Forte Dei Marmi is an upmarket beach resort that has lately been infiltrated by the rich Russian oligarchs and the high class shops of Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci etc reflect this in the range of shops that display their wares for sale on the main high street which is only a short walk from the beautifully manicured beaches with their deck chairs, sun shades and beach changing hits. August and weekends is when Forte is busiest and the Italians love nothing better than promenading down the high street in their finery.

The hotel is situated on a small side road about a 10 minute walk to the centre of town and is owned by two ladies who have tastefully decorated the hotel throughout in the colours of coffee and cream. Added touches are shell tassels on the curtain cords and parchment lampshades. Even the reception ladies are clothed in the same coffee and cream colours made from the curtain material.

This is a 4 star hotel charging 5 star prices. Forte has always been expensive and this hotel is no exception, but you do get excellent service, great breakfasts and all the comforts of a 5 star establishment.

The rooms are on the small side, most with balconies that have a table and 2 chairs to relax on. There are safes in the rooms although the one in room 24 is so small you could not even fit an
i- pad into it. The barhrooms are also small but have all the accessories such a slippers and bathrobes and a good selection of quality creams and gels. Towels are changed twice a day and there is also a turn down facitlity.

The breakfast area is comfortable under a fabric awning and is open to the pretty gardens. Freshly squeezed orange juice and home made jams can accopany a cooked breakfast if required.

A pretty swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers are surrounded by the 2 person four poster beds which are on the surrounding grass areas make the pool a pleasant and relaxing environment. We were unlucky as there was some building work going on nearby and the sound of drilling and road drills disturbed the peace and solitude of the pool.

The hotel does not have its own private beaches but you can go on the a couple of beaches that the hitel have an agreement with subject to paying their charges. The whole area of Forte Dei Marmi is flat and perfect for cycling and bicycles are available from the hotel and are sometimes charged for by the hotel, but be careful and the front brakes on mine did not work and some have o lights for nighttime riding.

If you want some great food and more individual shops, take a 10 minute drive to Pietrasanta where you will find art galleries and excellent restaurants at prices that are much more acceptable to the pocket.

All in all and excellent hotel, but you have to pay the high price to get it.