B&B – Residenza d’epoca Piazza Cairoli

Hotel Description

You know what? I walked past this place probably a dozen times before I actually noticed it was a hotel. The B&B Residenza d’epoca sits right on Piazza Cairoli, which honestly feels more like a neighborhood square than a tourist hotspot – and that’s exactly why I loved it. The building itself has this gorgeous weathered stone facade that screams “I’ve been here for centuries,” and when you step inside, you’re basically walking into someone’s elegant Italian grandmother’s house, if she happened to have impeccable taste and a serious antique collection.

The rooms are what really got me though. I mean, we’re talking about genuine period pieces here – not some chain hotel’s idea of “historic charm” with mass-produced furniture trying to look old. My room had these incredible frescoed ceilings and original terracotta floors that creaked just enough to remind you you’re staying in a 16th-century palazzo. The bathrooms are surprisingly modern (thank goodness), but they’ve managed to blend everything so well that you don’t feel like you’re bouncing between time periods. The bed was actually comfortable too, which – let’s be honest – isn’t always a given in these historic properties.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to know Pisa inside and out. They didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map; they told me which gelato place locals actually go to (it’s not the one by the Tower, obviously), and suggested I visit the Camposanto in the late afternoon when the light hits the marble just right. The location is perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in the city rather than just passing through. You’re a five-minute walk from the Leaning Tower madness, but Piazza Cairoli stays pretty quiet – I could actually leave my windows open at night without being kept awake by tour groups. The morning coffee situation was solid too, and they serve it at a proper Italian pace, not rushed like you’re at some airport café.

Parking was surprisingly manageable – they helped arrange a spot nearby, which saved me from driving around in circles like a lunatic. And here’s something I didn’t expect: the whole place just smells amazing. Not like artificial air freshener, but like old wood and fresh flowers and that indefinable scent that historic buildings have when they’re properly cared for. It’s the kind of detail that makes you want to just sit in the lobby with a book for an hour. The 8.4 rating makes total sense to me – it’s not flashy or over-the-top, but everything works exactly as it should, and you leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced Pisa rather than just checked it off a list.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $176. Deluxe Double Room with Shower with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $214. King Room with Lake View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $214. Double Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $214. King Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $228. Standard Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $234. Standard Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Good service, thank you – Julia from United Kingdom – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Nice staff/owner
  
  What could be improved: Stairs

• Great value, very comfortable – Penny from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very good customer service, comfort & cleanliness
  
  What could be improved: A toaster would have been useful

• Good efficient staff, welcoming comfortable – Harvey from United Kingdom – 16 June 2025 (8/10)

  It is very central very clean.

• Very good – Ann from United Kingdom – 13 June 2025 (8/10)

  The hotel location of one kilometre from all Pisa's amenities and public transport proved particularly welcome. Pisa as a central location for travelling around Tuscany was excellent.
  Our hotel contact was very attentive during our stay.
  
  What could be improved: An ensuite bathroom would have made a week long stay more acceptable. We noticed that short stay guests were provided on suite facilities. Surely this would have been more beneficial to long stay guests.

• Great place , definitely would book again. – Daniel from Ireland – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location , easily accessible by foot and bus.
  The room was spacious and clean , the view to the river and small balcony were great .
  
  What could be improved: Could use a lift but it’s understandable why it can’t have one.

• Very good – Taina from Finland – 6 June 2025 (8/10)

  The room was exactly what I expected – I wanted the large room with several windows and balcony. Location the best. The view was magnificent and the balcony very modest but enough. The breakfast was modest, but normal, as continentals are in these kind of places. I knew the stairs are hard, but that's fine. You can ask help to carry your heavy luggage if needed, but still not recommended for elderly or people with some physical challenges. The weather was chilly so no need for air condition – is there? The only improvement I would suggest are some kind of mosquito nets, upon the bed or in the balcony door; the river is very close.
  
  What could be improved: Those very heavy detergents that were used in cleaning – not good if you are sensitive for smells. But maybe they were necessary to keep it clean.

• Very nice stay – Rita from Italy – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  The room is exactly as shown, the bed is very comfy, the view on the river beautiful. Breakfast is in a little dining room right outside the room and always available. Location is great.

• Very good – Mary from Ireland – 30 May 2025 (8/10)

  Superb location in Pisa in a beautiful piazza, buzzing with life.
  Easy walk from railway station.
  Clean and comfortable.

• Superb – Caitriona from Ireland – 24 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, walking distance from everything, with a great view from the bedroom. Comfy bed and host very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: There's is no elevator so if you struggle with mobility, probably not the best place to stay.

• Great for 1 night self catering. Not a true B&B – Amanda from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location of the property was fantastic, in a lively square with nice bars and restaurants. The room was large with a wardrobe and drawers for storage plus a fridge
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately in my opinion this should be advertised as a self catering apartment , as you have use of a kitchen but you have to make the breakfast yourself and dishwasher etc .
  The bed in room 1 is particularly noisy 9( sounds like jingle bells).
  There is also the stairs to consider as it is 4 floors up. Even a small case is tricky!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities