Bagni di Pisa Palace & Thermal Spa

Dear reader! If your thing is out dated, rasty, old, decomposing palace, welcome to hotel Transylvania! Here security doesn't exist. The termal spa hotel can be accessed from god knows how many different unlocked entrances where anybody can casually stroll in for a quick dip in the pool. Only thing to remember is to not forget to ask the pool receptionist for a Swimming cap, otherwise you might get locked in a dungeon. The hotel is quite understaffed at times. You have a bigger chance of meeting Dracula than finding someone to assist you (the exception is the swimmingcap policeman). If you do spot someone from the staff, they make a quick escape via elevator when they see you coming. After that you can't even catch up to them, because the elevator needs 3 business days to reach you. The hotel has a damp feeling in most places. The walls are peeling off and the furniture is out dated. If you thought that you get fresh bed sheets dayly in a 5* hotel, you would be mistaken, because they fit back the sheets from the previous day, and finally changes them after 4 days. The cleaning lady insist on cleaning twice a day (she really doesn't like the do not disturb sign), only to fit old sheets, change towels and not take out the trash. You might get a few calls from reception, which doesn't make any sense, so you go clear it up, only to be told the issue has been fixed. If you have read other reviews you might have doubts about the AC not working. This issue has been clearly fixed as the AC can't be turned off anymore so prepare to go from 40°C in the hallway to the winterland (AC is even on fastest mode when you are not in the room so don't forget to bring a jacket). The hotel definitely doesn't live up to the 5* hotel expectations.

This is not a 5 star hotel. Room conditions are poor. Bathrooms last remodeled over 20 years ago. WiFi is poor. Food was absolutely lackluster from a food quality perspective. Actually that’s too kind. Think about a 2 gallon bucket of butter on the breakfast buffet. From a standpoint of quality, presentation and sanitary standards, that bucket is emblematic of this hotel’s standard. Spa service was unfriendly. Front desk communications were poor. Definitely not 5 star. No concierge on staff. Service in the bar seemed intentionally neglectful in that we were the only guests in the bar and waited endlessly for service. Worst of all was the open disdain shown toward us by the server in the breakfast restaurant. I have never been insulted in that way in all my travels and I have lived in hotels full time for years on end since the early 1980’s. The problems at this hotel are not likely to be corrected in the near term and our experience is certainly not due to any isolated incident.

The spa was really enjoyable, very relaxing inside. The warm pools were lovely. The body salt and mud scrub were great, makes your skin really soft but if you have sensitive skin, it might be best to skip the salt and just go for the mud. The spa could do with a revamp as its very old and looks like it needs a lick of paint. Although the rooftop pool started out really relaxing, they started playing music ever so slightly too loud, which killed the relaxing spa vibe. We didn't realise kids were allowed in the spa until we got to the rooftop and there were crying kids.......

This was my first holiday this year and I decided to stay at Bagni di Pisa for 5 nights to celebrate my birthday and for a relaxing holiday in a very quiet and tranquil area. And quiet it is as I had very good night sleep all throughout my stay. Bed was comfortable and the Comfort double room I had was quite spacious and lovely decorated. Please bear in mind that this hotel is a typical Italian palazzo with antique furniture but this was a plus for me as it gives the hotel its unique character. I was on half board basis. The food was always good and the food menu and wine list were quite varied also offering typical stuff from the region. WiFi was so and so. The spa area was very good with heated indoor pools. Even the outdoor pool which was my favorite is heated. They offer also sauna and massages and I recommend their massage therapists highly especially a certain Alexandra and Caterina (if I’m not mistaken) - I felt rejuvenated, so thank you ! Housekeeping was done twice a day and toiletries offered were of very good quality. However even though I enjoyed my stay I have some reservations as follows: 1) This hotel is not adults only; 2)Even though the location is lovely and the hotel is situated overlooking the hills it’s quite detached from anything else albeit the train station which is situated just 8mins walk away; 3) At dinner they literally force you to take wine so you feel compelled to take wine - for a person like me who is a bit alcohol intolerant this is quite irritating; 4) Check the final bill when you checkout as you might have differences here and there- in my case there was a huge mistake but it was rectified immediately. I also noticed that prices shown here and there do not include tax- so watch out! 5) There’s no security anywhere inside or outside the building which for a huge place like this, which also caters for weddings etc, is quite unacceptable if not strange!! All in all I enjoyed it very much and I really appreciated the lovely gift the management gave me for my birthday but somehow I felt that there was something lacking. Even though all staff were cordial and friendly I didn’t feel at home…