Hotel Montebello

The hotel is widely recognized for its excellent value for money and its central location, making it a convenient base for exploring the town and surrounding areas. Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness of the premises and the generally kind and helpful staff as key positive aspects of their stay. This establishment is particularly well-suited for sightseers and explorers due to its proximity to the train station, allowing easy access to nearby cities like Lucca and Pisa. Budget-conscious travelers will also find it appealing given the consistent praise for its affordability. While many rooms are comfortable, some guests note that room sizes can vary, with some offering exceptionally large balconies. To ensure a smooth experience, be aware that private parking is not available, but convenient paid street parking with a hotel agreement is an option.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed regarding their functionality and availability. Many rooms feature a balcony or large terrace, which guests appreciate, though some note the absence of seating. Feedback on air conditioning and heating is varied; while some rooms are comfortably regulated, others report issues with units being noisy, ineffective, or leading to rooms being too hot or cold. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it unreliable. While some rooms include a minibar or fridge, others do not, and guests sometimes wish for complimentary water. Televisions are present, but their size varies, and some guests experienced non-functional units or limited power outlets. The ground floor features a nicely decorated bar and lounge area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained, with daily housekeeping and fresh towels. However, some isolated reports mention initial cleanliness issues, such as dust, hair, or stained towels. The room condition varies significantly; while many find rooms modern, comfortable, and spacious, others describe them as worn, small, or having low ceilings, with some fixtures showing signs of age or disrepair. Bed comfort also receives mixed feedback, with some guests enjoying a restful sleep on comfortable beds, while others found them too firm or noted that double beds were two singles pushed together. Bathrooms are often described as clean, but some are noted as tiny, lacking sufficient counter space or towel rails, or having inconsistent water pressure in the shower. Noise levels are generally considered quiet, though some guests experienced disturbances from neighboring rooms due to thin walls or external motor sounds.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel elicits varied opinions from guests. Most guests describe it as good, varied, and abundant, offering a selection of both sweet and savory items such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, cold cuts, and pastries. However, some guests found the breakfast to be simple, average, or even scant, with limited choices, dry bread, or a lack of fresh fruit. The dinner and restaurant service receive highly polarized feedback. While some guests praise the food as excellent, varied, and satisfying, a significant number, particularly those on tour groups, describe the dinner as appalling, disgusting, or inedible, citing repetitive menus and poor quality. Issues like raw pancakes and stale croissants were also reported. Similarly, the restaurant staff are either commended for their friendliness or criticized for being rude and unhelpful, with some instances of perceived hostility.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the town center, shops, and restaurants. Its strategic position also makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Tuscany region, with the train station conveniently close for day trips to cities like Lucca, Pisa, and Florence. The surrounding area is generally described as quiet and peaceful. Regarding parking, the hotel does not offer private facilities. Instead, guests utilize paid street parking, often marked with blue lines, which is available nearby. The hotel has an agreement with the municipality, allowing guests to purchase a daily parking ticket valid throughout the town, which many find convenient despite the lack of dedicated on-site parking.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably divided among guests. Many guests consistently praise the staff as exceptionally friendly, kind, helpful, and attentive, highlighting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests and provide a warm welcome. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. Housekeeping is also frequently commended for its daily service and prompt towel changes. Conversely, a significant number of reviews, particularly from those traveling with tour groups, describe some staff members as rude, unhelpful, or even hostile, citing instances of poor customer service and unpleasant interactions. This stark contrast in experiences suggests that service quality can vary depending on individual circumstances or group affiliations.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently praised for its excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. It also maintains a pet-friendly policy, with some guests noting no additional charge for their animal companions. While the hotel has undergone renovations in its common areas, some guest rooms may still reflect an older style. A recurring theme in reviews, particularly from large tour groups, indicates a significantly different and often negative experience compared to individual travelers, especially concerning dining and staff interactions. Guests should be aware that some rooms may lack a kettle or tea-making facilities, and power outlets can be limited. The hotel has also demonstrated flexibility with cancellation policies in certain personal circumstances.