Palazzo Tucci Residenza d'Epoca

I mean, you stay in a former palace so that’s a good start. The staff is exceptionally kind and helpful. Room we stayed in was very large with many original features from the historic palace. Centrally located. 15 minute walk from train station. Very good free breakfast. Very quiet area.

I have mixed feelings about this hotel. The positives are the staff who are lovely and helpful, and the perfect location. There is a lift which is helpful since it is about 30 steps up to reception which can be difficult with luggage. This is an elegant, very old palazzo still run by the family. I will say that I was the only guest so it felt a bit eerie. It didn't help that it was pouring rain during most of my stay. You enter the building into a very cold, unwelcoming inner courtyard. Dingy flooring and dusty old fake floral centerpiece. Since its a first impression, think the courtyard could be freshened up with a new coat of paint and some fresh decorative touches. It would make a world of difference. That said, once you enter the actual hotel, it is very pretty with frescoes and paintings on the ceilings and walls. Rooms are spacious. There are minor fixes needed. Towels were clearly laundered but mine were tired and spotted. Bed was very comfortable with crisp linens. As a solo female guest, it was a little creepy entering the courtyard at night although Lucca is safe. The reception is not staffed 24 hours. I don't know if I would stay there again but would be good for families since the spaces are huge.

If you stay anywhere in Lucca then make sure it is here. We stayed in the huge La Wally Suite which, while being a huge room, was an experience in itself. Having walked around and visited many palazzo’s during the visit it was great fun to actually stay in one. Entry is through massive wooden doors in to a dark courtyard then ascend the stone stairs (or the lift when you have cases) and enter in to the gloriously decorated rooms. Breakfast is served with huge paintings on the walls to admire and set you up for a day enjoying wonderful Lucca.