Retrò B&B

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past this little place on Via Santa Caterina probably a dozen times before I actually realized it was a B&B. The Retrò has this understated charm that doesn’t scream “tourist accommodation” – which, honestly, is exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s tucked into this narrow street that most visitors completely miss, but locals use it as a shortcut between the main shopping area and the quieter residential blocks. The building itself has that weathered Tuscan character you can’t fake, with shutters that look like they’ve been painted and repainted for decades.

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel both authentic and polished without trying too hard. The owners clearly put thought into the details – I mean, the breakfast setup alone had me lingering way longer than usual. They serve it in this small common area where you can actually hear the neighborhood waking up through the windows. You’ll catch snippets of Italian conversations from the street, the distant hum of Vespas, and if you’re lucky, the church bells from Santa Caterina (the actual church, not just the street name). The rooms have this lived-in quality that boutique hotels spend fortunes trying to recreate. Think vintage furniture that’s actually vintage, not reproduction pieces, and beds that are firm enough to sleep well but soft enough to make you want to skip your morning plans.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to experience Pisa beyond the leaning tower circus. You’re maybe a 15-minute walk to the famous piazza, but you’re also right in the heart of where people actually live and work. There’s a tiny alimentari around the corner where the owner will slice prosciutto paper-thin while telling you about his nephew’s wedding, and the best coffee in the neighborhood comes from a bar two blocks down that doesn’t even have a proper sign. Parking can be tricky – this is old Pisa, after all, so the streets weren’t designed for cars – but the hosts know all the local tricks and will point you toward spots that won’t get you towed. The whole area gets beautifully quiet in the evenings, which is something you definitely can’t say about hotels near the tourist center. I actually found myself sitting by the window some nights just listening to the neighborhood settle down for the day. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up chatting with other guests over breakfast, not because you’re forced to, but because the atmosphere just naturally encourages it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $129. Double Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $138. Deluxe Double Room with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $141. Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Easy to manage, great location, good breakfast facilities, clean and comfortable – Julie from United Kingdom – 13 July 2025 (8/10)

  Organised, clean and comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Separate bathroom, no face to face meeting but very organised with information

• Exceptional – Kennedy from United Kingdom – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  We stayed in the Retro B&B Vintage room for one night prior to our flight from Pisa the following day.
  
  The apartment was clean, tidy and hosted all the amenities required for a short stay. As it’s part of a B&B, a delicious wide ranging breakfast was available in the morning with a specified table for your room. The ‘living area’ outside the rooms had a fridge, sofa and tea/coffee on hand. We really liked the layout on the living space that you see upon arrival. The shower tends to take a while to warm up but give it time! We figured this out eventually.
  
  A priority for us was the ability to leave our luggage in storage for the day which the host kindly provided to us! This enabled us to explore Pisa with ease during the one day we had.
  
  The apartment is very close to the leaning tower, around 6 minutes walk, and many restaurants/bars/shops. 20 minutes walk from the centrale train station. We recieved great recommendations on arrival and appreciated the easy communication with the hosts.
  
  Overall, I would definitely recommend this apartment and had a great stay!

• Highly recommend – Andrea from Ireland – 5 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location was very central, very safe surroundings with many nice cafes and restaurants, feel very safe close to the park as we travelled with the dog.
  Retro B&B is very nicely decorated, with large room and big bathroom , comfy beds , everything was very clean ,and it was very easy to check in.
  
  What could be improved: Very simple plain breakfast (plain croissant ,toast,chocolate spread,and salami,black coffee,water,juice ), which is not what we'd expect but lots of coffee shops around..

• Great host. Great location – Theresa from United Kingdom – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and access to shops, churches and tourist spots
  Easy access and lovely walk from Pisa Centrale
  The decor is my favourite colour
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really

• Highly recommend. The owner was so approachable and kind. – Janel from United States – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  We absolutely loved this place! The accomodations were wonderful and the breakfast was plentiful and delicious! It was also so great to be able to leave our luggage there after check-out so we could explore Pisa before leaving later that afternoon for Lucca.
  
  What could be improved: Perhaps a later check-out time, but so far 10 a.m. seems to be standard at places we've stayed in Italy, whereas in other countries it is 11 or noon.

• Exceptional – Michael from United Kingdom – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location in the old town, plenty of room and a very warm welcome.
  
  What could be improved: Can't think of a thing.

• Great little place – Angela from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  We loved the retro style of it. Very comfortable with almost everything you need. Breakfast was lovely!
  
  What could be improved: Only one cup in the room even though 2 people and no glasses for water. There was a kettle but no tea/coffee left in room. Soap dispenser was empty.

• Very friendly greeting and a perfect place to stay in Pisa – Paula from United Kingdom – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  The breakfast was lovely. If there was one thing to criticise it would be the lack of butter for the toast. Everything else was absolutely perfect. I wanted traditional and that is exactly what we got. Thank you🙂

• Great stay in the heart of Pisa – Marisa from Netherlands – 5 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment is great, close to many restaurants and to the leaning tower. The bed was very comfortable and room was very clean. We had very nice breakfast and check in went easy and fast.

• Exceptional – Marion from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very informative hostess, very helpful.

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Facilities