Grand Hotel Continental

We were taking a four city tour through Italy and chose Livorno as it was on the coast and the pictures made it look like a very nice place to visit. While driving their from Florence we noticed wayyy more industry than we expected, as you literally have to drive through the docks and various warehousing before getting either to Livorno or to Tirrenia and this particular property is on the beach in Tirrenia. The property itself has serious potential, as it’s right on the coast and large! It has plenty of on-site amenities, including a large, 200 meter lap pool. We went at the end of September, when it was off-season, yet they still had the beach and pool staffed and operational. Checking in was bland… the girl who checked us in simply got to the point and offered no further assistance, even when we asked about places nearby to eat or things to do – She simply stared at us. The room was very small, with little “creature features.” There were no USB plugs, the AC outlets were the three prong that didn’t match the adapters we had from England/France. The bathroom was too small and the shower was very small. The only thing nice about the room was the partial ocean view. The property itself was decent. The breakfast wasn’t very good – the breads weren’t very fresh and the other items didn’t look very appetizing. The location of the property is decent, as it’s a quick walk to nearby restaurants or a quick drive to Pisa. Overall – I’d definitely never stay here again… In fact, I’d not come back to this area again.

We have just returned from a week in Tirrenia . It’s a small resort on the coast between Pisa and Tirrenia . The Hotel is lovely and clean . Our room on the 3rd floor had a sea view towards Livorno . The room was cleaned every day and was spotless. The outside pool area again was spotlessly clean with lifeguards on duty . There was direct access to the beach where there were 2 deckchairs in a designated area . There were also lifeguards present. We stayed half board and the food was excellent , there was a good choice in the breakfast buffet for everyone. Our evening meal was 4 courses. Again , plenty of choice of pasta , fish and meat dishes . The desserts were first class. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again . It was in a very quiet area with some shops and restaurants nearby. There are buses that stop outside the hotel that take you to Pisa or Livorno. We travelled by train to Lucca , Florence , Siena .

Very disappointing. We’d booked 2 rooms (privilege and comfort double) requested they were next to each other at time of booking or we would happily up:down grade. Rang beforehand and told absolutely fine. On arrival same floor completely different corridors. Agreed to a family room in exchange (no refund offered or discount). Room is at best ok - not very clean (balcony had rubbish on it), walls, doors, curtains all visibly dirty, table broken, furniture has seen better days (several years ago), everything just a little bit cheap ie only 2 pillows - no aspect of care/detail. Pool excellent though - beach club put off by the broken signs/flooring so went to find somewhere else.

An absolutely fabulous week here. We came with 3 older children. Had two well appointed rooms (although a kettle would have been good!), decent air con, cleaned everyday by lovely staff. We stayed half board… breakfast was a treat and a lovely continental buffet every morning. Meal in the evening was lovely (full of local dishes) and they catered for the kids when they would prefer some courses from the kids menu (which was everything you needed, pasta, usual kids fair)… barman was really attentive and the pool area you could not fault… pool opens at 8.30. No rush for sunbeds… so leisurely! If you fancy a beach then the private one attached to the pool is lovey but we preferred the pool). A two minute walk from the hotel we found lovely restaurants and an easy bus ride to both Pisa and Livorno. 2 lovely gelato shops as well as a coop (which we never needed to go to). Chemist two minutes from hotel. There was a party atmosphere coming from some of the local hotels but once in the room you couldn’t hear anything of note! All in all a superb holiday and staff at this hotel couldn’t do anything more for you!

Well below average, small rooms, zero frills - not even a kettle in the room, no towels for the pool, basic facilities that are soulless - frankly 2/3*, definitely not 4*. The food is not good. Music playing loudly until late from the bar. No joy to be had here. Would not recommend.