Student's Hostel Gowett - Toscana - Livorno

We spent a week here for work and had a really wonderful time. The hostel has a 1970s feel, but everything works well. Whether you need a stopover, a nature break, or somewhere for work, it fits the bill. The traditional food was top-notch, and I ate very well. It's a great hostel in Campiglia Marittima, surrounded by unspoiled nature, a stone quarry, and a mineral mine. Compliments to Alessio and the staff. Special mention to Piero, an 80-year-old man who's always around and attentive. Best wishes from Italy.

It's wonderfully quiet here, and the rooms are clean, simple, and very basic. The accommodation is competitively priced. The one drawback is that Wi-Fi only works in the common areas, not in the rooms, but you can manage. If you want a break from stress and crowded cities, this is an ideal spot for countryside walks and hikes. The San Silvestro archaeological-mining park, Rocca di San Silvestro, and the ancient mines are just steps away. I'd recommend visiting all of them, they're well worth it. San Vincenzo beach is about 10-15 km away, including a dog beach, and Rimigliano Park is also nearby for nice walks.

On our school trip, we found worms, bedbugs, and spiders in the rooms. I know we're in the countryside and it's a "hostel," but a basic level of decency should still be expected. The tap water smelled like sewer, and phone service and internet were practically nonexistent.

The staff deserve credit, especially Karzan, the young man who served us the first time. He was very helpful and empathetic. The building is dated but beautiful, in a lovely location high up just below the mountain. Our room was fairly clean, though the faucet didn't work and the bathroom was small. The food and breakfast were okay, with jams, biscuits, and coffee from a machine, but I wouldn't recommend them. The yogurts were plain, at least during our stay.