Hotels

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Florence hotels, and Hotel Balestri honestly surprised me in the best way. You know how some places promise you’re “steps from everything” but then you’re actually huffing it fifteen minutes with your luggage? Not here. Piazza Mentana sits right in that sweet spot where you can literally see the Uffizi from some rooms – I mean, we’re talking maybe a three-minute walk to one of the world’s most famous art museums. But here’s the thing that really got me: it doesn’t feel touristy inside. The lobby has this understated elegance that feels more like stepping into a well-appointed Florentine home than another cookie-cutter hotel.

The staff actually knows the neighborhood, which sounds basic but you’d be amazed how rare that is. When I asked about dinner recommendations, the concierge didn’t just hand me a generic list – he asked what I was in the mood for, then sent me to this tiny osteria on Via dei Neri where locals actually eat (and where I had the best ribollita of my life, honestly). The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid four-star – comfortable beds, decent bathrooms, that classic Italian attention to detail in the furnishings. Nothing groundbreaking, but everything works and feels thoughtfully chosen. I particularly loved the little touches, like the way they’d arranged fresh flowers that actually complemented the room’s color scheme instead of just plunking down generic roses.

What really sets Balestri apart though is how it sits in the city. You’re literally around the corner from the Arno, so morning walks along the river become this effortless daily ritual. The Santa Croce area is right there too – less crowded than the Duomo district but still plenty to explore. Parking is… well, it’s Florence, so forget about driving, but the location means you can walk to pretty much everything worth seeing. I stayed here during shoulder season in October, and while the tourist crowds were definitely present, the hotel itself maintained this calm, almost residential feel. The soundproofing is solid too, which matters when you’re this central. Even with the windows open on those perfect Tuscan evenings, the street noise never became intrusive. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re living in Florence rather than just visiting it, if that makes sense. For the price point and that 9.1 rating, I totally get why people keep coming back.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $211. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $267. Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $295. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $309. Premium Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $318. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony and River View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $337. Superior Apartment -Separate Building with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $281. Superior Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $398. Junior Suite with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $426. Junior Suite with Balcony with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $463. Deluxe Apartment -Separate Building with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $561. Family Room with 2 large double beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Central but away from the crowds. – Lorraine from Ireland – 4 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location walking distance to historical centre but located just far enough away for a quiet location. Spotlessly clean. Beautiful room with a view of the Duomo. Helpful friendly professional staff.

• Great location and delightful breakfast – Adrienne from United States – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location was ideal and the hotel very comfortable and nicely decorated. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet with an extensive assortment of delectable choices.
  
  What could be improved: No one’s fault, but the second night with no AC on a very hot night was not fun. There was a power outage in the city which somehow affected the AC in the whole hotel. We were jet lagged and very hot. The hotel brought us a small fan, but we had to rearrange our beds in order to get the most coverage. We tried leaving windows open at night but then the mosquitoes feast upon us. Again, we don’t blame the hotel, but it was a rough night with little sleep.

• My second time staying at Balestri.Great location,same amazing welcome & service, thank you 😃 – Amal from United States – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Central location with bonus view of the river. Friendly staff, clean comfortable rooms. This will be my to go hotel in Florence!

• Very good – Daria from Israel – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

  Super location and very friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: You expect more for this price range

• Very comfortable and friendly hotel in prime position .| – Beryl from United Kingdom – 11 May 2025 (8/10)

  Location was excellent – easy walking distance to all main sites
  Breakfast dining room was elegant and staff very friendly and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast was not bad but room for improvement . Bread even cut straight from a new loaf was always a bit dry and eggs did not stay hot in the hot plate .
  Beware if you arrive by car there is no parking on site and although there is a valet service for parking and delivers within a short time should you need the car it is a very expensive charge – approx 35-40 euros per night depending on size of car .

• Excellent stay and loved the hotel, including the bar and restaurant. – Michael from United States – 9 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, including location, staff, cleanliness and breakfast were great. The room was a bit on the smaller side but we had windows on two sides and great views of the Arno river and the surrounding buildings.

• Terrific! – Kathleen from United States – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  Well-located, first -class staff; modern, efficient, and quiet rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Lighting control was too complex but the staff response to the problem was excellent.

• Great location – lovely stay – James from United Kingdom – 16 April 2025 (10/10)

  Location
  Staff
  Cleanliness
  Service
  
  What could be improved: Limited facilities
  Small room

• Perfect location – Arkın from Turkey – 5 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location, staff, cleanliness, spaciousness
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast buffet

• Exceptional – Polnick from Canada – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great stay – thanks! Stay was too short

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities