Dimora Leone

Hotel Description

You know what really gets me about Dimora Leone? It’s tucked away on the second floor of this gorgeous building on Via Galli Tassi, and honestly, I almost walked right past it the first time. The entrance is sort of understated – no flashy signage or anything – but once you climb those stairs, you realize that’s exactly the point. This place feels like a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves.

The thing about staying here is that you’re properly inside Lucca’s historic center, not just near it. I mean, you can literally hear the church bells from San Frediano in the morning (which is either charming or slightly annoying depending on how late you stayed up sampling the local wine). The rooms have this perfect mix of old-world character and modern comfort – think original frescoed ceilings but with air conditioning that actually works. The owner, who I’m pretty sure lives and breathes hospitality, gave me the kind of local recommendations you’d never find in a guidebook. She told me about this tiny osteria around the corner where the locals go for aperitivo, and about the best time to walk the city walls without dodging tour groups.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to detail that you only notice after you’ve been traveling for a while. The shower pressure is fantastic – seriously, after weeks of European hotels with sad, dribbling showerheads, this was a revelation. The breakfast (which they bring to a common area, not your room) features actual local pastries, not those weird croissants that taste like cardboard. And the Wi-Fi? Strong enough that I could actually video call home without freezing every ten seconds. The street itself is pretty quiet at night, though you’ll hear the occasional scooter buzzing past – but that’s just Italy being Italy. Parking is… well, it’s Lucca, so you’ll probably end up leaving your car outside the walls anyway, but they’ll give you detailed directions to the best spots. I stayed here in late September and the weather was perfect for leaving the windows open – you get these lovely evening breezes that make the whole place feel alive. With a 9.8 rating, you’d expect it to be stuffy or pretentious, but it’s actually the opposite. It feels like staying at a friend’s beautifully restored apartment, if that friend happened to have impeccable taste and a genuine passion for making sure you fall in love with their city.

Rooms

• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 7 adults

Reviews

• Cees from Belgium (10/10)

  This apartment was amazing. Truly exceptional. Beyond words. A gem in the heart of beautiful Lucca. We enjoyed every second of our stay.

• Devry from United States (10/10)

  Location was amazing. Washer and dryer. Frescos. Beds were fantastic. Great kitchen and baths

• Michael from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The property is absolutely stunning, the location is excellent and the city of Lucca is beautiful. The apartment is enourmous and well equipped, clean and comfortable. David was super friendly and helpful with any questions / advise – could not reccomend highly enough!

• Roger from United States (10/10)

  this was a little palace. I can't express how much we enjoyed our stay. everything was wonderful and I wish we could have stayed longer. David was the best host ever and took care of everything. the only negative to the entire stay is that now my wife wants floors like this in our house lol. perfect place to relax.

• Veronica from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment in a central location. The host David was very helpful and accommodating .

• Kathryn from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The host couldn't have been more helpful – great communication, getting ready for us early and meeting us and taking the bags up to the apartment – fabulous service and he really bent over backwards to help my elderly parents access the apartment. The apartment is spectacular – very grand with antique furniture – very special. The photos don't do it justice. You feel like you've stepped back into the past and are living like a Medici. Thoughtful amenities like slippers were a nice touch. Location is brilliant inside the walls of the city.

• Leitch from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The property was immaculate. The rooms are huge and the furnishings were superbly beautiful. The location is perfect, it is quiet and peaceful but just a short walk from the best restaurants and shopping areas. I really look forward to staying again. Very many thanks to our host.

• Anna from Israel (10/10)

  David met us in the parking lot and helped us with the trolleys. He made sure we had a cold water in the fridge and 2 bottles of Italian wine and some snacks. The apartment is exceptional, we fell like we were in an historic movie. Old money glamour! Huge rooms, with old furniture, 2 huge bathrooms, fantastic.
  the locations is great, 3 min walk from the parking lot inside the walls, everything was near us. I will definitely come back again.

• Maureen from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Beautiful decor, large and airy ,walking distance to everthing

• Lynn from United States (10/10)

  Gorgeous apartment with antique furnishings throughout! Beyond belief.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities