Allegroitalia Pisa Tower Plaza

The Allegroitalia Pisa Tower Plaza has an eye-catching exterior that includes a mostly glass circular tower. Inside, the reception area is a mix of flavors with contemporary seating areas, a ping-pong table, and large windows overlooking the manicured lawn and distant Leaning Tower of Pisa. A library room and basement level event spaces give the hotel a corporate vibe, while the seasonal outdoor pool and kids' room are more appealing to family visitors. One oddity is how dark the hallways are, to the point of being dangerous and difficult to see the key card lock. The hotel draws a mix of Italian business travelers and tourists who want an upscale hotel while they visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

The main draw in Pisa is its world famous Leaning Tower. Pisa is also home to historical churches, ancient walls, and expansive river systems -- but most tourists are here for a day or two to see the tower and then move on to Lucca, Cinque Terra, or Florence. Allegroitalia Pisa Tower Plaza is located about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the tower square and its surrounding souvenir shops, restaurants, gelato stands, and hawkers slinging watches and sunglasses. For some, the hotel's residential location is a quiet respite, while others would prefer to have shops and restaurants closer at hand. The international airport is a 13-minute drive away and Pisa Central Station is a 14-minute drive. Expect a 90-minute drive east to Florence and around a 60-minute drive north to the Cinque Terre region. 

There are 121 rooms and suites at Allegroitalia, and no two are exactly the same. Layout, amenities, size, views, and decor differ even within the same room type. Superior Rooms are the most affordable, and generally include laminate hardwood floors, white bedding, and a beige and neutral color scheme. Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger versions of Superior Rooms, with space for a sitting area. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a safe, a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and a mini-fridge. Some rooms upgrade to coffee-making facilities, minibars, and kitchenettes tucked into a closet. The Amore Suites are designed for romance: music automatically plays on arrival to the room, which is furnished with mirrors over the circular bed and a purple lip-shaped couch. Bathrooms vary as much as the rooms and can include everything from shower/tub combos to enormous walk-in showers with dual showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Some rooms offer distant views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, while others overlook the seasonal pool (much more picturesque when there's actually water in it). Rooms and suites at the front of the hotel have large furnished balconies that are part of the circular tower's exterior. 

Allegroitalia truly shines when it comes to features, since it's one of the few hotels in Pisa that has space to offer them. Primo restaurant has two contemporary dining rooms. One space is where the breakfast buffet (costs extra) is served. Items include scrambled eggs, bacon, cakes, pastries, juice, and cereal. Past guests have complained that the meal is overpriced and not well managed. Express business lunch and fine-dining dinners are served in an adjacent dining room, behind the full bar. Room service is available until late, but not 24-hours. In the summer months, there's an outdoor dining area that overlooks the pool and terrace. The rooftop terrace offers a few simple chairs and tables, along with a full fitness center stocked with weights and modern TechnoGym cardio equipment. Downstairs, the basement holds separate meeting and event spaces, along with a kids' room filled with toys and games. Seasonal kids' activities are available for a fee. The large parking lot offers plenty of free parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Front desk staff can assist with laundry, scooter rentals, and PlayStation rentals.