Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze

The modern architecture and attention to design at UNA Hotel Versilia make for a nice change from the usual classic hotels in the area. White, glass, and natural light dominate throughout the building. White wicker chairs and sofas topped with white cushions and embellished throw pillows are grouped on hardwood floors in the lobby. Upstairs, the rooftop terrace has the same furniture and white awnings to block the sun. Panoramic views of the beach and water are a highlight. The clientele consists mostly of international tourists who appreciate the finer things (and are willing to pay for them), though kids are welcome and catered to as well.

The property is located on a long street that runs along the coast and is just 30 meters from a blue-flag sandy beach. On the seaside you'll find endless bathing clubs that rent chairs and facilities to the public. The other side of the neighborhood consists mostly of hotels, though there is a large supermarket nearby for stocking up on essentials. There's hardly any traffic and noise isn't an issue. Parking is ample and free; two rarities in this part of Italy. Lido Train Station is two miles away from the hotel; it's a convenient way to get to Pisa via train.

There are 99 rooms at UNA Hotel Versilia; the majority of them are junior suites. All rooms have LCD TVs with Sky satellite channels, minibars, and private furnished balconies. The decor is modern and minimalist with hardwood floors, white linens, and wicker and Lucite furniture. Pops of orange and blue are added via throw pillows and bed runners. Views vary from sea-facing to overlooking the entrance of the hotel. Bathrooms are spacious with full bathtubs and blue vanity counters. Slippers and robes are a nice touch. Two-room apartments are a great choice for families who want to cook. This option has a full refrigerator, stove, and sink -- it's a bigger kitchen than you'll find in most Manhattan apartments.

The free breakfast buffet gets rave reviews from guests. It's loaded with local produce, several types of specialty coffees, eggs and breakfast meats, plus pastries and a juice bar. A la carte Tuscan style breakfast and dinner are served at UNA Restaurant or seasonally by the pool. Wine and cocktails are served with free nibbles throughout the day on the rooftop terrace.

The on-site spa offers a Turkish bath and dry sauna. Massages and beauty treatments are available with reservations and the hotel offers several types of wellness packages. Outside, there's a tennis court and free bike rentals. Small pets are allowed at the hotel during certain times of the year but there's an extra cleaning fee for them.

Though the hotel is located close to the beach, the swimming pool options shouldn't be missed. The outdoor (seasonal) pool is a nice size and framed with chic white loungers and retractable awnings. Drinks and snacks can be ordered during the day. A pool attendant is on-hand to provide orange towels. In the summer, the hotel hosts a weekly pool party with a DJ spinning 70s music. Free snacks and cocktails are passed to guests.

Indoors, the smaller pool has a hydro-massage feature and views of the garden grounds through plate glass windows.