Royal Victoria Hotel

"I fully endorse the above," wrote Teddy Roosevelt of this place in one of the antique guest books. It opened in 1839 as Pisa's first hotel, uniting several medieval towers and houses, and it's Pisa's only inn with any real character. The rooms on the Arno tend to be larger, as do the quieter (and cooler) ones installed in the remains of a tower dating from the 980s. There are many frescoed ceilings, and one room is a triumph of trompe l'oeil, including fake curtains painted on the walls surrounding the bed. They have several rooms with common doors that can be turned into family suites for four (with two separate bathrooms). The new small, plant-filled terrace is a lovely place to take drinks or sun surrounded by roof tiles. Although some rooms are very small and plain, in all you'll probably find yourself, as Ruskin did in terse simplicity, "always very comfortable in this inn."

Facilities:
Babysitting; bike rental; concierge; room service (breakfast, bar, and food from nearby restaurant)

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.