The Historic 'Jewel of Viareggio' on the Tuscan Riviera
Revered since 1871 as the quintessential seaside landmark of the Tuscan Riviera, Hotel Plaza e de Russie is an extraordinary 5-star boutique retreat and esteemed member of Relais & Châteaux. Established as Viareggio's very first luxury grand hotel and named in honor of the Russian imperial court and nobility who favored this golden stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast, the property seamlessly juxtaposes its iconic Belle Époque facade with sophisticated contemporary Italian interior refinement.
Occupying a prime seafront position on Piazza D'Azeglio along Viareggio's celebrated pedestrian Liberty promenade, the hotel offers front-row views of the sandy coastline, gentle Mediterranean surf, and the dramatic backdrop of the marble-capped Apuan Alps. Long the favored retreat of artists, composers, and international jet-setters—including maestro Giacomo Puccini, who composed parts of his immortal operas nearby—the property today pairs the bespoke warmth of a family-owned establishment with uncompromising luxury.
With 44 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, including two spectacular top-floor Penthouses, the hotel is also a premier gastronomic destination. Its flagship restaurant, Lunasia, holds 1 Michelin star under Executive Chef Luca Landi, crafting culinary poetry from Tyrrhenian seafood and Versilian produce. Guests can also enjoy panoramic lunches at La Terrazza and opera-inspired cocktails at Lounge Bar Plaza.
Signature Travel Network VIP Privileges
Vincent Vacations guests receive the following exclusive complimentary privileges at Hotel Plaza e de Russie:
- Daily Continental Breakfast for each guest served with fresh pastries and espresso
- Complimentary 2-Course Lunch per room once during your stay (beverages excluded)
- Custom Welcome Amenity: GM welcome note, Chef's sweet treat, and bottle of Prosecco
- Priority Room Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
- Flexible Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- $100 USD Food & Beverage Credit on qualifying suite stays of 2+ nights
- Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout the property
Property Photo Gallery
Explore the Belle Époque facade, panoramic penthouse terraces, Michelin-starred cuisine, and Mediterranean atmosphere of Hotel Plaza e de Russie.
Accommodations & Suites
Each of the 44 guestrooms and suites at Hotel Plaza e de Russie has been completely redesigned in contemporary Italian style, pairing soft coastal palettes and dark wood accents with gleaming Carrara marble bathrooms and Mediterranean sea views.
Penthouse Suites (Nord & Sud)
The pinnacle of Tuscan coastal opulence, positioned on the hotel's top floor. Features vast wraparound private terraces framing 360-degree vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean, the Gulf of Poets, and the marble-veined peaks of the Apuan Alps. Includes an expansive salon, king master bedroom, and Carrara marble bath with soaking tub.
Sea View Suite with Balcony
A magnificent sea-facing suite with a private furnished balcony suspended above the vibrant Liberty promenade. Decorated in refined nautical tones with custom Italian woodwork, an elegant separate sitting parlor, plush king bedding, and an Italian marble bathroom with rain shower.
Deluxe Sea View Room
Bright, sun-filled guestroom looking directly out across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Featuring king bedding dressed in fine Italian linens, handcrafted writing desk, contemporary lighting, and an ensuite marble bathroom with a walk-in rainforest shower and artisan bath products.
Classic Piazza Room
A peaceful retreat overlooking the majestic maritime pines of historic Piazza D'Azeglio. Features comfortable queen bedding, contemporary Italian furnishings, flat-screen satellite TV, and modern ensuite bathroom stocked with organic toiletries.
1-Michelin-Starred Dining & Versilian Gastronomy
Hotel Plaza e de Russie is renowned as one of Tuscany's foremost coastal epicurean destinations, anchored by the culinary artistry of Chef Luca Landi.
Ristorante Lunasia (1 Michelin Star)
Awarded 1 Michelin star, Lunasia is the temple of Executive Chef Luca Landi. Overlooking the seaside promenade, the restaurant delivers an unforgettable avant-garde tasting experience: red prawns from Santa Margherita, wild sea bass with salt crust, homemade ravioli filled with Versilian shellfish, and innovative olive oil gelato paired with over 700 fine wines.
La Terrazza Restaurant & Rooftop
A light-filled panoramic rooftop terrace offering leisurely lunches accompanied by refreshing sea breezes. Indulge in raw seafood platters, freshly prepared spaghetti alle vongole with local clams, grilled catch of the day, and chilled Vermentino from nearby Colli di Luni.
Lounge Bar Plaza
A sophisticated streetside cocktail salon and outdoor patio where guests congregate for afternoon espresso, pre-dinner aperitifs, and late-night digestifs. Try signature creations like the 'Puccini Spritz' or barrel-aged Negronis crafted with artisan Tuscan vermouth.
Seaside Continental Breakfast
Included daily for Vincent Vacations guests, breakfast is a feast of artisan Tuscan pastries, warm brioches, fresh fruit, regional cheeses, prosciutto toscano, and freshly brewed Italian espresso and cappuccino served with panoramic morning views of the sea.
The Penthouse Suites Experience
Occupying the top floor of Hotel Plaza e de Russie, the newly unveiled Penthouse Nord and Penthouse Sud represent the pinnacle of exclusivity on the Tuscan Riviera. Designed for discerning travelers seeking peerless privacy and panoramic vistas:
Penthouse Nord
Features a grand wraparound terrace facing northwest, offering sensational sunset views over the Gulf of La Spezia and the rugged coastline leading toward the Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
Penthouse Sud
Commands dramatic panoramas to the south and east, framing the golden arc of the Versilian beach and the towering, marble-streaked peaks of the Apuan Alps glowing in the morning sun.
Explore the Versilia Riviera & Beyond
Viareggio is the beating heart of the Versilia coast, perfectly positioned for exploring Tuscany's seaside elegance and artistic heritage:
- Private Beach Club Partnerships: Reserved sun loungers, private cabanas, and beachside service along Viareggio's golden sands
- Forte dei Marmi (15 min): World-class designer shopping, high-fashion boutiques, and Michelin-starred dining along the chic coast
- Lucca (30 min): Walk or bicycle the intact Renaissance city walls, explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and tour historic palazzi
- Torre del Lago Puccini (10 min): Visit Giacomo Puccini's villa-museum on Lake Massaciuccoli and attend the summer Puccini Opera Festival
- Carrara Marble Quarries (35 min): Private 4x4 tours deep into the white marble quarries where Michelangelo selected his stone
Frequently Asked Questions
Hotel Plaza e de Russie is situated on Piazza D'Azeglio 1 in Viareggio, directly facing the pedestrianized seaside promenade and beach on Tuscany's Versilia coast. It is located 25 minutes from Pisa International Airport, 30 minutes from Lucca, 15 minutes from Forte dei Marmi, and 60 minutes from the Cinque Terre.
Established in 1871, Hotel Plaza e de Russie was Viareggio's first luxury hotel, originally named in homage to Russian imperial grand dukes and aristocrats who frequented the Tuscan Riviera. Over a century and a half, it has hosted royalty, literary giants, and composer Giacomo Puccini, who lived nearby at Torre del Lago.
Guests booking through Vincent Vacations receive complimentary daily continental breakfast, a complimentary 2-course lunch per room once during the stay, custom welcome amenities including a note from the General Manager, Chef's sweet treat, and bottle of Prosecco, room upgrade upon availability at check-in, late checkout, and for suite bookings of 2+ nights, an additional $100 USD food and beverage credit.
Hotel Plaza e de Russie partners with premier private beach clubs directly opposite the hotel along Viareggio's golden sand beaches, providing guests with reserved sun cabanas, loungers, beach umbrellas, and seaside dining services throughout the spring and summer season.