Lungomare Carducci 44, Viareggio, Italy | (251) 219-4428
Turn-of-the-century Art-Nouveau landmark hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Seasonal pool surrounded by well-tended gardens with hammocks
Located across the road from Viareggio's golden sandy beaches
Front-facing rooms have sea views, some with balconies
Access to private beach with lounge chairs and parasols
Fine dining and cocktail bar on-site
Free breakfast and Wi-Fi
Bike rentals available
Some interiors show signs of wear
Charge for parking
Private beach rates are expensive
As you approach the three-pearl Best Western Grand Hotel Royal, it's easy to forget this is a chain property and hard not to be impressed by the beautiful grandeur of the building's 1900s Art-Nouveau facade. Much of the interior also has a certain wow factor, though some hallways and rooms could use a bit of freshening up. The pool and gardens are a real highlight, and the private beach is a bonus, but it's pricey to use (typical to the area). Rates are reasonable for this type of hotel, but can vary a lot depending on room type. Expect to pay a fair bit extra for a room with a sea view. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are included.
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Scene
Gorgeous Art-Nouveau facade overlooking seaside promenade and backed by pretty gardens
Look through a set of wrought-iron gates guarded by twin lion statues and find the imposing and elegant 1900s Art-Nouveau facade of the Grand Hotel Royal, an iconic Viareggio seafront landmark that was once a private mansion. The lobby is done up in a similar vein, with elegant antique furnishings, tasseled drapery, and crystal chandeliers. A central marble staircase with ornately carved balustrades is particularly impressive, although furnishings showing small signs of wear detract from the otherwise regal interiors. Behind the property is a pretty, well-tended grassy garden with flowering shrubs and rock-lined paths.
Location
Overlooking Viareggio's seaside promenade on Italy's northwest coast
The hotel looks over the Viareggio seaside on the northwest coast of Italy. The area's long sandy beaches are just a block away, while the promenade directly in front of the beach stretches for two miles. It's lined with designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Both Lucca and Pisa are 20-30 minutes away by car, while Florence takes just over an hour to reach. The nearest airport is Pisa International, a half an hour-drive away.
Rooms
Front-facing rooms have sea views, some with balconies
The Grand Hotel Royal has 114 rooms and suites, all of which are simply decorated with antique-style furnishings and tiled flooring. They're a bit plain compared to the elaborate common areas and facade. Art on the walls would go a long way to add interest. Modern comforts include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Front-facing rooms have views over the seafront, though only some also have balconies. Expect to pay a premium for the best views. Bathtub/shower combinations are standard. Toiletries and a wall-mounted hairdryer are provided.The cheapest, smallest rooms have particularly tiny bathrooms and some rooms show signs of wear.
Features
Large swimming pool, free breakfast, and pricey beach facilities
The hotel features include a chic swimming pool (open May to September) that's surrounded by comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas in a well-tended garden. The garden has a few hammocks and guests can drink cocktails from the on-site bar while swinging under the shade of a pine tree. Guests also have access to a private beach directly opposite the hotel, though daily rates are pricey -- as they are throughout Viareggio. The hotel's elegant restaurant offers fine Italian dining, and light meals and drinks can be taken outside on the patio. Daily breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi are free. Bikes can be rented from the front desk.
