Hotel Ercolini & Savi

You know what struck me first about Hotel Ercolini & Savi? It’s got this understated elegance that feels authentically Italian – not the touristy kind, but the real deal. Walking up Via San Martino (which is actually a pretty quiet street, thank god, because some places in Montecatini can get crazy with traffic), you’ll spot this classic building that’s been here since 1892. The family running it now – I mean, they’ve been at this for generations, and honestly, it shows in all the right ways. The lobby has this old-world charm with marble floors that actually stay cool even in summer, and there’s always fresh flowers that smell like they just came from someone’s garden, not a wholesale florist.

The rooms are what I’d call “thoughtfully updated” – they’ve kept the high ceilings and those gorgeous wooden shutters that actually work (you’d be surprised how many places have fake ones), but everything else feels modern without being sterile. I particularly love how they’ve managed the bathroom situation; most historic hotels butcher this part, but here the marble feels substantial and the shower pressure is – well, let’s just say it’s better than my apartment back home. The beds are firm in that European way that takes a night to get used to, but then you sleep like a rock. And here’s something practical nobody tells you: the walls are thick enough that you won’t hear your neighbors, which is rare in these older buildings.

What really sets this place apart though is its position in Montecatini Terme. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the main thermal park (Tettuccio is the fancy one everyone talks about, but honestly, Excelsior is just as good with half the crowds), and the funicular to Montecatini Alto is right there when you want to escape the spa scene for some actual medieval atmosphere. The staff – and I mean this genuinely – seem to know everyone who walks through the door after day two, and they’ll remember that you take your espresso with a glass of water on the side. Pietro at the front desk practically planned our entire day trip to Lucca, including which train car to sit in for the best views. The breakfast spread is generous without being overwhelming, with local pastries that change based on what’s seasonal, and they make proper cappuccinos until 10:30 (not like some places that cut you off at 9). Sure, the elevator is tiny and takes forever, but you’re in a 19th-century building – what did you expect? The charm more than makes up for minor inconveniences like that.