Exe Toscana

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Exe Toscana? It’s that sweet spot where you feel like you’re actually staying in Italy, not just some generic hotel that happens to be in Italy. The place sits on Viale Europa – which honestly sounds more impressive than it is, but hear me out – it’s actually this perfect location where you’re close enough to walk into Lucca’s historic center but far enough out that you’re not dealing with tourist chaos right outside your window.

I mean, let’s be real about Lucca for a second. Everyone talks about Florence and Rome, but this little walled city is where you go when you want that authentic Tuscan experience without fighting crowds for every decent photo. The Exe Toscana gets this – it’s got that contemporary Italian hotel vibe without trying too hard. The lobby has this warm, understated elegance that feels distinctly local, and the staff actually seems to care about whether you find that little osteria tucked away near San Frediano. When I checked in, the woman at the desk didn’t just hand me a key – she pulled out a proper map and marked the best gelato spot (it’s not the obvious one on Via Fillungo, trust me).

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place, but here’s what matters: the beds are actually comfortable, the Wi-Fi works throughout the building, and – this is crucial if you’re planning to explore the region – there’s proper parking that doesn’t require a PhD in Italian traffic laws to navigate. The breakfast setup is honestly better than it needs to be, with local pastries that taste like they came from the bakery down the street rather than some industrial kitchen. And here’s a detail that’ll matter if you’re there in summer: the air conditioning actually works, which is more than I can say for some places I’ve stayed in Tuscany.

What really sells me on this place, though, is how it fits into the rhythm of Lucca itself. You can walk to the walls – those famous Renaissance ramparts that circle the old city – in about ten minutes, maybe fifteen if you stop for coffee. The area around the hotel has that lived-in neighborhood feel where you’ll see locals doing their shopping and kids playing in the small piazzas. It’s not sanitized for tourists, which I appreciate. There’s a decent restaurant right across the street if you don’t feel like venturing far after a long day of exploring, and the hotel restaurant itself does solid regional dishes without the tourist markup you’d find inside the walls.

Look, the 8.4 rating makes sense when you consider the whole package. It’s not going to wow you with over-the-top luxury, but it nails the fundamentals while giving you that genuine sense of place that’s getting harder to find. If you’re using Lucca as a base to explore Tuscany – and honestly, you should consider it – this is the kind of place where you’ll feel comfortable coming back to after a day in the Chianti hills or a train trip to Pisa.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $91. Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $118. Double Room with Extra Bed with 1 single bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $170. Standard Triple Room – Disability Access with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Ward from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good access to city, really is 15 minute walk. Very helpful staff and excellent room.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Good spot , lovely staff and excellent breakfast ! – Harry from France – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Room was nice comfy and clean

• Good – Maltoni from Brazil – 1 May 2025 (7/10)

  Comfortable and nice staff.
  
  What could be improved: Distance from the center of Lucca.

• Superb – Marcin from Poland – 29 April 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing personal, extremely helpful. Hotel is very clean and nice. Good breakfest (as for italian standard;) ). Highly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• It was a great stay – John from United States – 5 January 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean and professional.
  
  What could be improved: Time of breakfast too short.

• Very good value for money – Samuel from Israel – 22 December 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, nice , very good location for travel

• A relaxing night – Laurent from Switzerland – 24 September 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean and quiet
  Close to the city center
  Warm welcome by the staff
  Large parking
  Deserve the 4 *

• Very good – Katriona from New Zealand – 23 July 2024 (8/10)

  Clean room, comfortable bed, great breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Further away from attractions than we anticipated. Room overlooked MacDonalds so a bit noisier that desirable.

• A good choice in Lucca. – Eloysa from Brazil – 11 May 2024 (9/10)

  The bedroom is very comfortable and there are many facilities in the hotel.
  
  What could be improved: The location is not pleasant. The hotel is far from city center and it’s difficult to find public transportation.

• Excellent value for money. – Andy from United Kingdom – 20 February 2024 (9/10)

  Well located with good car parking. Good size and clean rooms.
  24hr reception. Enjoyable breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities