We have just returned from Grand Hotel Continental and had a wonderful time. I am very fussy about where I stay, the standards and the food and I can fault none of it. OK the hotel isn't the best looking from outside but who it going to stare at that all day long. The rooms (no balcony for us) were big and bright and everything was clean, including the ample bathroom. I was pleasantly surprised after reading some of the reviews which were absolutely rubbish. I have stayed in many 4* hotels and this definitely was also a 4*. The staff were so kind and helpful especially the dining room staff (|Nadia). Food was excellent, so much of it and superbly cooked and presented. I like fish and I was more than satisfied and my husband likes meat and he too thought it was excellent. There was a cook in out group and he gave it top marks. Tirrenia itself was fine for a smallish town. Of course the shops closed between 1 - 4 as all continental countries do but they open again until 8 pm. Bus into Pisa was frequent and so were the trains. Easy to get to Pisa, Lucca and Florence on public transport and staff at station helpful and speak some English. Only 2 things weren't as we would have wanted - no tea/coffee making facilities in room and therefore it worked out quite expensive to buy drinks. Should have taken travel kettle but limited due to 15kg weight restriction. Also on the last day a "Spinning" group (latest craze) - all 200 of them - took over the hotel and the noise throughout the hotel (even though it was by the pool was awful all day with the noise of the music (?) and the coach shouting out instructions. Far too loud and I understand it was going on all weekend. Glad we went home. Apparently they come every year so beware going that date. All in all a lovely holiday and have no fear at all going to this hotel. Last of all, the Thompson rep, Brenda was brilliant and so very helpful - a medal for her!

The hotel is excellent to stay. Front Office staff very polite and helpful.
Rooms were excellent and had view of the sea.

We were vegetarian and there was not much choice on the Menu. One of the waiters, who is a tall slim gentleman, he made sure we di have a good meal. He requested the chef and
everyday without ordering from the Menu, he brought us very good food and we do not have words how to appreciate this lovely service.

If we plan to go to Italy again we are sure to stay at this hotel again because of the service. Excellent service.

The hotel is located in a very small town which as other reviews say has seen better days. However, it is reasonably close to Pisa (an easy bus trip) and also well placed for Florence and other key cultural centres.
The hotel itself is a bit of a mixed bag. It's close to the beach and in the Italian style has a jealously guarded private beach area with free towels and two deck chairs (try and take a spare extra one and you will earn the surly attention of one of the staff). We stayed on half board and buffet breakfast was fine but the formal dinner each night a little unvaried in menu and not obviously offering fresh local produce though fish was regularly on the menu. The room was fine with a decnt size extra bed in the room for our 10 year old. I would recommend you bring your own tea making facilities given the cost of this at the bar.
One point to note when visiting the Uffizi in Florence - we had a very unpleasant experience at the entrance where although we had purchased tickets in advance the assistant insisted on seeing ID (passport) for our ten year old to prove he was a child and could get in free! We had not brought our passports and were informed that in Italy we had to carry ID around with us in a very rude manner! In England of course galleries are free (not £50 to get in) and don't require any form of ID which she seemed not to appreciate!

I have stayed here a few times...once with my family and once by myself on a short business trip. It's a bit on the expensive side, so I think it is much more ideal for business or couples rather than a "family" hotel.

It's in a very loud part of Tirrenia which was a bit irritatiting trying to sleep at night especially since the air conditioning wasn't working properly.

A few positive notes, it has one of the best breakfasts in Tirrenia and it is right on the beach and if I remember correctly, it was included in the price of the room. The swimming pool is very plain, but nice and well kept.