Once loved by the Etruscans and the ancient Romans, the villa in which the Bagni di Pisa Hotel is housed became famous all over Europe in the mid-18th century, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Francesco Stefano, made it his own summer spa residence, as well as a fashionable meeting place for such important guests as George IV of England, Percy Bysse Shelley and Carlo Goldoni. In the 40 guestrooms the views of the starry sky are blended with the pastel colours of the frescoed vaulted ceilings, which date from the 1700s. There are also marble and crushed stone floors, as well as bathrooms with two sinks, a shower and a separate bathtub. The Dei Lorena Restaurant, which commands a view of the Piazza dei Miracoli and its Leaning Tower, serves a menu of Tuscan specialities drawing from ancient recipes which once delighted the Grand Duke's guests, prepared with great ability by the Chef, Cesare Bassi, and his staff. After an aperitif or a cocktail under the 19th century frescoes in the bar room, guests can savour a cigar while contemplating the view from the terrace of the “Byron sitting room,” or enjoy the adjacent games room. A wide variety of treatments are also available in the hotel’s spa.