Setting the Scene
Hotel Plaza e de Russie is the jewel of Viareggio, a historic seaside town on the Tuscan coast. Blending Belle Époque grandeur with chic modern interiors, this family-owned hotel is a favorite among culture lovers, gourmands, and travelers seeking Italian authenticity. Originally opened in the 19th century, the hotel has welcomed everyone from artists and writers to aristocrats. Today, it continues that legacy with refined hospitality, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and stylish interiors that reflect the elegance of the surrounding Art Nouveau district.
Who’s Checking In?
Guests include discerning couples, families, and culture-focused small groups seeking a beachside retreat with culinary excellence and historic charm. The hotel is ideal for those who value fine dining, contemporary design, and a peaceful coastal base for exploring the lesser-known Versilia region.
Hotel Highlights
- Family owned and managed with a long-standing legacy of welcoming creatives and high society.
- Impeccable redesign blending historic architecture with contemporary flair.
- Michelin-starred Ristorante Lunasia offering refined Tuscan-Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prime position along Viareggio’s famous promenade, steps from cafés, boutiques, and sandy beaches.
- Concierge services for wine tastings, cultural excursions, and private beach access.
Destination Snapshot
- Art Nouveau Heritage: Viareggio is famed for its elegant architecture and seaside charm.
- Tuscan Coastal Living: Enjoy sandy beaches, stylish beach clubs, and vibrant local life.
- Accessible Exploration: Just 30 minutes from Pisa and Lucca, and under 2 hours from Florence and the Cinque Terre.
- La Dolce Vita Vibes: A beloved weekend retreat for Italians, blending authenticity with glamor.
- Cultural Appeal: Year-round events, including the renowned Viareggio Carnival and access to Tuscany’s artistic legacy.
Top 5 Experiences
- Cruise the Cinque Terre by Private Boat: Set out for a full-day excursion exploring the UNESCO-listed villages of Cinque Terre by private boat, complete with stops for swimming, strolling, and savoring local specialties.
- Go Inside the Marble Quarries: Trace Michelangelo’s footsteps with a 4×4 tour through the dramatic white marble quarries of Carrara.
- Cook with a Michelin-Starred Chef: Join Chef Luca Landi and his team for a private, hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta, then enjoy your creations over lunch or dinner at Ristorante Lunasia.
- Taste Wines in the Hills of Lucca: Venture to a family-run winery for a guided cellar tour, tastings of D.O.C. and D.O.C.G. wines, and optional lunch, all set in the rolling Tuscan countryside.
- Live the Liberty Style in Viareggio: Explore the town’s iconic Art Nouveau heritage with a walking tour of historic seaside buildings, cafés, and monuments that showcase the city’s elegant past.
Top 5 Places to Visit
- Forte dei Marmi: This upscale seaside resort is known for its glamorous beach clubs, designer boutiques, and refined coastal charm.
- Pietrasanta: A lively artists’ town filled with galleries, marble workshops, and open-air sculptures, often called “Little Athens” for its creative spirit.
- Camaiore: A charming village nestled between sea and hills, known for its Romanesque churches, quiet piazzas, and local trattorias.
- Pisa: Visit the iconic Leaning Tower and discover the city’s rich architectural and academic heritage beyond the Piazza dei Miracoli.
- Lucca: Encircled by Renaissance walls, this elegant Tuscan city invites leisurely bike rides, boutique shopping, and a taste of timeless Italy.
How to Get There
Address: Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio, 1, 55049 Viareggio LU
- Closest Airports: Pisa International Airport (22 miles), Florence Airport (58 miles)
- Closest Train Stations: Viareggio Train Station (0.5 miles), Pisa Centrale (16 miles)
- Closest Major Cities: Pisa (16 miles), Lucca (18 miles), Florence (58 miles)