Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection

Hotel Description

So I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the Grand Universe Lucca, I wasn’t expecting much from the outside. It’s tucked right into Piazza del Giglio, which is basically this sweet little square that most tourists rush past on their way to the main Piazza Napoleone. But man, once you step inside, it’s like someone took a 19th-century palazzo and gave it this really thoughtful modern makeover without losing any of the character.

The thing that actually got me was how they’ve managed to capture that whole “grand Italian hotel” vibe without feeling stuffy or pretentious. You know what I mean? The lobby has these soaring ceilings and original frescoes, but the furniture is comfortable and the staff actually talks to you like a human being instead of reciting scripts. I mean, the concierge knew exactly which osteria to send me to for the best tortelli lucchese – and it wasn’t some tourist trap either. The rooms are spacious by Italian standards (which honestly isn’t saying much, but still), and they’ve got this nice mix of antique touches and modern amenities that actually work. The AC was solid during my July visit, which trust me, you’ll appreciate when Lucca gets humid.

Location-wise, you’re basically in the heart of everything but on this quieter side street that doesn’t get the foot traffic of Via Fillungo. I could walk to the Duomo di San Martino in about three minutes, and the city walls – where locals do their evening passeggiata – are right there. Parking is… well, it’s Italy, so it’s complicated, but the hotel can sort out a spot in one of the nearby garages if you’re driving. The train station is maybe a 10-minute walk if you’re coming from Florence or Pisa, and there’s actually a decent aperitivo spot (Bar Centrale) literally around the corner where you can grab a Negroni and watch the evening scene unfold. What really sold me on this place was the breakfast situation – they do this mix of Continental and local stuff, including proper Tuscan pastries from a bakery on Via Santa Lucia, and the coffee is legitimately good. Plus, the whole operation feels like it’s run by people who actually care about hospitality, not just checking boxes. It’s the kind of place where you can ask about hiking the Garfagnana mountains or the best time to visit Villa Reale in Marlia, and they’ll have genuine recommendations instead of just handing you a brochure.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Adagio, Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $344. Vivace, Guest room, 1 King, City view with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $344. Vivace, Guest room, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s), City View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $216. Piccolo, Guest room, 1 King with 1 double bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Leisure trip, photography holiday and a perfect spot. Two snobby guests who loved this hotel. – Celeste from United Kingdom – 16 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location, cleanliness, very modern clean decoration, excellent food, cosy and friendly.

• Fantastic stay – Donald from United States – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  Helpful staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• loved Lucca and the convenience of the grand universe – Michelle from Australia – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  location is fantastic. the staff were fabulous and couldn’t do enough
  
  What could be improved: our room was a bit small and the bathroom way too small.

• Wonderful – Jack from United States – 5 October 2024 (10/10)

  Had previously stayed at the older Universo Hotel. The new Hotel is quite beautiful and modern.
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Exceptional – Jaime from United States – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  Exceptional staff, service & location. Beautiful accommodations.

• Great location presentation and staff attention – Nigel from United Kingdom – 29 August 2024 (9/10)

  Location and staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A fantastic, comfortable hotel with top level service in the centre of Luca – Elena from United Kingdom – 10 July 2024 (10/10)

  I liked absolutely everything about the property. The elegance of the old building has been kept, but it has been updated in an extremely stylish and comfortable way. Location is also tiptop.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A gem in the middle of picturesque Lucca 💎🇮🇹 – Gabriela from Puerto Rico – 28 June 2024 (10/10)

  Getting ready for my dream wedding in Grand Universe in Lucca was a breathtaking experience. Not only is the place stunning, the staff made me feel super comfortable on my special day. They always were on their best interest to assist me and my guests.
  
  I will definetly recommend to anyone that is visiting Lucca to stay at Grand Universe Lucca!

• Superb – Natasha from United Arab Emirates – 30 April 2024 (9/10)

  Great view from our room. Room was spacious and liked the minimalist design. Staff was very kind and welcoming
  
  What could be improved: Some construction work was going on one morning which woke us up at 7am

• Exceptional – Rithika from Italy – 7 December 2023 (10/10)

  The staff were really friendly and helpful. The room was really comfortable. The bed was really big and the furniture was nice. The room wasn't crowded
  
  What could be improved: Regulating the water temperature in the shower wasn't really intuitive

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities