Il Carmine Charme & Terrace with AC

Hotel Description

You know what really caught me off guard about Il Carmine Charme & Terrace? The fact that it’s on the third floor of this perfectly ordinary-looking building on Piazza del Carmine – I mean, you’d walk right past it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re staying in this quiet residential square that most tourists never stumble across, yet you’re literally a three-minute walk from Via Fillungo where all the action is. The piazza itself is one of those spots where locals actually hang out – there’s usually someone’s nonna sitting on a bench in the morning, and the church bells from Santa Maria del Carmine become this oddly comforting soundtrack to your stay.

The terrace situation is actually pretty incredible, and I say that as someone who’s usually skeptical about hotel “terraces” that turn out to be glorified fire escapes. This one’s legit – you can see clear across Lucca’s red rooftops to the hills beyond, and in the evening when the light hits just right, you get why people lose their minds over Tuscany. The AC works properly too, which… look, if you’ve stayed in historic Italian buildings in July, you know that’s not always a given. The rooms have this lived-in elegance thing going on – not Instagram-perfect, but genuinely comfortable in a way that makes you want to actually unpack instead of living out of your suitcase. The owner clearly knows what they’re doing; check-in was smooth, and they gave me these spot-on restaurant recommendations that weren’t the usual tourist traps near the Duomo.

What really sold me on this place was how it feels like you’re staying in someone’s thoughtfully renovated apartment rather than a hotel room. The morning light floods in through these tall windows, and you can hear the city waking up below – espresso machines hissing, shutters opening, the occasional Vespa puttering past. Parking can be a bit of a dance if you’re driving (the historic center restrictions are real), but they’ll sort you out with directions to the closest spot. I’d definitely come back, especially during shoulder season when you can really appreciate having that terrace to yourself and the whole city feels less frantic. It’s the kind of place where you end up staying an extra night just because leaving feels premature.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $178. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 single bed, 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Roof top view of Lucca – Josephine from Ireland – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was beautiful. Exactly what we expected. Francesco is very helpful. Charming balcony.
  
  What could be improved: Didn't realise there were 95 steps up to the apartment. Francesco helped with the luggage. Unless you were able to do steps, this would not be a good choice of apartment. For us, it was perfect. It was worth the climb.

• Exceptional – Mibric from United States – 16 April 2025 (10/10)

  The host was excellent with communication before and during our stay in his lovely apartment. He went out of his way to accommodate us and helped even with the luggage and bringing us from our car to the door of the apartment.
  The location was perfect, near restaurants and shops but in a quiet area for sleeping.
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything!!

• Incredible apartment, painstakingly restored and updated with charm and modern amenities. – Michelle from United States – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  This was a stunning property that was large, comfortable and full of history. Perfect location inside the walls and easy to walk everywhere. Francesco was an amazing host. He picked us up and dropped us off at the train station. He shared restaurant recommendations (the place just next door in the square was delicious), and stories of Lucca. Excellent grocery store next door. Comfy beds, big modern bathroom, lovely terrace. We felt lucky to have found this most special spot.

• Dream apartment in centre of the old town – Sandra from Australia – 12 January 2025 (10/10)

  This apartment was the dream old town apartment. Beams, decorative tiles on the floor, high ceilings, an excellent terrace and an amazing stove. What more could you want. The position is very central so you can walk anywhere in Lucca you want. There is both an excellent tattatoria and a supermarket just downstairs.
  Francesco is a very helpful host, driving us to the railway station when we left. We had arrived by car and he directed us to free parking which was within easy walk of the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Not that it was a problem for us but the apartment is up 3 stories with no lift so if you have mobility problems it might be an issue.

• Perfect – Cleeve from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderfully restored apartment , has charm , warmth but with modern and contemporary fittings such as nice bathrooms. Francesco is the perfect host . We are very grateful for the lift from outside the city walls.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing , will definitely return , one of of best places we have stayed across the globe!

• Feel the rich history and be part of an authentic experience. – Stephanie from South Africa – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  We liked the feeling that you jumped back in time with exquisitely renovated fireplace/ cooking space, the view making you feel part of the Italian community. Carmine reminds you of the rich history of Lucca. Everything is walking distance and we couldn't help faling in love with Lucca.

• Will recommend this place – Inger from Norway – 19 September 2024 (10/10)

  Very nice appartment
  The owner was really helpful. Picked us up snd drove us back to the trainststion

• Perfect appartment, perfect location, perfect host – Sharon from New Zealand – 14 September 2024 (10/10)

  Francesco went above and beyond all other hosts – collected us from the train station and drove us to the apartment and then returned us to the train station. The apartment was much bigger than expected and was in a perfect location. Francesco gave us lots of information of places to visit and eat at during our stay. Everything was absolutely perfect for us.

• Recommend a 3 to 5 day stay in Lucca. So much to see and do. While we are not opera buffs, following what we called a ‘P – Gloria from Australia – 24 August 2024 (9/10)

  Its authenticity and the ease of communication with the owner, including the issue of a permit to drive within the walls to unload/load our luggage
  
  What could be improved: Running out of toilet paper at an inconvenient time and not knowing where to any spare) other than later going down from 3rd floor to the supermarket next door to acquire some)

• Lovely and would recommend! – Frances from United Kingdom – 13 August 2024 (9/10)

  Francesco the host was very helpful and communicative right from the point of booking and even beyond our stay. He was generous with his knowledge of the area itself, and of our next destination. The property itself has a lovely balcony – a very welcome chance to enjoy an evening breeze outdoors and in comfort.
  
  What could be improved: Not a dislike. It something for travellers to be aware of. Three long flights of stairs to get to the apartment.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities