The hype
Guests are blown away by the view and location but often surprised by the lack of hotel services like a lift or 24-hour desk.
Residenza d'Epoca Relais I Miracoli
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want to wake up, open your window, and practically touch the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location literally facing the Piazza dei Miracoli
- Historic 12th-century building with original frescoes and beamed ceilings
- Walking distance to the San Rossore train station (closer than Centrale)
Quick Take: It’s a historic guesthouse with a million-dollar view and medieval plumbing, not a full-service hotel.
Reviewed by @makingupforlosttraveltime: I booked this place for the location, but I wasn't prepared for how close the tower actually is. Opening the window and seeing it right there was a core memory. The room is simple, but honestly, who cares when you have that view? 10/10 would stay again just for the window.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'thin walls' mean you might hear cleaners in the hallway or neighbors, and the shower water can take minutes to warm up.
- You are able-bodied and don't mind stairs
- You prioritize views over modern amenities
- You want to beat the crowds to the Tower in the early morning
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though one or two reviews mention missed days.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout is usually scrubbed, but expect wear and tear consistent with a centuries-old building.
- Maintenance: Historic charm means creaky floors and sometimes finicky AC.
- Linens & towels: Standard white hotel linens; clean but not luxury thread count.
- Odors & scents: Generally neutral/fresh, no lingering smoke smells reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Cleaners/staff in hallways in the morning
- Plumbing noise from other rooms
- Tourists in the square (if window is open)
Before you book
Good to know
- Use Pisa San Rossore train station, not Pisa Centrale—it's a 5-minute walk vs. a 20-minute bus ride.
- City tax is ~€2.50 per person/night, payable locally.
- Staff often leave in the evening; ensure you have all entry codes/keys before they clock out.
What to pack
- Earplugs for the thin walls
- Light luggage (backpack preferred) for the stairs
- European power adapter (outlets can be scarce in historic rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Torre Room: The money shot. Direct, unobstructed view of the Leaning Tower.
- Suite: More space, side views, often features frescoes.
- Battistero: Good for families/groups, sometimes split-level.
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Double: Often smaller with 'courtyard' or 'side' views that might require craning your neck.
- Any room near the reception/stairs if you are a light sleeper.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking specifically for the view. Please assign the 'Torre' room or a room with a direct, front-facing view of the Leaning Tower. We are aware there is no elevator.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no elevator?
Correct. It is a protected 12th-century building. You will walk up stairs.
How close is the Leaning Tower?
You are practically in its shadow. It is across the street, less than 50 meters away.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, but it's 'Italian style'—a voucher for a pastry and coffee at the Caffé Pasticceria I Miracoli on the ground floor.
Can I park there?
No on-site parking. They have an agreement with a private garage nearby for a fee, or you park outside the ZTL (traffic zone) and walk.
Is the wifi good?
Surprisingly decent for a stone building, but can be spotty in corners of the rooms.
Is there AC?
Yes, but it can be weak in the peak of summer due to the building's age and regulations.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Arrive at the Tower at 7:30 AM or after 10 PM to have the square almost to yourself—a perk of staying this close.
- ✨
The 'reception' is sometimes just a desk in the hallway; don't expect a grand lobby.
- ✨
Ask for a room with a 'soppalco' (mezzanine) if you have kids; they love the lofted beds.
5 things to know before you go
💡The shower water takes a solid 3-5 minutes to get hot.
💡You might have to carry your own bags up narrow medieval stairs.
💡The 'view' rooms can be brighter at night due to the floodlights on the Tower.
💡There is no night porter; if you lose your key at 2 AM, you are stuck.
💡The 'garden' mentioned in some listings is lovely but often shared/public access.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Residenza d'Epoca Relais I Miracoli is located and what's nearby.