Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

It's hard to miss the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, as the multi-story stunner with a cream, balcony-laden facade that was built in 1922, takes up almost an entire city block. It's one of the first hotels on the main beach road in Viareggio, adding to the drama. Smartly dressed bellmen man the doors, and inside the lobby is finished with grand chandeliers, marble accents, and crown moldings. Seating is available in the ground floor lounge and restaurant, and there's a covered terrace area where guests can enjoy beach views from wicker furniture. Some original details include the tile floors in the Butterfly Room, used for events. Sparkling water, lemon-infused water, and apples are set out for guest enjoyment. Most guests are well-heeled families and couples on an elegant beach vacation. 

Grand Hotel Principe is located on the northern end of the main beach drag of Viareggio. It's just across a semi-busy street from beach clubs, public swimming pool (seasonal), the bike path, and pedestrian promenade. Note that this is the quieter end of the strip, and it's about a 15-minute walk down to the harbor with a larger concentration of restaurants, shops, gelato stands, and bars with sidewalk seating. Expect about a five-minute walk to the harbor, and a 10-minute walk in either direction leads to restaurants, shops, gelato stands, and bars with sidewalk seating. Upscale shopping (Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace) is available in nearby Forte dei Marmi, about a 20-minute drive. Pisa International Airport is a 30-minute drive; it's about 20 minutes to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It's about an hour's drive to Cinque Terre. 

Rooms are divided among five floors, and each floor has an entirely different design concept and theme. International rooms are on the first floor, working up to deco rooms on the second floor, imperial rooms on the third floor, colonial rooms on the fourth floor, and modern rooms on the fifth floor. All rooms are clean and well-maintained, but the design schemes may be a hit with some or a miss with others. For instance, deco rooms have Avant-garde art and leopard-print sofas, while modern rooms have an all-white aesthetic and clean lines. Amenities in all units include free Wi-Fi, electric key cards, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, kettles, and refrigerated minibars. Family Rooms include two twin beds and one double bed, plus two bathrooms. The Junior Imperial Suite has a regal look with white crown molding, a four-poster bed, and gorgeous beach views from two step-out balconies. Bathrooms range from small spaces with shower/tub combos, to enormous bathrooms with separate glass showers and whirlpool tubs. Etro toiletries, hairdryers, and slippers are provided. Some rooms have gorgeous ocean views, but a few on the first floor overlook the parking lot. Nightly turndown service is a lovely touch. 

It's hard to beat the Grand Hotel Principe when it comes to features. Piccolo Principe is the two-star Michelin restaurant, open for dinner in the spring, summer, and early fall. The menu focuses on innovative Italian seafood, and can be enjoyed in the dining room or outside by the rooftop pool. Regina restaurant is more casual, and open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service. The free breakfast buffet is truly gourmet with high quality Italian sweet and savory items, plus cappuccinos freshly made and served by staff. For drinks, the lobby bar is open quite late or guests can order a tipple by the pool. Pools are rare in Viareggio, and the heated pool with ocean views is a definite guest favorite. Another welcome feature is the full spa, which has a sauna, steam room, chromotherapy showers, and a full range of wellness treatments and professional grade therapies. For exercise, there's a modern fitness center up on the roof or bikes can be rented. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Garage parking incurs an extra charge. Excelsior Beach Club, across the street, offers sun loungers and a small restaurant for lunch.