Location. The Hotel Balestri in Florence, Italy, is located on the River Arno and within 300 metres of the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, Uffizi art gallery and Piazza Della Signoria. Florence Vespucci Airport (FLR) is 12 kilometres away. Hotel Features. The Hotel Balestri is set in a 15th-century building on the banks of the River Arno. The palazzo-style hotel offers views of neighbouring gardens and the river. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide information on Florence attractions.

The Delle Grazie café bar serves light bites, sandwiches, aperitifs and nightcaps. A complimentary breakfast is available.

The Hotel Balestri has a meeting room for small groups and high- speed Internet connections (surcharge) in public areas.

Guests receive discounted use of a nearby fitness centre.

Guestrooms. The Hotel Balestri's 46 air-conditioned guestrooms feature modern designs and pastel furnishings. Rooms have satellite television, minibars, safes and opening windows.

Expert Tip. Guests should purchase tickets in advance for Florence's Uffizi and Accademia art galleries.

Room Types:

Standard Double:   One double or two twin beds. Light, modern decor and soft pastel furnishings. Air conditioning, minibar, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer.

Driving Directions: From Florence Vespucci Airport (FLR): Distance to Hotel Balestri is 12 kilometres, approximately 40 minutes' drive.

Getting there. Taxis into the city centre cost approximately 15 EUR-16 EUR, and the journey time is 15 minutes. An airport bus departs for Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station every 30 minutes. Single tickets cost 6 EUR. Terravision coaches travel to central Florence and Pisa Airport. Tickets cost 12 EUR, and the price includes a one-day pass for Florence's city buses. Taxis then take guests to the hotel. Prices are all subject to change.

Getting around. The hotel is located on Piazza Mentana, 300 metres from the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Florence is compact and easily explored on foot. There are traffic restrictions in the city centre, and parking is expensive. Bright orange buses operate throughout the city centre. Tickets are available at vending machines or from tobacconists. Tickets are sold based on length of time, and are available for one, two or 24 hours. There is a taxi rank in front of Santa Maria Novella Station. Parking is available nearby (surcharge).