ai Santinelli

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to ai Santinelli on Via della Boccaccia, I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like a pretty quiet residential street in Capannori. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t announce themselves with giant signs and marble lobbies. This little 4-star gem is tucked away in one of those spots that feels authentically Tuscan without trying too hard, if that makes sense. The building itself has that weathered charm you get in this part of Lucca province – not Instagram-perfect, but real in a way that grows on you. Check-in was surprisingly smooth, and the staff actually seemed to remember guests’ names, which is rarer than it should be these days.

What really got me was how the place sits in relation to everything else. You’re technically in Capannori, which means you’re close enough to Lucca’s city walls to bike there in about fifteen minutes (they’ll lend you bikes, by the way), but far enough out that you’re not dealing with tour bus exhaust and crowds of people taking selfies at 7 AM. I mean, don’t get me wrong – I love Lucca’s centro storico, but staying there can feel like living in a museum sometimes. Here, you wake up to actual birds instead of Vespa engines, and the morning light hits the nearby olive groves in this way that makes you want to sit with your coffee longer than you planned. The rooms themselves are comfortable without being fancy – good beds, decent shower pressure, and windows that actually open to let in that particular smell of Tuscan countryside that’s part cypress, part morning dew. There’s honestly nothing groundbreaking about the amenities, but everything works the way it should, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

The 9.2 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there a day or two. It’s not about luxury or showing off – it’s about getting the basics right and then adding these small touches that show someone actually cares. The breakfast spread includes local honey from somewhere nearby (I forgot to ask exactly where, but it was good), and they stock regional wines that you probably haven’t tried before. Parking is easy, which anyone who’s driven around Italian hill towns will appreciate, and the whole area stays pretty quiet even during peak summer months. If you’re planning to explore places like Montecarlo or the Garfagnana region, this is actually a smart base – you’re positioned well for day trips without having to navigate city traffic every morning. It’s the kind of place where you might extend your stay just because leaving feels unnecessarily complicated.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $221. Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $280. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $280. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $280. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $408. Junior Suite with Garden View with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $554. Family Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $595. Junior Suite with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $711. Three-Bedroom Suite with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6
• Estimated price from: $939. Villa with Private Pool with 3 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Lovely B&B near pretty village of Vorno, near Lucca – Margaret from United Kingdom – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely country B&B, just 10 mins away from Lucca.
  Super friendly hosts
  Fabulous breakfast

• We are grateful for the opportunity to stay in Lucca. – Fagerstedt from United States – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  We stayed in Italy for two weeks. The majority of our stay was at aiSantinelli. Wow! What a beautiful location with beautiful people. From the moment we drove in to the property, we were in love. The smell of the air was lovely. We loved everything about this location.
  Every morning, we were spoiled with the best breakfast. It was truly beyond belief! Our biggest regret is that we had many day excursions taking us away from the solace of this place. I also wish we had taken advantage of their offer to make us meals other than breakfast. Of all the places we visited in Italy, this is the place our entire family agrees we’d love to visit again. Service was impeccable. Luca was an amazing host.
  
  What could be improved: Having to leave.

• Exceptional Accommodation – Grazie!! – Robyn from Ireland – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Incredible accommodation, pictures don't do it justice. It was exceptionally clean, smelled great, lovely surroundings. Staff and owners were very friendly and helpful. The pool was so nice. Breakfast was really good. There was pride in everything.
  
  The shower was great, bed was very comfortable and the tall ceiling made the room (purple room) we stayed in feel very spacious.
  
  There was a regular bus just outside the premises that goes into Lucca. A couple of nice restaurants nearby, walkable distance.
  
  I would seriously consider staying again for a family trip.
  
  What could be improved: I would recommend renting a car/vespa. Taxis are very expensive in this area. €30+ one way into Lucca which is ten minutes drive. €100+ to Pisa airport. The regular bus E18 helped during the day but dont run past 7/8 to come back. The bus takes card fyi.
  
  The bikes were not available but to be honest in mid June, probably too hot anyway.

• Fabulous, relaxing hotel with lots of little luxuries – Maggie from United Kingdom – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Fabulous grounds and facilities
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was great

• Exceptional – Global from Hong Kong – 30 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location and the facilities were wonderful. The staff is so friendly and kind, you feel like you are part of the family. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are very clean. The breakfast has a lot of choices and staff are very accommodating to any good restrictions. Overall one of the best places we've stayed at in Lucca.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast time starts at 8:30am, which can be late if you travel with small kids. I think an 8:00am start would be great.

• Exceptional – Darleen from United States – 17 October 2024 (10/10)

  Breakfast was really good and the staff was nice. It was really quite

• Exceptional – Meghna from Singapore – 16 October 2024 (10/10)

  This is a wonderful property tucked in the midst of nature. Very quiet. Very romantic. Rooms are small but very cozy and beautifully done. The breakfast is amazing, we definitely overate. Overall, it was wonderful and only 15 mins drive away from the city centre.
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Highly recommend the villa…. – Radovanic from United States – 22 September 2024 (9/10)

  Exceptional breakfast. Villa was large and private. Grounds were well kept and host was helpful
  
  What could be improved: Small issue….water pressure wasn't great…especially if other bathroom was in use.

• Lovely inviting guesthouse in a beautiful setting. – Kathleen from United States – 17 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful relaxing property. A helpful friendly staff that exemplified generous goodwill. And Bruno's breakfast was wonderful. A great assortment of sweet and savory. It is simple food taken to another level with really great ingredients and cooked with care. I never thought l would be that impressed by a simple plate of scrambled eggs. Cannot wait to return next year.
  
  What could be improved: I do not recommend walking anywhere from the property. VERY narrow margins along roads with stone walls and many blind spots. A local man actually tried to give us a ride since he said we were not safe. So many restaurants with a short drive. Lucca is only 10 minutes away so just drive and save your walk for the famous walls!

• Was a wonderful place. Would stay again! – Gabrielle from United States – 11 September 2024 (9/10)

  Breakfast was great! So many things to choose from and eggs were delicious!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities