Hotel Bristol

The staff were lovely and helpful, and the hotel felt clean, fresh, and well organized. We’d definitely come back. It’s a typical modern Italian hotel, with a very clean, tidy room, electric window shutters, and exceptionally good air conditioning. Our room looked over the pool. There’s also a lovely modern pool and a tennis court. Despite being on a busy road, it was calm and we didn’t hear noise. Free bikes let us ride more than ten miles on the surrounding roads, including to the local beaches and marina about two miles away. The beaches charge for access, and unlike in the UK, different companies use separate sections. Breakfast was relaxed and continental, with a wide selection of good-quality cereal, fruit, juice, and pastries.

The staff seemed proud of the hotel and really wanted guests to enjoy their stay. I felt welcomed and well looked after. The place isn’t luxurious, but the service is better than you might expect. Renovation work was happening on the exterior, so scaffolding covered the front, though it didn’t otherwise affect me. My room was clean and at a comfortable temperature, but fairly bare, with just a bed, small desk, and television. The bathroom had a shower, toilet, sink, and bidet, and the floors were tiled, as in many Italian hotels. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the town’s main strip, in a neighborhood of holiday homes and well-to-do residences. In December the town felt a bit empty, with many businesses renovating, running reduced service, or closed for winter while waiting for summer.

Enrico, the manager, made us feel very welcome during our five lovely days here. He was always happy to share useful advice about local beaches, restaurants, transport, and attractions. We enjoyed the wide breakfast selection, the comfortable rooms, and spending time by the delightful pool. Convenience stores are close by, and transport links to Pisa and beyond are good. A perfect base if you want somewhere quiet and relaxed while exploring the area.

We came for a few relaxing beach days after Firenze and Pisa, and I’d happily return. We spent hours enjoying the great pool, with its small whirlpool, deckchairs, shade umbrellas, and little poolside bar. The hotel is extremely clean, and the staff are exceptionally friendly and capable, with good tips on things to see and do. Rooms have automatic blinds, AC, and WiFi, and bikes are free to use. We took bus 010 from Pisa and to Livorno. Stops are about a 12-minute walk away, and tickets are available at the Tabbachi next to the hotel. There’s a Coop supermarket by the bus stop, plus different bars and restaurants in that area. Breakfast was a good Swedish-table style.