I stayed at Hotel Venezia for two nights earlier this month with a friend of mine. We initially…read moreintended to stay in Forte dei Marmi, but by the time we started booking hotels, most had few rooms available. I am guilty of choosing the Venezia, and admit it was out of desperation and fear that we wouldn't find alternate lodging. I also admit that after staying at the Eurostars in Berlin and the Gallery Hotel Art in Florence, we were a bit spoiled, but when we arrived at the Venezia we weren't too thrilled. First, it's out of the way from where you want to be in the area. It's a bit of a drive from both the Forte city center and also Pietrasanta itself which is where the majority of the restaurants and shopping is. When I return to the area (which will hopefully be soon), I hope to stay in Pietrasanta, which I LOVED!
Back to the Venezia. The room was very clean and the staff were eager to help. They even gave us a great restaurant recommendation when one of our reservations fell through. But, it wasn't what we'd hoped for or expected. The WiFi doesn't really work well, at all, if ever. The hotel is frequented by many families with small children that may be heard crying and shouting at all hours. The room itself was not luxurious, not in the least bit. When we tried to check out early Monday morning we were forced to wait about 20 minutes because the front desk person hadn't started their shift yet. The Venezia was obviously not the right choice for two young, single women looking to have fun. For goodness sake we were told to keep quiet both nights we came in past two after clubbing! We weren't drunk or being loud, but apparently the sound of our heels on the floor disturbed the sleeping children.
In sum, we felt we paid too much for our stay considering what we got in return. So, if you aren't a family with kids, or if you plan to take part in the bars and restaurants in Pietrasanta and don't have a car, do not stay here! A tax ride into Pietrasanta is about 30 Euro, but parking is even more of a mission. Last tip: if you stay here and need a cab, don't let the front desk call one for you. They have a deal with a local taxi cab who charges about 5 to 10 euros more each way than any other taxi cab driver!