Holidays in Viareggio bag the best of both worlds.

On one hand, you’ve got the traditionally tranquil seaside town, with art nouveau and neo-classical buildings. And on the other hand, you’ve got a sparkling scene that’s bustling with shops, bars and restaurants. And what’s more, Viareggio holidays are all about getting up close and personal to nature, too. With miles of pale honey-coloured sand, fragrant pine forests and the Apuan Alps all on your doorstep – summer holidays to Viareggio are all about getting out there. Here is a small selection of hotels you can choose from for a break to this Tuscan delight!

Grand Hotel Royal 4*

Overview: In a prime location on the promenade this much-loved hotel has a sense of old time grandeur. This imposing turreted building has long been thought of as the symbol of Viareggio and one of the resort’s finest hotels.

A classic hotel of its period this was the first hotel to be built in Viareggio and it still recaptures the atmosphere of a time gone by. The Royal retains many of the features of yesteryear and has a faded elegance loved by its many happy guests. Beyond the grand entrance hall the restaurant has a domed glass ceiling and looks out over the tranquil gardens with its large swimming pool. The Royal is the only hotel in Viareggio with both a pool and a garden and Viareggio’s sandy beach lies just across the road from the hotel.

Meals: Restaurant and breakfast room,

Entertainment: Piano bar

Location: In the main town of Viareggio 20m from the shops, bars and restaurants

Room facilities: Twin bedrooms have bath or shower, air-conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer, minibar, rooms with limited sea view, sea view and balcony and single rooms available

No. of rooms: 114

Other facilities: Restaurant – Breakfast room – Bar – Lounge – Swimming pool (in season) – Pool bar – Private beach – Parking (payable) – Piano bar twice a week – Internet access (payable) – 24 hour reception – Safety deposit boxes – laundry service – Money exchange facilities – 2 lifts

Hotel President 4*

Overview: An attractive, refurbished and well-managed hotel, the Hotel President is located in the heart of Viareggio’s promenade. Opposite to the sandy beach and the cooling water of the sea and also to the central square of the town, the hotel is ideal for any traveller and especially for families and couples. The President offers comfortable bedrooms, a renovated bar, lounge and restaurant area. Beach service is free of charge for guests from 1 June to 30 September with one parasol and two deckchairs allocated per room.

Meals: Non-smoking restaurant with waiter service for the excellent a la carte breakfast (until 11:30am) and for evening meals

Entertainment: Large bar

Location: Opposite Viareggio beach, 300m to resort centre, 30m to shops, 20m to bus stop

Room facilities: 2 or 3 beds, Telephone, Satellite TV, hairdryer,Minibar, Free safety deposit box, Air-conditioning, Balcony, Limited seaview, Internet

No. of rooms: 50

No. of lifts: 1

Other facilities: Money exchange, Free bicycle hire available, Internet access, free access to beach club 200m away with outdoor pool and deckchairs or free access to the beach right in front of the hotel (30m distance) with 1 parasol and 2 deckchairs (both options available from the 1 June to 30 September)

Principe Di Piemonte Hotel 4*

A fine example of Belle Epoque splendour, this imposing building has been recently refurbished to a high standard. Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte enjoys a superb location just across from the town’s main promenade.

The hotel has recently been completely refurbished and there are some fine furnishings and original features throughout the main public rooms.

The hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group – a voyage through the history of the most aristocratic hotels influenced the decision to decorate the five floors each in a different style: international: art deco: colonial: empire and modern

Comfortable and wide public areas provide perfect settings in which to read, listen to music, sip an aperitif, relax on the veranda or just watch the sun set over the sea to the harmonious background of live piano music.

The magnificent dining room opens out onto a covered terrace where breakfast is served (weather permitting). Just across the main road lies a small private section of a larger beach where facilities including umbrellas, sunloungers and changing cabins are available at a charge.

Meals: restaurant with covered terrace for al fresco dining, bar and lounge

Activites: fitness centre and spa (payable locally)

Room facilities: double bed or twin beds, hill view (rear rooms), private bath or shower, air-conditioning minibar, safe, satellite TV, side sea and front sea view rooms available (at a supplement)

No. of rooms: 106

Other facilities: two restaurants, one with covered terrace for al fresco dining, bar and lounge, wine cellar with more than 400 labels