With its unchanging charme, which has conquered the cultural and artistic elite of the international beau monde, the majestic Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte has just been renewed giving new light to the Viareggio Promenade.
Inaugurated in 1922, the Principe di Piemonte has recently celebrated its first magnificent hundred years. History has literally passed here: film stars, from Marlene Dietrich to Marcello Mastroianni, great singers, such as Modugno and Mina, and royalty from all over the world, including the Dukes of Windsor, just to mention some of its illustrious guests.
To best inaugurate the new century that awaits it, the most fascinating five-star luxury Grand Hotel in Versilia has given itself a new look and excellent services. Starting from its spectacular restaurants: Piccolo Principe, the only two Michelin star restaurant on the Tuscan coast, Bar del Piccolo, perfect for a cocktail or an aperitif, and Maitò Viareggio, for lunch or dinner by the pool on the beautiful panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
The Grand Hotel with its magnificent Liberty allure has been restored to its original vocation as a home of Italian luxury and elegance.
(Diletta Storace and Nicola Spagni, Architects)
Its current structure dates back to 1925 when, based on a design by the Florentine architect Ugo Giovannozzi, the original nucleus, with the iconic rounded corner where the entrance is located, was expanded by adding two floors and the imposing crown frieze that characterizes the facade. At the end of the 1930s, the hotel changed its name from Select Palace Hotel to Principe di Piemonte in honor of Umberto II of Savoy.
Part of The Leading Hotels of the World, the building shines in a new light thanks to the intervention of S+S Studio with the contribution of Studio Archea for the rooftop pool. Like a cameo, the presidential suite on the second floor was designed instead by the Florentine designer Stefano Ricci. All in the name of sustainable luxury made of typical Tuscan materials, such as briar and marble, and local artisan excellence for custom furnishings.
The charm of the original Liberty decorations dialogues harmoniously with contemporary works of art, maxi-glass chandeliers and details that recall the depths of the sea. On the ground floor there are various relaxation areas: from the Chinese Room characterized by fabrics and furnishings that evoke the theme of travel, to the Library, with splendid wallpapers by de Gournay, up to the Guttuso Room, decorated with a collection of 12 works master’s zodiac chart.
The 80 rooms, from Classic to Presidential Suite, reinterpret a concept of contemporary and sophisticated luxury made up of mirrored surfaces, soft colours, sumptuous tapestries and golden details. Among the amenities, Bulgari and Acqua di Parma bath products, customized dressing gowns, Vispring mattresses and a Pillow menu to choose your favorite pillow and indulge in an extra pampering, perhaps after a relaxing massage in the hotel spa.
The breakfast, served in the large room on the ground floor, is a feast for the eyes. From the selection of fruit and vegetables, with delicious freshly prepared extracts and smoothies, to the maxi sweet and savory buffet, with specialties ranging from Patanegra to caviar, up to the live station where the egg recipes are prepared using local products by Gallus.
The panoramic rooftop, where Maitò restaurant is also located, offers a truly unique view of the sea of Viareggio. Its bar is the perfect location for an aperitif based on the best Tuscan products, from gourmet amuse bouche to the elegant cocktails signed by the barman Simone Corsini, including the iconic Cocktail 101 inspired by the luxurious Liberty atmosphere of the building.
In the morning, the pool welcomes guests looking for privacy and relaxation while in the evening, the entire terrace transforms into an extraordinary stage for pied dans l’eau dining while admiring the installations that light up the “Prince’s Crown”, the iconic frieze that characterizes the building.
Among the specialties to try, the Maitò penne pasta and the Catalan lobster and vegetables, perhaps accompanied by a refined selection of wines to complete an unforgettable experience, naturally on the notes of the most romantic songs ever.
The Secret
Principe di Piemonte (Prince of Piedmont) is a noble title of the Royal House of Savoy established in 1178 when the family also reigned over part of the Piedmontese territories. When the Savoys were proclaimed the royal family of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II instituted the generational alternation between the Prince of Savoy and the Prince of Naples to reinforce the feeling of national unity and guarantee the rotation of titles in the descendants.
Useful Info
Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte
Piazza Puccini 1
55049 Viareggio, Lucca
Tel. +39 0584 4011
Rooms: from 450 euro to 750 euro
Suites: from 1500 euro to 7200 euro
