Relais San Lorenzo

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Relais San Lorenzo? The moment I walked through those doors on Via Cesare Battisti, I actually felt like I’d stumbled into someone’s beautifully restored family palazzo rather than a hotel. And honestly, that’s exactly what this place is – they’ve taken this historic building and somehow managed to keep all the original character while making it work perfectly as a boutique hotel.

The location is pretty much ideal if you want to really experience Lucca. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Piazza San Michele (where the morning market gets wonderfully chaotic), and the famous city walls are right there when you need your evening passeggiata. What I love is that Via Cesare Battisti itself is this quiet little street that locals actually use – you’ll see nonna wheeling her shopping cart past your window, not just tourists with selfie sticks. The rooms face different directions, so if you’re a light sleeper, maybe mention you’d prefer one facing the courtyard when you book. The street-facing ones aren’t loud, but you do get some early morning Vespa action.

The staff here actually knows Lucca – like, really knows it. When I asked about good osterie, the guy at reception didn’t just hand me a generic list but told me which ones the locals go to on Sunday nights and which ones to avoid during tourist season. The whole vibe is refreshingly un-stuffy for a 4-star place. Yes, everything’s beautifully appointed (those marble bathrooms are gorgeous), but it doesn’t feel precious or intimidating. I watched the housekeeping team chatting with guests in the hallway like they were old friends – that kind of warmth you can’t fake. Check-in was smooth, parking… well, this is medieval Lucca, so forget about parking right outside, but they’ll sort you out with directions to the nearest lot. The breakfast spread leans heavily Italian – proper espresso, fresh cornetti, local honey – which honestly beats another international buffet any day. One small thing: the WiFi can be a bit spotty in some corners of the building (thick old walls, you know?), but who comes to Lucca to stare at their laptop anyway?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $141. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Immaculate, authentic Italian decor, with everything you need. Host was most helpful too 10/10 – Johanna from United Kingdom – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Loved the location, the price point, the room and the host. Nothing to dislike. Room was quaint, authentic, but with everything you need for an overnight night. We stayed for a gig at summer festival. It was perfect . And the living room was beautiful 😍 so was room!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing !

• Beautiful apartment, clean and comfortable with very responsive staff.we enjoyed our stay and would book this place agai – Ewa from United States – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Property is in an old apartment in the heart of Lucca beautifully decorated. High ceilings, comfortable beds, bathroom with a window and a safe parking for additional charge.
  
  What could be improved: No breakfast available. It would be such a beautiful experience.

• Centrally located, comfortable accommodation. – Jessica from Ireland – 19 June 2025 (8/10)

  The Relais is very centrally located and we found it easy to get to – a short walk from parking our car outside the walls. The room was very tastefully decorated, the bed comfortable and a nice generous sized bathroom. As well as a kettle in the room, there is a communal sitting room where one could make a good coffee. We also had a terrace to ourselves. The lady who met us was very friendly and helpful, and patient when we managed to mess up the air conditioning (somehow putting it on timer instead of just on). We had a very pleasant night and would stay again.

• Fabulous centrally located and interesting place from which to explore Lucca – Katherine from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  The room was set within a museum building in the old town, with easy access on foot to all arras of interest. Parking for the motorcycle was just outside. We were met outside and taken to our room. Check out was equally simple

• First stay here and highly highly recommended – Rick from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful room with everything that you could wish for. Sara who welcomed us was fantastic as was the lovely lady who cleaned our room. Outstanding value for money.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect, beautiful, relaxing stay. – Jacqueline from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything.. it was amazing !
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A very pleasant stay in Lucca – Michael from Ireland – 23 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location is ideal. An easy walk to all of the important sites. Breakfast was not included with the room but coffee was available in the common area.

• Sarah was a wonderful host and communication was first class. Our room was available upon arrival at 11.15am which was – Sallie from United Kingdom – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  This authentic Tuscan property was in an excellent location to enjoy the beautiful, walkable city of Lucca.
  
  What could be improved: There wasn’t anything not to like! Others have commented it was difficult to find, but our driver found it straight away and the proprietor met us at the door.

• This is an excellent choice and we would highly recommend it to anyone ! – Deirdre from Ireland – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  The location could not be better for walking around Lucca’s sites, restaurants etc. The accommodation itself was spacious, had beautiful decor with a lot of attention to detail.
  
  What could be improved: There really wasn’t anything to dislike… but the weather while there, was cool and perhaps the accommodation could have been a little warmer.

• Amazing property & location, feeling back in time – Alain from United Kingdom – 25 January 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing property and nicely furnished feeling like back in time. Great location

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities