Hotel Zeno in Cinquale, pizzeria and garden near the sea
Hotel Zeno is a three-star hotel in Cinquale, Tuscany, close to the sea and to Forte dei Marmi. It has a garden with a hot tub, free parking, pets allowed and a bar-restaurant with a well-liked pizza. Reviews are split on the rooms, so it suits anyone after a simple bed and little else, not those seeking luxury.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hotel Zeno.
Where Hotel Zeno in Cinquale is
Hotel Zeno is in Cinquale, in Versilia, on Via Foce Morta. The listing describes it as close to the beach and not far from Forte dei Marmi and Carrara. For guests coming from further away, it also cites Pisa and its airport as landmarks.
The location is handy for a seaside holiday without the prices and bustle of some better-known resorts. One guest says you can cycle from here to both Forte dei Marmi and the centre of Massa, and another talks of a hotel a few minutes from the sea. If you would rather leave the coast and head into the Tuscan interior, you might take a look at B&B Casa Giorgini in Stazzema or Rifugio La Mestà in Trassilico.
What the rooms and spaces are like
According to the listing there are 14 rooms, with a simple Mediterranean design. They have flat-screen TVs, a private bathroom with bidet, hairdryer and toiletries, plus heating for the mid-seasons. Wi-Fi is free in the shared areas and private parking is included.
Outside there is a garden with a hot tub for five people, which is the friendliest touch of the place. Pets are allowed, dogs and cats of any size, with no supplement. In Versilia, that is not a given.
| Aspect | What the listing says | What guests say |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms | Simple, with private bathroom | Clean and tidy for some, dated for others |
| Garden | With hot tub | Lovely and enjoyable, a quiet spot |
| Parking | Private and free | No complaints |
| Pets | Allowed, no supplement | Not mentioned |
The pizzeria is the real strong point
If there is one thing reviews agree on, it is the food. The bar-restaurant serves Tuscan classics and fresh fish, but what keeps coming up in comments is the pizza, particularly the focaccia and the pizza by the metre, often with a draught beer.
More than one guest rates it among the best in the area, with fair bills and quick service. One guest also tells of arriving late, without booking, and finding someone willing to prepare something to eat. One account, however, describes a dusty dining room and packaged products left in their boxes. It depends on the day and on what you order.
What guests say
On Google, Hotel Zeno has 3.7 out of 5 from 204 reviews. An average like that shows how different the experiences are.
- The owner and staff. Described as kind, helpful and generous. Several reviews cite the owner as the reason to come back.
- The food. Pizza, focaccia and starters at prices several guests consider fair.
- Tranquillity. A calm place, with a pleasant garden and the sea nearby.
On the other side there are very harsh reviews, almost all about maintenance and cleanliness. I read them carefully, because they are specific rather than general.
What to know before booking
The drawbacks should not be hidden here, because they weigh. One negative reviewer describes rooms in poor condition and value for money that does not add up.
- The state of the rooms. Reports of old, heavy furniture, walls needing repainting, broken hooks in the bathroom and damaged wall lights. The outside looks better cared for than the inside.
- Cleanliness. One guest found traces of the previous guest in the shower. Another described the place as almost abandoned.
- Price. Those who paid more in the summer months felt they were charged too much. If you can, choose a cheaper rate or a room with a clear description.
- Welcome. One review describes a cold reception on arrival. Others say the opposite, so it probably depends on who is on duty.
My advice is to ask for a renovated room, if there is one, and to look carefully at the most recent photos before confirming.
Who it suits
I would choose it for those travelling by car or with a dog, who want to eat well without spending too much and only need the room for sleeping. Less so for anyone looking for elegance, a honeymoon or those sensitive about cleanliness. In short, it is a budget hotel in Versilia with a kitchen that wins more people over than the rooms do, and with an owner who, many say, makes the difference.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
