We purposely chose Hotel Italia because we wanted to avoid the sterile environments found within chain hotels. This is a lovely old villa run by a local italian family. It was easy to find on the seafront, a brightly coloured grand building.
The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful, they comprised of family & non-family members. Infact the son & daughter of the owner spoke pefect english and were more than happy to answer our questions about the history of the house & of the surrounding area.
The uniformed housekeeping staff were efficient and very smart.
I asked for an electric kettle in my room (to make my own tea) - no problem - a tray arrived with said kettle and all the accoutrements required to enjoy a good cuppa. Needed an iron to refresh our very wrinkled clothing - again no problem.

Breakfast each morning in the dining room was varied and good quality. Choices ranged from fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, as well as continental breakfast items.
The hotel has no lifts, but the staff were quickly able to convey all the luggage upto our room & removed the same for us when we were leaving.
It was comfortable, elegant & an authentic italian stay in a very beautiful area. Ideal place to tour to the Cinque Terre as well as the other coastal towns along this stretch. We much preferred Marina di Massa when compared to its upmarket sister Forte di Marmi, which we found too manicured & too expensive.
We had the best view from the first floor patio where we retired each evening for a glass of prosecco and watched the sun setting.
We ate at local a local trattoria which specialised in seafood - again run by a local italian family (mama in the kitchen, papa on the door & son waiting on the tables).
So to all you travellers who prefer something authentic take time to stay at the Grand Old Dame of Marina di Massa which is the Hotel Italia.