Hotel Byron

Hotel Byron offers a quietly elegant version of Forte dei Marmi: a noble seaside villa, a private garden and the Apuan Alps as a backdrop. The property overlooks the sea, placing the Versilia coast at the centre of its appeal, yet its character is intimate rather than grandiose. This is a boutique hotel for travellers who value a distinctive residence and a measured pace as much as the seaside setting itself.

The historic villa was commissioned by the Duke of Zoagli, who chose the Liberty, or Art Nouveau, style that still defines it. Its aristocratic connections included the Savoy family; today, that architectural inheritance sits alongside the more contemporary design of the Sasso wing. The contrast is worth considering when choosing accommodation: Byron is not a single aesthetic repeated throughout. Its name honours the English poet, whose travels took him to Tuscany, rather than establishing any claim that he stayed in this villa.

Dining is another reason to give the hotel time beyond the room. La Magnolia and Onda are its two named restaurants, while fine dining and the culinary traditions of Versilia are central to Covellea’s selection. Together with the garden and the historic setting, they make Byron particularly appealing for a stay shaped around unhurried meals and time by the sea, rather than a crowded sightseeing schedule.

Choose the room category with care. The Cozy Nest occupies the main villa and has a skylight window, so it is not the choice for a conventional sea outlook. Junior Suites add a living area and a generous en suite bathroom. For families or four travelling together, the two-storey Family Suites offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two private patios: a notably different proposition, with garden-facing outdoor space and room to spend time apart.