Located in the Tuscany region of Italy, Pisa is like an open-air museum in itself. Its iconic symbol, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is an architectural marvel which is a testament to the ingenuity of medieval engineers, and an emblem of the city’s rich heritage.
This lively metropolis is full to the brim with cultural events, and its historic charm is blended seamlessly with a youthful vibe. With its quaint narrow streets, picturesque piazzas, soul-soothing river, and rich cuisine, Pisa is a city which ignites all the senses at once.
Pisa is also home to an eclectic hotel scene, and throughout the past 10 years, I have stayed in accommodations ranging from cosy boutique villas to grand architectural wonders. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Pisa, Italy (in no particular order)…
1. Grand Hotel Duomo – a beautiful newly renovated and elegant hotel where guests can enjoy Insta-worthy views overlooking the city
Welcoming you to the ancient heart of the city, Grand Hotel Duomo offers an exclusive position overlooking the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you will be a guest of a prestigious mansion, and be greeted by exceptional hospitality traditions throughout your stay.
I thoroughly enjoyed savouring the local cuisine in the on-site restaurant, which opens onto a panoramic terrace where you can gaze upon the majestic architectural presence of the city as you dine.
The luxurious parquet-floored rooms soar over the roofs of Pisa’s historic buildings, and combine a classic taste with modern furnishing elements.
Marble and wood come together in a sumptuous design throughout the hotel’s chic communal areas, where you can take a refreshing break from the city’s fast-paced dynamism.
2. San Ranieri Hotel – a contemporary, stylish and vibrant hotel moments away from local popular attractions
Here we have one of my favourite Pisa hotels. It is a wondrous urban oasis steeped in the eclecticism of contemporary and sophisticated vintage patterns, with all that the city has to offer at your fingertips.
A flavourful menu of Pisan and Tuscan cuisine is served in the plant-lined Squisitia restaurant, which is distinguished by its highly skilled staff and its homemade ingredients.
Happy Hour at the on-site Wave Bar is a vibrant affair, where crafted cocktails and Italian wines greet you after an action-packed day of sightseeing. Red dominated in my cosy amenity-laden guestroom, which added a touch of flamboyancy to my stay.
3. Casale La Sterpaia – a family-friendly, unique and peaceful hotel surrounded by the picturesque nature
Set within the jaw-dropping landscape of the San Rossore National Park, this old farmhouse boasts 22 intimate guestrooms that overlook a luxuriant garden.
Beautifully contrasting many of Pisa’s inner-city hotels, this peaceful abode invites you to rediscover an authentic connection with mother nature.
You can engage in excursions within the surrounding park, which include horseback riding and outdoor sports. The staff were always on hand to help me plan such activities. Each day here begins with a smile, as you savour the fresh air and observe the spectacle of foxes, wild boars, and fawns roaming the area.
4. Pisa Tower Plaza – a new, modern upscale hotel in a location perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
This is one of the most renowned 5-star hotels in the entire Tuscan region. Its brand-new luxury concept is rooted in exquisite attention to detail, with unique elements exuding a captivating design.
My room came with an enviable view of the Piazza dei Miracoli from a panoramic terrace, but for total seclusion, there are also spacious apartments on offer. The expansive outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by greenery and features two hydromassage areas inviting you to rejuvenate your body and mind.
The hotel’s solarium area is the perfect spot to end the day with a delicious cocktail, and the exquisite poolside restaurant offers a moment of total elegance under the starry sky.
5. Villa Noemi Bed & Breakfast – a cute, cool and boutique-style B&B offering guests on-site bike hire for a fun way to explore the area
In my cosy classic room at Villa Noemi, a striking green wall acted as a canvas for the antique décor, setting the tone for a peaceful reprieve.
The historic elements are however blissfully contrasted by modern amenities, and the complimentary cookies in the room are a nice touch. There are however larger rooms which open up to private plant-lined patios, providing ample space to kick back and unwind.
The property flaunts a quaint garden, where plants and flowers enclose a handful of swinging chairs and coffee tables, inviting you to savour a glass of wine during golden hour. On-site I was able to hire a bike, which made exploring the city’s streets much more fun and convenient.
6. Villa Tower Inn – a classic, fancy and spacious boutique accommodation within walking distance of the Piazza dei Miracoli
Structurally characterized by a stone and brick dichotomy and a large sloping roof, this Old-World masterpiece offers a majestic setting to house you on your epic city break.
