Hotel Balestri - Florence, Italy     

My wife and I just returned from a 15 day trip through France and Italy, and this hotel was the best of all that we stayed in. The location was perfect, right on the river, with wonderful views and restaurants/winebars/etc. all within a couple minute walk. There is also a great English bookstore two blocks away in case you forgot that travel book like we did. The title of my review says 5th floor a must as that's where we stayed (room 503). It was just incredible, more like a suite than a room. There are only 4 rooms on the 5th floor, 2 that face the river and 2 that face Il Duomo. The ones facing the river have their own private balconies with a table and 2 chairs that's embedded in the roof so you have complete privacy. The other side of our room had a portal window that framed Il Duomo, got a great picture of that. The rooms that face the city, share a large balcony with chairs and a couch and table. I would recommend this hotel to anyone, anytime if they can get the 5th floor, the lower floors have many more rooms so may be smaller, not sure.

We had a lovely stay at this hotel, and especially enjoyed being able to take evening strolls along the river to Ponte Vecchio! The hotel is central, staff were friendly, good breakfast and spacious room. Can't fault this hotel!