Unfortunately my stay was cut short for reasons not connected with he hotel, but on the one night I stayed I found the front desk helpful, the location good, the breakfast perfect and the free wi-fi fast and effective. My one less than terrific comment would be that the hotel is getting a little tired; if it had a new carpet and a paint job, I would give it five spots. I would still be happy to stay there again.

Stayed 2 nights in October. Room was clean and modern. The breakfast had a variety of foods including eggs. Location was great as we were traveling by train. For those on a budget, I would not hesitate to recommend Hotel Montebello.

We stayed for 3 nights in late October - a weekend away to Italy (which we love and have visited often) for our 39th Wedding Anniversary.

The Montebello was, according to Star ratings, a little below our usual choice, but reviews persuaded us to give it a try. Were the reviews right? Oh yes, and then some!

The room was a little small (aren't all Italian rooms!) but beautifully clean and well appointed and equipped - including dressing gowns! The baloney added outside sitting space, which meant the bijoux room didn't matter - the sitting room was out in the glorious Tuscan fresh air.

But the total surprise? The restaurant.

We'd booked half board, thinking that the food would be adequate (is there an Italian who can't cook?) and we would eat out on the evening of our anniversary. At this hotel, half board is the bargain of the Century. Four courses of superbly cooked and presented authentic Tuscan delights.

I know it says 3 courses, but they provide an ante-pasta that any UK restaurant would call a starter and charge £4 or more for. You can't eat shellfish? My wife can't and one evening a beautiful plate of mixed seafood was waiting for us as ante-pasta. "No problem. I'll get you something else", which turned out to be an enormous portion of hams, salamis and cheeses.

And that was the freebee!

The primo (pasta) is more like a UK main course. The secundo IS a main course and the desserts home made pastries (or cheeses if you ask). And all served with friendly courtesy. UK 4*'s should send their staff here for training!

Wine? A great wine list that starts at €8 up to €22 and bar prices that are below most UK pubs.

Everyone at the Hotel seems committed to making your say what you want, not what they think you want. Given its convenient location between the main shopping area and the spas & parks area, easy on street parking outside (€3/day) this hotel is the best value for money we can recall in many years of independent travel.

Great hotel just far enough away from the centre of Montecatini to be able to sleep well at night, but close enough (5 min walk) to be handy for all restaurants, cafes etc. About 10 min walk from Terme train station.

Room very clean and comfortable with good bed, wardrobe etc. Bathroom had all necessaries, including a hairdryer. Good shower also.

Bonus is free bicycle hire - quite flat around most of Montecatini so this is a good way to see some of the surrounding countryside. Hills to the north (to Montecatini Alto) best accessed via the funicular railway about 15 mins walk from the hotel.

Breakfast was excellent, with a full continental (good choice of pastries, eggs, cheese, bread, cake and juices / coffee). Dining area has a pleasant view of the ajoining piazza. English spoken well by all staff we met.

Above all this, though, the staff / service was fantastic. The chap who met us when we arrived was incredibly welcoming and friendly. We booked through Travel Republic, and it seems that there had been some kind of computer error with our booking and as a result we had to stay in the hotel next door for one night (this hotel was itself just great). To apologise for this, the Montebello upgraded our room(s), took care of all baggage movements and left us a nice note and a bottle of house wine on the table in our main bedroom.

Montecatini itself is a marvellous town with a large picturesque park / spa area, numerous restaurants / cafes and regular (and often free) concerts. Very tidy and clean also, and within c. 1 hour of Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.