Viale Giosue' Carducci 5, Viareggio, Italy | (888) 399-9863
Walkable and bikable location across the street from the promenade and ocean
Classic rooms with refrigerated minibars and large bathrooms; some ocean views
Breakfast included, and half-board rates available
Substantial breakfast spread includes hot items and sparkling wine
Italian restaurant open in the evenings
Charming lobby with a full bar
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Partnership with Irene Beach Bar for discounted beach chairs
No parking
Restaurant closed for lunch
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel President offers some of the most elegant and clean rooms in one of the best locations in Viareggio, directly across the street from the promenade, bike lane, and beach. The 50 rooms are classically decorated and feature spacious bathrooms. Many of them have furnished balconies and either partial or full sea views. All rates include a gourmet breakfast buffet that offers hot items and sparkling wine. Half-board rates add Italian seafood dinner in the refined dining room. There's a lovely drawing room with a full bar. The biggest downside is the lack of parking, though there's a nearby garage and metered street parking. The hotel partners with a nearby beach club for discounted sun loungers. For something with parking and a pool, check rates down the street at Sina Astor.
Scene
Classic Italian style and antique furnishings
Hotel President was originally built in the 1940s, and was most recently renovated in 2003. Today, the vibe is classic with elegant antique furnishings, especially in the formal drawing room. The relaxing space is decorated with gold-framed oil portraits, crystal chandeliers and wall sconces, and clusters of leather and floral upholstered sofas and armchairs. A large bar offers Italian liqueurs for aperitifs and wines. The reception area features Roman statues and a black and gold color scheme. The adjacent restaurant and breakfast room has a lovely covered terrace for views of the park and beach across the street. Guests are a mix of Italian vacationers and international tourists, plus lots of tour groups. Kids are welcome, but most visitors are adults.
Location
Across the street from Viareggio's beach, bike, and promenade
Hotel President has an ideal location on the main drag in Viareggio. It's directly across the semi-busy two-way street from the beach, pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants and shops, and the dedicated bike line. The bike lane extends north along the beach for miles, a popular activity for visitors. Beach clubs are also common in the area, and Hotel President has a partnership with the nearby Irene Beach Club for discounts on sun loungers. It's about a 10-minute walk to the marina. For day trips to Cinque Terre, expect about a 60-minute drive. Lucca is about a 30-minute drive. It's a 30-minute drive to Pisa for the Leaning Tower and the Pisa International Airport.
Rooms
Elegant and classic rooms with flat-screen TVs and some beautiful sea views
Room categories differ mainly by view and decor, but the same amenities are found across the board. Amenities include: free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with a few English channels, refrigerated minibar, air-conditioning, and an electronic safe. Classic Rooms are the most affordable option, and these units usually have blue wall-to-wall carpeting, large wooden armoires with mirrored doors, and twin beds placed side by side. Spacious bathrooms feature marble accents and large showers. Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Large windows offer partial sea views. Exclusive Rooms are far more spacious and have a bold blue color scheme, along with white tiled floors and white furniture. Larger bathrooms provide a step-in shower and black vanity. Two furnished balconies showcase beach and park views.
Features
Free gourmet breakfast, Italian seafood restaurant for dinner, and discounts at nearby beach club
Features are aimed at vacationers who appreciate the calm atmosphere of the hotel. All rates include a gourmet breakfast with hot items like bacon and scrambled eggs, along with a huge selection of specialty cheeses, cured meats, pastries, fresh fruit, espresso, and sparkling wine. Half-board packages upgrade to an Italian seafood coursed dinner, but the restaurant is closed for lunch. There's a full bar in the drawing room for guests who want an alcoholic beverage. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Front desk staff can assist with bike rentals, directions to a nearby parking garage, and dinner reservations. The hotel partners with Irene Beach Club, where guests can rent discounted beach chairs.