Grand Hotel Bellavista Palace & Golf

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels in Tuscany, but the Grand Hotel Bellavista Palace & Golf actually lives up to its rather grandiose name – which honestly surprised me at first. When you pull up to Viale Fedeli 2, you’re greeted by this imposing Belle Époque facade that feels properly old-world elegant without being stuffy. The location is what really sold me though – you’re right in the heart of Montecatini Terme, walking distance to the famous thermal baths (the Tettuccio is maybe five minutes on foot), but far enough from the main tourist crush that you can actually sleep at night.

The thing about this place is that it strikes this perfect balance between grand hotel formality and Italian warmth. The lobby has these soaring ceilings and marble floors that click satisfyingly under your feet, but the staff – particularly this older gentleman at the concierge desk – treats you like family within hours. I mean, by day two he was asking about my golf game and recommending this little osteria off Via Garibaldi that definitely wasn’t in any guidebook. Speaking of the golf, the course is actually part of the property, which is rare for a city hotel. It’s not championship-level or anything, but honestly perfect for a morning round before the thermal treatments. The rooms themselves are spacious in that way Italian hotels do well – high ceilings, proper windows that open (thank god), and bathrooms with actual water pressure. My room faced the Valdinievole valley, and I’d just leave the windows open in the evening to catch the breeze coming down from the hills.

What really sets this place apart is how it fits into Montecatini’s rhythm. You know how some five-star hotels feel like they’re trying to shield you from the actual place you’re visiting? This one doesn’t do that. The restaurant sources from local suppliers (the pecorino at breakfast comes from a farm maybe twenty minutes away), and they’ll happily book you spa treatments at the historic thermal establishments around town rather than pushing their own wellness center. The pool area gets gorgeous afternoon light, and there’s usually this mix of Italian families and international visitors that creates a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Sure, it’s not cheap – this is a five-star property in a resort town – but for Montecatini Terme, it’s actually reasonable value. Plus, if you’re here in shoulder season (late April or early October), the rates drop significantly and you get the place mostly to yourself, which is honestly the best way to experience it.