One of my favourite features was the central terrace, decorated by geometric elements and balustrades of small pillars, allowing me to truly soak up Pisa’s historic charm.
Inspired by an authentic Tuscan panache, the property is graced by decorative motifs and scintillating works of art, and is backed by a quaint tree-framed garden. Out here, I kickstarted each day with a delicious homemade breakfast, soundtracked by a harmony of nature and city roar.
7. AC Hotel – a trendy, modern and chic hotel with Instagrammable features in close proximity to the famous sights of the city
Enjoying a strategic location in the heart of Pisa’s business district, with easy access to the Piazza dei Miracoli, this modern, avant-garde hotel adds a refined spirit to your city break.
Smooth décor dresses the interiors, which are brought to light with ambient tones and polished wooden floors. One of my favourite communal spaces in the city, the AC Lounge invites you to savour the most authentic and innovative Tuscan dishes, and is graced by an eclectic vibe.
You can also enjoy a 24-hour Technogym Fitness Room to reenergize, or retreat to your blissful sanctuary where plush linens and state-of-the-art furnishings are featured.
8. NH Pisa – a bright, modern and stylish accommodation with a central location, perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
I thought NH Pisa was the perfect base camp from which to dive into this eclectic city. It is located right opposite the main entrance to Pisa Centrale railway station, and a short stroll from the UNESCO-listed monuments.
The hotel occupies a modern block, and its unassuming exterior gives way to a bright and stylish interior. Framed by potted plants, the marble-floored lobby is a charming space to kick back and relax and is overlooked by a peaceful mezzanine level with further seating areas.
The hotel’s breakfast served on the ground floor came with delicious homemade pastries and fresh local dishes, and provided me with the fuel for an action-packed day in and around the bustling metropolis.
9. B&B Live09 Design – a vibrant, hip and funky B&B providing guests with a delicious continental buffet breakfast each morning
Standing elegantly in a quiet residential area, this charming B&Bis a joyful blend of minimalism and functionality and is dressed in vivid colours, soft natural hues, and cosy boutique décor.
When I arrived at night time, the exterior was pleasantly lit in an ambient blue tone, and I was able to park my car directly outside my room.
The room was spacious and classy and came with a comfy seating area, a plush king-sized bed, and a lavish bathroom. Each morning, the buffet breakfast showcases a rich variety of homemade foods, which can be enjoyed either indoors or in the garden under a gazebo.
10. Vecchio Granaio – a tranquil, cosy and charming B&B featuring BBQ facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful garden
Set amid sumptuous greenery in the Pisan countryside, Vecchio Granaio boasts a beautifully manicured garden framed by soaring trees and shrubbery, where you will find a gorgeous wooden-decked pool.
A large amount of my time here was spent soaking up the charm within the garden’s hangout areas, which include a shaded patio and a poolside sunbathing space. The accommodations are named according to colour.
My partner and I stayed in the red room with the walls and bed linens dressed accordingly, and a pot of roses oozed a romantic ambiance. The rest of the property evokes a family atmosphere and contains framed photos pertaining to the region’s beautiful past.
11. Rinascimento Bed & Breakfast – a unique, beautiful and elegant B&B located in the heart of the city
Set inside a medieval tower house in the historic centre of Pisa, this graceful Bed & Breakfast exudes timeless elegance through its period antiques and old-world décor.
When you’re not out exploring, the room balconies invite you to spend a peaceful afternoon gazing out across the city’s eclectic streets and famous monuments.
The in-room experience is a fresh rendition of bygone-era grandeur, with large four poster beds set underneath quirky, bespoke ceiling paintings from which the chandeliers hang.
The hotel also offers a blissful dining experience in an intimate space where Italian cuisine is served and accompanied by delicious Tuscan wines.
12. Villa Gini – an art deco, bright and historic B&B where guests can experience a relaxing stay
This Art Deco style villa dating from 1930 is situated in the heart of Pisa, and provides an idyllic base for exploring the city’s wonders on foot. I felt a pure family presence here, rooted in elegance and refinement.
The original decorations exude peace and tranquillity and include vivid tapestries which give the guestrooms a cocooning feel. The soothing wooden décor, the period antiques, and the marble hues contributed to a feeling of old-world opulence.
I thought the breakfast was exemplary, and it was served both in the hotel’s serene garden and in the cosy breakfast room. It consisted of local products and Tuscan specialities.
To book, check prices or availability for Villa Gini
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
