Lucca Franco’s Villa

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Lucca Franco’s Villa? It’s not actually in Lucca proper – it’s tucked away in this tiny village called Diecimo that most people blow right past on their way to the famous walled city. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. I mean, you’re getting the real Tuscany here, not the tourist-packed version.

The villa sits on Via del Santo, which is basically the main drag through Diecimo (and I use “main drag” loosely – it’s more like a quiet country road where the biggest traffic jam is when Signora Benedetti parks her Fiat sideways to chat with her neighbor). Franco – yeah, he’s an actual person, not just a name on the sign – clearly put some serious thought into this place. The rooms have that perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort that’s surprisingly hard to nail. Think exposed beams and terracotta floors, but with wifi that actually works and showers with decent water pressure. The beds are genuinely comfortable too, which… look, I’ve stayed in enough “charming” Italian places with mattresses that felt like medieval torture devices to appreciate when someone gets this right.

What really won me over though was the location’s practicality. You’re about fifteen minutes from Lucca by car – and parking here is free, which is basically a miracle given that parking in Lucca itself costs more than dinner. The train station in Diecimo is literally a five-minute walk, so you can actually day-trip to Florence or Pisa without the headache of driving. Franco will tell you all about the local hiking trails too, and there’s this incredible one that starts practically at the villa’s back door and winds up through olive groves to these views over the Serchio Valley that’ll make you understand why people move to Tuscany and never leave. The breakfast spread is nothing fancy – fresh pastries from the village bakery, local honey, really good coffee – but it’s served on this covered terrace where you can hear church bells from three different villages echoing across the valley. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to cancel your afternoon plans and just… stay put. The whole place has that 8.9 rating for good reason – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, it’s just doing the small-town Italian hospitality thing really, really well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $74. Standard Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $79. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $116. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $178. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Everything is great – Alinocica from Moldova – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great house situated near mountain.
  We stayed in a beautiful apartment in a stunningly restructured and tastefully decorated old house . The location was absolutely dreamy — peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. The breakfast was delicious, the rooms were comfortable. The lady at breakfast is very caring.

• Wonderful place in a beautiful area – Michelle from Spain – 2 July 2025 (9/10)

  Loved the location and pool. Nice rooms and great breakfast with delicious Italian cakes. We had a nice balcony too. Beautiful area in the hills and right by a river. Well worth driving away from Lucca as the scenery is stunning. Also easy access into lovely Lucca, only 15 mins away.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom is a little outdated and the shower is small

• Great find! Would stay again. – Kathleen from United Kingdom – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Simply perfect!
  Check in easy! Great location, apartment spacious with everything you need, staff so welcoming, friendly and helpful.
  Plenty for breakfast which is mainly traditional. I’m not a breakfast person, but I was able to take food away with me to eat later. Outdoor area was great and pool amazing!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing not to like.

• Exceptional – Ania from Poland – 5 April 2025 (10/10)

  Everything wonderful holiday in a stunning location. Excellent and quick access to and from the airport. A great spot as a base for exploring the area. The train station is not far away. Parking is right next to the hotel. Comfortable room and fantastic breakfasts with delicious coffee. The villa is beautifully decorated in a Tuscan style. Plenty of attractions in the surrounding area.
  Absolutely perfect. Amazing holiday.😊
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect 😊👍

• Everything we needed and breakfast outstanding – Gillian from United Kingdom – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very good location for train, restaurants
  
  What could be improved: Nothing I didn’t like.

• Exceptional – Traveller from Spain – 7 March 2025 (10/10)

  Superb breakfast and room with plenty of space
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Eniko from Romania – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, beautiful apartment, delicious breakfast and great service. We loved our stay here.

• Great pet friendly stay – Spela from Slovenia – 20 February 2025 (10/10)

  Really nice decor, loved the location and free parking. Really nice also that we could have our dogs with us. Thank you!

• Excellent quiet location if you want to visit Lucca! – Lee from Netherlands – 6 December 2024 (9/10)

  We booked a twin bed room, but when we arrived we had a double. Since the keys need to be picked up with a security code (provided via WhatsApp) we called Chiara, who spoke perfectly English (which is not common in our experience in smaller towns of Italy), and mentioned that we had booked a twin room. She handled this very accurately and directly we were provided with a new code, to pick up another key and we ended up with a double bed room apartment with kitchen without any extra costs: great service and customer care! She made us feel like at home. Breakfast was in the basement which was nicely decorated abundant although too many sweets for our tastes (but this is personal and depending on your preference). Overall excellent stay with a great location next to Lucca.
  
  We also highly recommend the restaurant Molin della Volpe di Fanucchi Luca & C. Sas, which is 6 minutes drive uphill and serves excellent food! We ate here twice, and both sea food as well as the Truffle pasta were excellent! The staff is very friendly and although English is not well spoken here, still with hand gestures and facial expressions you will get far enough to experience true Italian hospitality!

• Hard to Fault! – Dara from Italy – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean and inviting in general, pleasant interior decor and wonderfully comfortable bed.
  Great breakfast served in a beautifully interesting room……the old cellars perhaps?…..staffed by a most professional, very polite and helpful young chap.
  Easy to find…….just seconds away from main road yet situated in a quiet and characteristic residential area.
  
  What could be improved: Paper cups for complementary teas in room……. forgiven but not forgotten 😉

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities