Hotel Santa Croce in Fossabanda - Pisa

Negatives: 1. Front desk staff is not helpful. Girl at front desk gave us useless directions to the leaning tower; Guy in the morning wasnt much better but at least he let us check out 30 min past check out time. 2. Mattress is horrible. 3. My bath towel had about 2 inches of lint from the dryer. Not dirty, just a bunch of lint. 4. If you get a room on the side with the road, you won't get much sleep (even with the windows closed). 5. The shower stall is uncomfortably small. The good - 1. It's cheap (relatively). 2. If you use the bus to get to the hotel from the train station, it's only 5 min. 3. The water in the vending machineis cheaper than the store down the street. 4. Bathroom was very clean and good water pressure. Overall - It's a clean hotel which basic accomodations (TV was useless; no english channels). Hotel dosent offer much in terms of amenities but we were there for one night so it was fine. About 30 min walk from the Leaning tower and about 45 min walk from the train station. By bus, it's 5 min from the train station.

The hotel is a bit too far from Pisa central to walk to at night and feels a little rough around the edges, I found the staff a bit grumpy and abrupt, and the air-con was useless. The actual building is fantastic, so I would recommmend staying for one night just for the experience.

This is almost a little treasure of a hotel, but the room and the staff let it down. We had specifically reserved a twin room but when we arrived they said they only had a double and were far from apologetic when they realised their mistake. They made no efforts to rectify the situation or even offer us breakfast on the house. The breakfast, by the way, is not worth paying extra for.

I can't recommend this hotel too highly for anyone wanting modestly priced accommodation near the centre of Florence. A former nunnery, the hotel offers simply furnished rooms in a beautiful, historic setting - very peaceful with rooms overlooking the central courtyard or well tended gardens at the back. There are seats and tables set out in the cloisters which make an ideal location for quiet reading or just chilling out after a day spent walking around Pisa. The one draw back is perhaps the 20-25 minute walk into the centre: fine if it's not too hot, but something of a challenge during the afternoon with young children in tow.

We spent one night there to begin with, but when we returned to Pisa one week later, we did not hesitate to use the same hotel again. We liked the quiet, almost profound atmosphere, and we could almost feel the presence of the nuns that once stayed there. The room we liked best had a little window almost two meters above the floor, and there was about four meters up to the ceiling. The hotel is orientated towards an inner square with columns and arches. Nice place to read a good book (if not the Bible, of course). Beatifully restored, no thrills or glamour. It was almost as if the TV-set (a small one, though) in the room did not fit in there.

The hotel is located in a nice, quiet area of Pisa about 10-15 minutes walk from the busier, central areas of the town. Thankfully Pisa is a small place so everything is walkable. The hotel itself is a beautiful old building with large if slightly plain bedrooms. The bathroom was nice although they could have sacrificed the bidet for a slightly larger shower cubicle. The staff were friendly and helpful. We can't comment on the breakfast because we didn't have it. As for the distance from the airport then it cost us 20 euros in a taxi, which seemed a bit steep.

I was fairly pleased with this hotel, the room itself was of good size, but I didn't like the tiles on the bedroom floor. The hotel was in good location for the sites of pisa, approximately 15-20 min walk from leaning tower and cathedral. We got a good deal on the hotel for 1 night, although if I were staying longer I think I would like a more modern hotel

Amazing location, go have wine in the 4th floor.

The hotel is located about 30 minutes walk from the Leaning Tower and the main sights of Pisa (not that there are really that many sights - 1 night in Pisa was enough). The hotel itself was a former convent and has been refurbished to a high standard. The rooms are accessed by a balcony that overlooks the lovely courtyard around which the hotel is built. In the evenings many people brought their own snacks and drinks and sat out at the tables on the terrace. Secure and free parking was a real bonus. The rooms were basic and unfussy but very clean and comfortable - the towels weren't very luxurious though!

felt safe, quiet, clean, bathroom was updated but more expensive than expected considering the comfort of room

If you're after experiencing new things, you'll like the hotel. What you see in the pictures, is what you get. Lots of unique character that adds extra flavour to your stay.The rooms are basic, but I was very pleased with the level of cleanliness and that the bathrooms were actually more spacious than I'd expected. The location is also good, as it takes you 20 -30 minutes to get to the town centre and the Tower on foot. The distance is similar if you want a trip to Florence or seaside from the trains station. Real value for money! Highly recommended.

this hotel really is a gem. not only was it one of the cheaper options that came up but it was also one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. pisa itself is not that great (leaning tower aside) but it makes a great base for exploring the area by train and this hotel is just perfect for that. the hotel has plenty of charm and character and the courtyard is just gorgeous, the perfect place to start the day and have breakfast(which is rather nice and more filling with more options than many italian breakfasts) some reviews complained about the "basic rooms" but that just adds to the experience as they are the cells that the monks used to live in. in any case i have stayed in more basic hotels. the bathroom was modern and clean and there was air conditioning so thats all that mattered to us. besides who gos to tuscany to spend all day in your room? we did not find the staff overly friendly, but they were certainly not rude and they answered any questions we had. i deffinately recomend this hotel if you favour charm and ambience over a posh pad.

Nice breakfast can be eaten in the sun in the cloisters. Rooms basic but clean and nice modern shower room with good shower. Pleasant 30 min walk to centre.

take a taxi from the airport will cost you around 10 euros. 20 minutes walking from the leaning tower. the bathroom is modern, clean with good shower. room decoration is a bit old but acceptable. nice view of the courtyard. the room on the reception side can be really noisy because of ppl arriving and talking outside the hotel. generally good service and good location.

Spent 2 nights at the Hotel in April. Hotel was a 10 Euro Taxi ride from Airport. It is a converted monastry and still has a religious air about the place (despite the very occassional plane flying over). The rooms are simple and clean with a modern bathroom. Leaning Tower is about 20 mins walk away with a small number of restaurants about 5 mins away. Would definarlty use the place again.

Hotel was good value for money with a good breakfast to start you off.Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable bed. Would stay again.

The hotel is an ex covent location, so it was different. The staff made a mistake on my reservation it it cost me 26€ other then that, not bad.

This was a lovely, relatively quiet place. Breakfast was good, the rooms were clean and comfortable. Our room looked out on a lovely little grassy area. Bathrooms were newly remodeled. A good value for what we paid.

When you arrive you won't fail be impressed by the setting for this hotel, a beautiful, historic building on the edge of town. The hotel is at least a fifteen minute walk from the train station and the city centre. I found the staff on reception to be very welcoming and helpful. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend this hotel for a short break. The only slight disappointment is that the rooms are quite small, you can only just walk around the bed without bumping in to the wall. I was expecting a former monks' quarters to be minimal but I was surprised at just how small they were. The rooms would also benefit greatly from a lighter colour scheme and some improved soft furnishings. If they got this right, you would forgive the small room, as it would feel more special and less like a cheap hostel. That said, the rooms were clean, quiet and comfortable. The bathroom was also small, but again clean and perfectly functional. There was no English speaking TV channel and you have to pay for the wifi access, but don't let that put you off.

The staff at this hotel are friendly and helpful and speak good English. The hotel is approximately a 10 Euro taxi ride from the airport. The close proximity to the airport does mean that you may be woken up at 8.30 a.m. by a 747, but it won't matter because the adjacent church bells would have already woken you up at 8.00 a.m. it does mean you can have an early start to your holiday and won,t miss the continental breakfast which was ample. The field of miracles (where the leaning tower is - ask for a free map at reception) is a 20 minute walk away as is the train station which runs a shuttle to the airport (approx 1.50 euros platform 14a, don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow machines on the platform) the service to Florence (there are 3 stations in Florence you need Firenze SMA for the Duomo etc) is good it takes about an hour and I think it was about 10 Euros return. There are no English channels on the TV unless you pay for Sky. The towels are not the fluffy type you normally expect, they are linen and more like large tea towels.

A simple room buy clean and lovely

This hotel started life as a monastery, and today it retains much of the calm and history of its past. Our room was on the first floor - simply furnished but very comfortable - and was off the central courtyard, with its clocktower and pomegranate tree. Breakfast (included in the price) was a very good continental buffet - meats and cheese, bread and cakes, fruit, and plenty of coffee. It was excellent value - we would certainly go again.

Outwardly the hotel look fine, but I don't know if we were just unlucky and got a "poor" room. The decor was dull, the walls were dotted with dead mosquito's and it felt cold and slightly damp. All the mosquitoes were not dead however and I have the bites to prove it. We ended up having to sleep with the covers pulled completely over our heads. On the other hand the bathroom was bright and clean, and the hotel was handy for the airport

Stayed last Monday night en route to airport.Very attractive building and room in keeping with the convent surroundings.However,our room was VERY noisy and after returning to reception to say we were up at 4am we were assured that in the evening it was vry quiet.Wished we had insisted on a move as thescooters and motorbikes were still roaring by after midnight.Left before breakfast so not a success for us overall.

Beautiful Surroundings in the ex Monastery Acoomodation Basic 2/3 Star but very clean. Staff very helpful and Great as much as you like Continetal Breakfast served in the beutiful courtyard. Try and get a room away from the front as it can get noisy (apparently!!) About 20 Mins from the tower so not for people who don't like a stroll. For the guy going on abt mossies there was a mossie net on my window and shutters. Highly recommend for something differnet.

very enjoyable stay as breakfast was excellent sitting in the courtyard staff very helpful rooms very clean everybody spoke about setting over bkeakfast very easy to get around pisa from this location, our room on main road was quite noisey at night and from early morning

lovely ambiance, courtyard and tower gave plenty of atmosphere. Had large room and bathroom, totally in keeping with photos on web prior to visit. Breakfast was great, even in October were able to sit out. Reception staff always polite although always pre-occupied on computer. No information about Pisa or area volunteered but polite responses given when asked. Only downside of hotel was lack of facility to have hot drink in evening. On 4th night of 7 night stay we found by accident a vending machine, nowhere near reception area. On 5th night it was out of order! Previous reviews reported on plane noise and bells ringing, we did not find these a problem, would say in fact the church bells added to atmosphere.

Found, favoured and appreciated by those for whom low key character comes before the more conventional tourist or business hotel standards.

lovely hotel but we stayed in room 203 and it was next to a road that was very noisy from 6 in the morning with continueing traffic, 5 mins by bus from pisa, if you can get used to the buses its fine for going into pisa and cheap by bus, best bit was the fantastic italian restaurant bella napoli behind the hotel, lovely food,great prices, a little gem.

It looks and feels like a monastry, which is what it previously was. The rooms are basic, almost austere, with windws so high up you cannot reach them without standing on a chair.

Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable and are in keeping with a wonderful historic building. Everything worked, staff were pleasant and check in/out was efficient. Location is good and within easy walking distance of the main attractions. Varied and tasty breakfast in the best of settings. Would return.

very noisy cleaners.we were looking for a relaxing end to our holiday after spending time in naples,rome and florence,and we didn't find it.

It was previously a monks residence and you actually stay in the rooms surrounding the courtyard. It was really nice to stay somewhere so different to your average hotel. The rooms are basic and small as you would expect of an ex-monk residence but it had lots of atmosphere. A bit of a walk to the leaning Tower but which is on the other side of town but as it is a small town it's not really a problem.

This was one of the best hotels I have stayed in. Its in a old monestery which has a surperb feeling . Its quiet , a little walk into town, and has a good cont breakfast. . There is secure parking around the back. The room is clean,has a lovely shower and has Aircon. Well worth the money

This hotel is a taxi ride from the station especially on a hot summer's day. It is quiet and pleasant. The rooms are simple but the atmosphere of the hotel is very relaxing which is good after a day being a tourist. It's a short walk to Pisa central

Nice hotel in Pisa, a little too far from the leaning tower. The hotel is well presented, beatiful yard, great breakfast, but instead of towels they had something similar to table cloths?? Of course that after a bath they don't work really well but that's what the hotels offer

A great opportunity to stay in a converted convent. The building is truly gorgeous! You can enjoy your breakfast sitting under the cloisters in the courtyard, very special. The rooms are simple, but clean. Staff are friendly (speak English) and breakfast is good (buffet with lots of choice). 20 - 30 minute walk to major sites, but easy to find.

Peaceful surroundings, good restaurants and cafes nearby, excellent breakfast and close to airport

nice, basic hotel. about a 20 minute walk to the tower which wasn't too bad. secure parking which was a bonus. the early bells might annoy some people.

The setting of the hotel is spectacular, located in a former monastery, having breakfast outside in the court yard is wonderful. The rooms are simple, with no extras, but the rooms are clean and functional. I loved the atmosphere and the price is very good for what you get. It's a leisurely 15 minutes walk to the center and parking is convenient.

You'll like this hotel if you are looking for something unusual - it is situated in an old convent and rooms look like nun's cells (in a good way). Two minor negative points: breakfast service was extremely chaotic and ... beware of mosquitos! Our room didn't have air conditioning and we stupidly left the window opened.

unique experience to stay in monastery even with minimal furnishing. hotel did not provide bath robes as advertised. breakfast was adequate with pastries and rolls, but excellent barrista for fresh coffee/espresso. 20 min walk to tower

We stayed in this hotel on the way back from a weekend in Florence, what a find! The hotel is a stunningly beautiful building, and if you were a tourist you would visit it, so to actually spend some time there was just lovely. I could have stayed there longer, there was a real feeling of peace and tranquility there, although it is on the flight path of the airport...

Wasn't sure what to expect from the Hotel as the reviews on the internet conflicted slightly but I am pleased to say we had a lovely time, the hotel was in a good condition and the rooms were as advertised, basic but comfortable. The Hotel is about 15 minutes walk away from the tower and 5 minutes from some good tratoria's. If you like a quite hotel with basic accomodation and don't mind a walk to the centre of town this is the place for you. We would definately go back.

Delightful setting of the old monastery and 24 hr English-speaking reception very helpful. Slightly disappointed that there was no tea/coffee making facilities in the room or a vending machine. Difficult to get refreshments locally particularly with a child. The continental breakfast was great in the lovely tea-room - it was a shame this wasn't open in the afternoons for example. Location is definitely 25 minutes walk to Leaning Tower and similar to train station.

The hotel itself was wonderful, an air of mystery surrounded the old monastry with its long corridors and painted ceilings. My favourite moments were sitting in the courtyard on a morning listening to the bells chime. The rooms were simply furnished which was fine, in keeping with the whole embience of the Monastry. On a more negative note, the waiting staff were miserable, I dont think I saw a smile the whole time we were there, a week. The breakfast was a labourious monotonous task with no variety, just bread croissants cheese and ham....every day. There are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms and the hotel offers no room service. If your looking for a city which offers an abundance of restaurants offering a variety of european cuisine then Pisa is not the place to stay.

We booked a cheap flight and cheap hotel in Pisa just to have a few days away exploring Pisa and Florence. However, we were amazed at the standard of the hotel. The lovely courtyard and the fabulous old building itself, really has to be seen to be appreciated. The breakfast was very good and the staff were lovely. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough and would love to stay there again myself.

A bit of a trek to the tower and central Pisa, but very quiet and a very attractively restored building. And its easy to find and park, which can be a nightmare in Italian towns and cities.

The setting is lovely and you can almost imaging the nuns wandering around the grounds. The hotel report said basic and it was. Rooms were sparsley furnished but clean.Shower cubicle was a bit of a tight fit.

Good location, pleasant outlook, but if you want more than a hard bed, a tiny bathroom and no services apart from a meagre and unappetising breakfast you would be advised to go elsewhere.