This is a superb historic building with something as close to a very ancient home idea (courtyard with garden behind, like some Roman layouts) as you will find still standing. If wanting a historic experience, this should be a great contender. Generous space for a very good rate, fridge and freezer most useful. Very close to Lucca's most lauded sights.

There are a few things you may need to be prepared for: everything echoes, from doors and water flow, to bird calls in the garden in early hours. Town noise, however, was not a problem (with windows closed). The bathroom became easily damp and this would lead to a slippy floor. Hot water could also be hit and miss. Occasionally reminded of living in student halls where it can only help to go with the flow of the slightly eccentric ways your quarters set for you.

The hotel was in a great location in the historic part of Lucca. We were only there for a short while, so we didn't experience the facilities such as the terrace accessed from our room or the shared garden but both looked lovely. The room we booked had a room with a double bed, a small room with a single bed and a separate shower room which was great.We had a taxi booked to take us to the airport in the morning but the driver called to say he was stuck in traffic and couldn't come on time. Paolo offered to drive us to the airport and carried our bags into the terminal for us. He also charged less than the taxi fare would have cost.

Some of the decor especially in the single room was very basic. This may be in keeping with the fact that the building is very old but we felt some improvements could be made without compromising the historic nature. However this didn't detract from our enjoyment and the rooms were clean.

We enjoyed our stay in Lucca and this garden would be lovely in the summer. but unfortunately the sun disappeared about 16:00 so it got very cold in March and we could not sit out for long. We had the choice of the 2 apartments and could not work out which would be best for us but chose the apartment with garden view because of the balcony. However if we returned, we would choose the downstairs apartment, suite with terrace, as the balcony was not pretty or have a view as we expected.

We visited in March and we were very cold in the apartment as the heating was turned off so we went to bed early just to get warm. The balcony was a real disappointment for sitting outside.

Location, character, garden, great helpful host. Coffee (& Earl Grey tea) available to be made anytime. Able to grab a croissant from the supermarket, which was very close, and have breakfast on the terrace. Great restaurant next door, we had a fabulous meal. We loved it. Thank you 🙏

Loved it all. Can’t believe some of the “niggly” comments people have made. Perhaps we are more relaxed from NZ. I see people have complained about no breakfast. If you want breakfast book somewhere where it is included. For the price, we thought it was fantastic and would definitely come back.

I would say that I’m pretty much satisfied with my experience this time in Lucca. First and the most important thing I have to mention is the host! Pier Paolo was extremely helpful and polite! Second thing is silence and safety. The property is situated behind such an enormous door and then two more, that you can be absolutely sure - you can sleep well and safe) Third, - the location - cannot be closer to ancient city center. It means restaurants are one-two minutes of walking, shopping two-three minutes walking distance.

Stairs leading to the room were a little scary, but that was small inconvenience.

we had a self-catering apartment consisting of living room, small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, on the ground floor - No5. It was very comfortable and located centrally.

Despite copious directions we were unable to find the indicated car-parks, due to road-works. We ended up at the Mazzini car-park which charges 1.50 Euros for the first hour, 2 Euros thereafter and 1.50 for the night. We ended up paying just short of 50 Euros for our 2-night stay. Also, the wifi never worked while we were there.

The apartment was clean, in a great location and was a good size for our family of 4. The building was charming and would be amazing in summer. A late check out was very much appreciated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in lovely Lucca.

Some recommendations to make the kitchen in the apartment more functional would be- a plug for the sink, a tea towel to dry dishes, drinking glasses (only had wine glasses), a corkscrew, a toaster, a kettle (we were given one after asking), something to light the stove with and a bread knife. We managed but it was lacking a few essentials.

The location was very close to everything we wanted to do and see in Lucca. The place had a courtyard with a beautiful garden and we sat out there in the evening and drank wine and enjoyed the buzz of people all around us. Our host was very warm and helpful- we were going to Cinque Terre next but he warned us of an approaching coastal storm and suggested we change plans. The boats were cancelled, so he was right and we were glad to find that out.

There were 2 steps in the bathroom to go down. One was directly behind the sink. Both my husband and I stepped back and into space and had to grab anything close to keep from losing balance.

Perfect location, 5-minute walk to shopping district, attractions and plenty of good places to eat. Staff very friendly and helpful, great value for money. Good size room with windows that open onto the beautiful garden area, great place to sit and have coffee or drinks. Free coffee in the reception area available at all times for guests, locked courtyard from the street for security, good WIFI and a hot shower with great water pressure. Would definitely recommend staying here.

Having said that wherever you are in Lucca you are never more than 20 minutes walking from any attraction, Corte Meraviglia - Relais is no more than 10 minutes (and often much less) from most of the famous sites and places. The room I stayed in was spacious and well equipped, with a large window, several light points, a comfortable bed, a large mirror, and it was extremely quiet. The bathroom too was provided of everything you need, with a large shower cubicle. Did not have breakfast included but tea and coffee were free and the coffee machine did a good brew. A large court with garden must be really enjoyable in good weather.

I would suggest to add a blanket as an alternative to the duvet because the first night I felt a bit hot. Also some lubricant to the hinges of a noisy door and a piece of string to keep the window open