Hotel Biondi

Hotel Biondi is a little gem in a central spot, making it easy to reach the main parts of Tuscany. We were on the fourth floor in a lovely room at the side of the hotel. It was large and had what we expected, including a fridge for drinks, a safe with a €5 key deposit, a hairdryer, extra blankets, and a TV. Best of all was the most comfortable pillow I've ever slept on. I slept well all week. The owners used to bring their dachshunds to sit behind reception, and they were gorgeous. Drinks were reasonably priced, and we could settle the bill at the end of our stay. The restaurant was lovely, with hardworking, helpful staff. Every evening we had a four-course meal with wine and water at the table. Breakfast offered a good range of continental choices plus some hot options, and the machine coffee was tasty. The staff were so friendly, especially when they saw us trying to speak a little Italian. We learned our room number so we could give it when asking for drinks or keys. We were very happy with our coach trip stay and would consider visiting again when we're next in Tuscany.

The only thing I enjoyed was the food, so shout out to the chefs. Otherwise the hotel felt old and gross. We found cobwebs on the ceiling, towels shoved under the bedding, flickering bathroom lights, and a general lack of cleanliness. The front desk staff were incredibly rude and unhelpful. We were also charged an extra £2 per towel. The beds barely seemed to have mattresses, almost like sleeping on the floor. Every room is different, so maybe you could get lucky, but we didn't. I'd never come back, and wish I could give it zero stars.

The owners and staff were so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. We had a balcony room on the side of the hotel with fabulous views. Hotel Biondi is an older place with some lovely art deco details, and it's conveniently located in Montecatini, an easy walk from the piazza and close to the park.

I'm shocked and very disappointed by what I saw at breakfast. An elderly person in the restaurant wanted to pour some water using a cup, and two Italian staff members yelled at him loudly and rudely, calling him stupid. Isn't Italy supposed to show respect for elderly people and women? It felt very ironic to see this happen.