Tuscany has a number of towns with World Heritage listed centres, but there's something about Lucca which charms beyond its handsome piazzas, and for that reason our Gurus recommend that instead of just passing through, you book into one of the best places to stay in Lucca. Lucca’s accommodation options include beautifully converted historic palazzo, elegant townhouses-turned-boutique-hotels, country villas on the outskirts of town surrounded by vineyards, and small B&Bs created from apartments within historic mansions.

Lucca is only 20 minutes from Pisa, and about 45 minutes from Florence, so you might opt to reverse the day trip trend and book into one of the best places to stay in Lucca, and then take day trips to the other centres — or spend a few nights in each. To enjoy Lucca at its best get out and explore on foot; stroll the cobbled streets and Renaissance-era walls, stopping every now and then at an historic bar or cafe to watch the world waft gently by!

Lucca’s surrounds are worth exploring too. Nestled into the hills behind the city are beautiful villas, some of them now also converted into hotels and on our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Lucca, and the belle époque era spa so loved by local boy, Puccini. He is, unsurprisingly, performed a lot here, especially during the summer, and there are a number of regular festivals to look out for.

The Best Places to Stay in Lucca

For Central Lucca

• The Palazzo Dipinto is a small, luxurious townhouse conversion in the heart of historic Lucca with a superb restaurant. The bones of this lovely building are still on-show — the beamed ceilings, beautiful terracotta brick and huge windows — but the contemporary conversion has been pretty thorough, allowing for new wood floors and indulgent bathrooms. A central spot that works for couples or families, with 19 rooms and suites.
• A Palazzo Busdraghi is a charming 16th century palazzo, turned seven room hotel. Guests should expect modest-sized rooms with plenty of original features, homely decor, and a quiet, central location within the beautiful lanes of Lucca. There’s a pretty breakfast room, but no restaurant.

For Couples

• The Palazzo Tucci is a marvellous palace of a villa in central Lucca, with decor fancy, and traditional, enough for a Medici. Expect terracotta files on the floor, cast painted ceilings, antiques with elegantly turned legs, and plenty of brocade and velvet. There are just six rooms, all of them vast, some suitable for families. Breakfast is served in a huge ballroom.

For Families

• The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini has been converted from a charming country villa and outbuildings, just 10 kms north of Lucca, and surrounded by vineyards. With traditional, and somewhat romantic-feeling decor — think exposed beams, terracotta-tiled floors and country style fabrics — this makes a great getaway for couples. But the fact that its outbuildings have been converted into villas and apartments make this a great pick for families too. Especially with the outdoor pool and tennis court, and authentic Tuscan cuisine.
• Le Dimore del Borgo is a collection of simple, crisp and spacious apartments and suites in the centre of town. With wood floors and primarily white details, these rooms are bright, and the larger apartments, with their self-catering facilities, living and dining areas, and multiple bedrooms, are perfect for families. There is a ‘hotel hub’ where there’s a bar and staff who can help you find what you need in Lucca.

For a Rural Retreat

• Tenuta San Pietro is a small villa in a beautiful spot just outside Lucca, surrounded by an olive farm and grape vines. Within are ten rooms and suites, cleverly designed and simply decorated to make the most of the original features. But what we love this villa for its its gourmet restaurant, serving regional cuisine, which you can learn more about in their cooking classes. They run art classes as well, and there’s an outdoor pool with a wonderful view.
• The Albergo Villa Marta is a 19th century hunting lodge turned country house hotel, surrounded by citrus gardens and olive groves. Inside are 15 rooms and suites, decorated in pastels, with classical style that highlights the original terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and whitewashed walls. The smartest rooms and the common spaces have decoratively painted walls and graceful proportions. Guests can arrange cooking, or art classes, and use the complimentary hotel bikes to explore the region. Or just hang out by the charming pool.

Best B&Bs

• The B&B La Romea occupies an impressively proportioned 14th century apartment, offering five rooms and suites, plus a friendly communal lounge and breakfast room. Each of the rooms is unique, but all are large ad light, with mahogany furniture and bi bathtubs. Our Guru’s favourite rooms are those with ceiling frescoes. And the B&B La Romera is just a few minutes walk from some of the highlights of Lucca.
• L'Orto Degli Angeli is a cheerfully charming B&B in a converted villa within Lucca’s walls. There are 21 rooms, decorated in pretty pastels, with handprinted murals, well chosen antiques and plenty more to remember. Some of the rooms work for families, and the charming communal spaces are cosy and welcoming. A true spread is offered at breakfast and there are plenty of places to eat and drink within a short stroll.
• The Palazzo Alexander is a very beautiful palazzo (with origins dating back to the 12th century!), turned elegant B&B in central Lucca. It has just six rooms, all with grand gilt and chintz decor and parquet floors. Our Gurus favour the rooms with private balconies overlooking the city, and they’re especially attached the the rooms with ceiling murals.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Lucca?

• Pisa Airport is the most convenient for Lucca, it’s just 20 minutes away by rail, but requiring a changeover in Pisa Central Station. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport may also be a useful option, it’s about an hour away from Lucca by bus, three quarters of an hour’s drive, or two hours on the train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The weather's at its best in the summer months, with the average daily highs climbing to 30°C in July and August. However, this is peak tourist season and so if you want to avoid the crowds (and pay less for accommodation) then maybe September's a better bet. The weather's still around 24°C, perfect for sightseeing.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Tuscany
• Include our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Pisa, or the best places to stay in Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio on the Tuscan coast
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lucca