Hotel Plaza e de Russie – Relais & Châteaux

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of nice hotels along the Tuscan coast, but Hotel Plaza e de Russie actually feels different the moment you walk in. It’s right there on Piazza d’Azeglio – which honestly is one of those spots in Viareggio that most tourists rush past on their way to the beach, but locals know it’s where the real charm lives. The building itself has this elegant, almost understated presence that doesn’t scream “look at me” like some of the flashier places along the waterfront.

What struck me most was how they’ve managed to keep that authentic Italian sophistication without feeling stuffy. I mean, this is Relais & Châteaux, so you expect a certain level of refinement, but the staff here actually seems to enjoy their work – you know what I mean? They’re not just going through the motions. My room faced the piazza, and I loved watching the morning routine unfold: the café owners hosing down their storefronts, the older gentlemen gathering for their daily coffee debates. You’re maybe a five-minute walk from the beach, but you’re also positioned perfectly to explore the real Viareggio – the narrow streets behind Via Regia where you’ll find those family-run trattorias that don’t have English menus.

The hotel itself has this lovely worn-in elegance that feels genuine rather than manufactured. The marble in the lobby has that soft patina that only comes with age, and the breakfast room opens onto a little garden that’s surprisingly peaceful given how central you are. I’ll be honest – at an 8.2 rating, it’s not flawless (the Wi-Fi was a bit spotty in my room, and the air conditioning took forever to kick in), but those minor quirks almost add to the character. What really won me over was the attention to detail: fresh flowers that were clearly chosen by someone with taste, not just ordered from a catalog, and the concierge who knew exactly which beach clubs were worth the splurge versus the local spots where you can grab a decent panino without paying tourist prices. If you’re coming during Carnevale season, book way ahead – Viareggio goes absolutely mad in February, and this place fills up with people who know the area. But honestly, I’d come back in late spring when the crowds thin out and you can really appreciate both the hotel’s refined atmosphere and the town’s authentic rhythm.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $303. Superior Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $330. Superior with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $370. Deluxe Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $437. Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $504. Family Suite -Split Level with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $558. Suite with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $585. Suite with Sea View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $638. Superior Suite with Sea View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,002. Penthouse Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,270. Presidential Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Filip from Slovakia – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable, nice and clean hotel, incl night service. Location great in the busier part of Viareggio with lot of good restaurants around.
  
  What could be improved: Coffe/tea making facitlities missing in the room

• Excellent stay, very helpful and friendly staff, superb location and facilities. – Cecilia from Switzerland – 26 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location is excellent and the staff is very, very friendly. The beds excellent. One big plus is the really good restaurant at the hotel it self.
  
  What could be improved: I do not think anything . it is a very good value for the price.

• Perfect stay – Don from United States – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff could not have been more helpful. They were always available, communicated very well and a pleasure to speak with. The hotel location was perfect for us, right on the beach thoroughfare.

• Very good – Giuliano from Italy – 9 March 2025 (8/10)

  Staff disponibile e professionale.

• Id stay again definately – Louise from France – 10 November 2024 (8/10)

  The comfort of the room, silence and care of the front desk staff
  
  What could be improved: Walking through the staff area to the breakfast room area where the food was

• It’s a good hotel, but not 5 starts – Teresa from Switzerland – 22 August 2024 (7/10)

  The location was perfect and the beds were super comfortable. The room was also nice.
  
  What could be improved: For a 5 stars hotel I was expecting a gym, a spa, and at least a small balcony or window to the street. The hotel doesn’t have gym or spa and the room we got had an window with “view” to the inside of the building, so it was very disappointing.

• Very good – Pei from Singapore – 31 July 2024 (8/10)

  Great location. Right next to the main boulevard to the beach but without the noise.
  Everything in the room to help have a good night’s sleep was in place. -no noise, blackout blinds , cool air conditioning
  
  What could be improved: A bar could be nice to have for a 5 star hotel
  Could be specified that large dogs were not allowed

• Superb – Leon from Netherlands – 15 June 2024 (9/10)

  Very nice located, modern room with comfortable bed
  
  What could be improved: We should have stayed there longer😀

• We’d stay again! – Rhonda from United States – 6 April 2024 (9/10)

  Friendly staff, beautiful and clean decor, great location

• Beautiful boutique feel – Tiffany from Canada – 2 November 2023 (9/10)

  The view from my balcony was amazing! The Pedersoli bath towels are the ultimate luxury .

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities