NH Pisa

Formerly the NH Cavalieri, NH Pisa is housed in a simple and unobtrusive, rectangular five-story brick building. Inside, the lobby feels fresh and contemporary with the sophisticated -- if generic -- business-y feel dominated by black, white, and cream-colored furnishings balanced with modern glass and chrome details. White sofas and square upholstered ottomans, on both the main and mezzanine levels, are gathered around coffee tables, giving guests multiple spots to lounge and relax. While the modern lobby decor may suggest a higher ranking, its rooms and amenities fall short of higher-pearl hotels. Still, it can't possibly be more convenient to the main train station, making it equally appealing to business travelers and tourists traveling by train.

NH Pisa's biggest selling point could be its stellar location -- it's directly across the street from Pisa's central train station, in a lively neighborhood with other hotels, restaurants, and shops. A 15-minute walk across the river will lead to even more eating, drinking, and shopping spots. Sightseers making a pilgrimage to the Leaning Tower of Pisa can walk there in about 25 minutes, and although it's a bit of a trek, it's a scenic route. Travelers can also spare there feet and opt to take the to the tower in about 15 minutes. Because of the hotel's proximity to the train station, it's an excellent base for exploring regional attractions outside of Pisa. Lucca is a 27-minute train ride, while Florence can be reached in as little as 50 minutes. Pisa International Airport is about 10 minutes away by public transit. Those driving their own car can park on site for an extra fee.

While their hardly memorable, rooms at the NH Pisa are comfortable and contemporary. Standard and Superior Rooms are similar when it comes to size, but there's a notable difference when it comes to decor and amenities. Standard Rooms are more generic and edging toward dated. Wood floors, beige walls, and light wood furnishings give a soft neutral backdrop, but artwork that could add a much-needed dose of color is missing. Superior Rooms, on the other hand, have been attractively renovated with kelly-green wallpaper accent walls and pale blond furniture. These rooms also add coffee/tea service and revamped bathrooms, with square vessel sinks, rainfall shower/tub combos, and sleek gray tiles; a stark difference from the beige tiling, traditional sinks, and handheld showerheads over the shower/tubs of Standards. Both Standards and Superiors are on the small side -- under 200 square feet. Those looking for more elbow room can upgrade to The Family Room or Junior Suite, both of which feature terraces (though these can be underwhelming), sitting areas, and can comfortably sleep three. Amenities across all categories include air-conditioning, nicely stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, digital safes, and free Wi-Fi. All bathrooms are kitted out with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and hotel-branded toiletries. 

While the NH Pisa's location is stellar and its renovated rooms are appealing, its lack of features can drag its rating down. There's no full-service restaurant or bar, though the lobby features a self-service courtesy area with a microwave as well as snacks, cold drinks, and coffee for sale. There's also a modern breakfast room where a daily breakfast buffet is set out with hot and cold options like pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon, though guests complain that with only one coffee machine, there can be a bit of a line for the morning's caffeine fix. No other meals are served, and the advertised room service is limited to breakfast. Another missing feature is a hotel gym, but five meeting rooms are on hand to cater to any number of events. Other features include a 24-hour front desk, laundry service, luggage storage, and some concierge services. On-site parking costs an extra fee, though Wi-Fi is free in both rooms and common spaces. Cats and dogs are welcome for an extra nightly fee and children's bedding is available.