Altana Panoramic

The apartment has real charm and sits in a beautiful part of Lucca. Getting there takes some effort: it’s a six-floor walk up, and cars can’t enter the old city, so expect to carry your bags on foot for a while.

The rooms are really comfortable, with classic Tuscan decor inside a beautiful historic building. The view from the top floor is stunning, and the location is hard to beat. This stay lives up to its name.

The owner was so kind and ready to help. The apartment is lovely and close to the center of Lucca, though there are several flights of stairs, so it’s best to pack light. I’d definitely recommend it.

A small bookcase in the living room was a fun touch, and my son found it especially interesting. The apartment itself is quite distinctive, and the central location worked well for us. We were four, with the kids sleeping on the sofa bed, and I do wish the living room had blackout curtains because the light was a bit of a nuisance. The kitchen is basic, with an electric stove and a good set of dishes for four, though one pair of scissors is missing. The place is right at the top, up 57 steps. We parked at the covered Mazzini lot, a 12-minute walk away by car route; parking from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM cost 2 euros. A bit of stair practice helps, especially if you’re planning to climb Guinigi Tower, which has 231 steps.