Part of the LHP Hotels empire (they of the "made in Italy style and design" manifesto), this 62-room property takes itself rather seriously as Montecatini's first proper design hotel. Built in 1910 but given the full monochrome makeover, it's all geometric patterns, chrome furnishings, and that black-and-white aesthetic that screams "we hired an expensive interior designer and by God you're going to notice." The whole thing reads like someone's mood board for urban sophistication came to life - water cascades at the entrance, a rooftop pool with 360-degree views, and a spa they've christened Monté that promises "exclusive wellness". But here's the thing: despite the try-hard design speak and occasional pretentiousness, they've actually created something rather special here, especially when you're floating in that rooftop pool watching the sun set over the Tuscan hills.
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Beyond the Instagram-worthy rooftop, there's substance here. The Monté Spa includes the usual suspects - sauna, Turkish bath, ice room, sensory showers, plus an indoor pool with hydromassage and chromotherapy (that's coloured lights to you and me). The fitness centre is properly equipped rather than the token treadmill in a cupboard you get at some hotels. The restaurant serves what they call a journey through Tuscan culinary delights, which translates to competent regional cooking with the occasional flourish. Breakfast gets consistent praise - proper Italian abundance with decent vegan options if that's your thing. The bar extends to a veranda, which becomes prime aperitivo territory come evening. For the business crowd, there's 80 square metres of meeting space, though honestly, who's thinking about PowerPoints when there's a rooftop pool upstairs?
The 62 rooms come in various configurations from classics to suites, all sporting that same black-and-white design DNA that runs through the property. The Art Deco façade might promise period charm, but inside it's all contemporary minimalism - think geometric patterns on everything from carpets to cushions, LCD TVs, minibars, and those little safes that no one ever uses. Beds consistently get high marks for comfort (always a relief), and the modern bathrooms come complete with the full Italian bidet situation plus bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms score balconies with decent views - worth requesting if you're the type who likes their morning coffee with a side of Tuscan vista. The suites up the ante with more space and, in some cases, separate living areas, though reviews suggest the jump in price doesn't always justify the extra square metres. The junior suites seem to hit the sweet spot between space and value, especially those with balconies.
That rooftop situation is properly spectacular - not just the pool itself (though at 28 square metres it's more plunge than Olympic), but the whole setup with the poolside bar, comfortable loungers, and those panoramic views that make you forgive the slightly steep cocktail prices. Open from mid-May to October, it's the hotel's ace card.
The spa facilities can be temperamental - guests report everything from broken Turkish baths to misbehaving hydrojets. Check what's actually working when you arrive before shelling out for spa access, or you might find yourself paying premium prices for a very expensive sauna session.
Kids under 14 can't use the spa at all, and that mandatory swimming cap rule for the pool might have you looking like a 1950s synchronised swimmer whether you planned on it or not. Pack accordingly or prepare to rock the hotel's finest rubber headwear.
Tuscany's belle époque spa town of healing waters, grand hotels and unexpected glamour.
