Casa Maria Antonietta

We were meant to be re-booked here after our original hotel had a problem and cancelled, but that booking never came through. Even so, the staff managed to fit us in at the last minute. They were welcoming, attentive, and helpful with the information we needed. The B&B/Hotel is inside the old city walls, close to everything to see in Lucca. We got 5 star treatment and would certainly come back.

The elevator and excellent location were the main positives. The rooms were disappointing. The decor was garish, and the bed posts were breaking and unstable. The bathroom didn't feel clean, with a persistent smell, a shower that wouldn't drain and had lots of residue, few amenities, and poor lighting. The air conditioner was loud off and on. Breakfast was simple and mostly okay, but the fruit tasted spoiled or old.

We left after one night and gave up the other two, moving to a quieter hotel. If you're after a relaxing stay in Lucca, you may want to look elsewhere. The website describes the Relais Inn as relaxing, but our experience wasn't. My husband and I had booked three nights. Staff were friendly and helpful when we arrived, but on Sunday evening we came back from dinner to very loud music and a large crowd spilling from the bistro next door into the street. We could hear the music and people clearly in our room until midnight. The next morning a staff member told us it was an ongoing problem and they'd called the police numerous times, but the noise and crowds continued. They offered us a quieter room, though we seriously doubted one existed.

The ladies at the desk gave us perfect hospitality, 10/10, and knew the area and where to eat. Breakfast was a brilliant, well-presented spread of good quality. The rooms were outstanding, very clean, and thoughtfully laid out with furniture that added to the experience. It's a hidden Gem on the outskirts of Lucca, but just a short walk from the attractions. There's a garage a few meters up the road, behind closed doors, so your car is off the road. It costs €20 a night, cheaper than the pay booths outside on the pavement. I'd recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Lucca, and know where I'll stay if we visit lucca again.