The best hotels in Pisa

What are the best hotels in Pisa?

Pisa has everything from intimate B&Bs and historic townhouses to spa retreats and grand old villas, so the right place to stay depends very much on what kind of escape you have in mind. If we had to choose just one from our selection, there’s a clear winner: Bagni di Pisa Hotel & Spa. A little outside the centre in San Giuliano Terme, this five star spa hotel is in a league of its own. Housed in the former summer residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, it has grand architectural details, landscaped grounds and views towards the Leaning Tower. The 18th century palace now has 40 rooms and suites, some retaining their original frescoes, while the overall style manages to feel luxurious without losing its old-world Tuscan character.

Pisa straddles the Arno just before it empties into the Ligurian Sea, and its wealth was built on maritime power, before the Roman period — in fact Virgil called it an old city — and current archaeological thinking puts its founding during the fifth century BC, when it was apparently right on the sea. So there’s A LOT more to Pisa than the tower, which only went up in the 12th century — and is actually leaning at less of an angle now that it was in the 1990s. Pisa has a fantastic list of museums and galleries, and because the city is so culturally and historically rich it’s blessed with a really varied festival calendar, so it’s a great destination for travellers looking to spice up their Italian trip with something a bit special.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Pisa.

The Best Places to Stay in Pisa

For Historic Charm

• Relais dell'Orologio is a wonderfully authentic 14th century townhouse in central Pisa, just a stone’s throw from the leaning tower, with 21 rooms and a wonderful atmosphere. We particularly like the unique blend of fabrics and furnishings, and the murals and frescoes against simple decor (and the air conditioning!). In addition there’s a generally proportioned sitting room where afternoon snacks and pastries are served daily, and they offer breakfast too.

For Romance

• Residenza D'Epoca B&B Santa Caterina has a rather grand name for a four bedroom B&B, but it’s thoroughly deserving! The expansively proportioned rooms are opulently decorated, with frescoes, intricate cornices, huge sash windows, antique furnishings and chandeliers. The most romantic rooms have four-poster beds. Breakfast is served in a grand salon, and you’ll certainly wake up feeling rather grand. Surprisingly affordable too.

For a Spa Break

• Bagni Di Pisa Hotel & Spa is a beautifully converted 18th century nobleman’s house idyllically positioned between Lucca and Pisa. Now a spa hotel, the villa’s original grand features have been largely retained, so there are spectacular pillars and frescoes in the huge lounge, and vaulted, painted ceilings in some of the 40 rooms and suites. The largest rooms feature living space and huge bathrooms. The spa has its own thermal waters, mud therapies, a traditional hammam, a chic pool and more. And there’s a great restaurant. Seriously spoiling!

For a B&B

• 7 Rooms is a wonderfully located B&B, in the heart of Pisa. Its range of rooms includes doubles, twins, triples, and quadruple rooms, some with private terraces. The decor is simple, with striking artworks and boldly coloured fabrics, and the breakfast room, and some of the guest rooms, have views of the leaning tower. Convenient and well priced, good for families too.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pisa has its own airport, Pisa Airport, and a major railway station. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport may also be a useful option. It’s about an hour away from Pisa by car, or about two hours by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The weather is at its nicest in the summer months, with the average daily temperature climbing to 23°C in July and August. However, this is peak tourist season and so if you want to avoid the crowds (and pay less for accommodation) then maybe September's a better bet. The weather is still around 20°C, perfect for sightseeing.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Tuscany,
• Include other local centres, like Lucca, or coastal towns like Forte dei Marmi or Viareggio on the Tuscan coast,
• Search by the type of accommodation, opting for the best family hotels in Tuscany, the best wine hotels in Tuscany, or the best B&Bs in Tuscany,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.