San Luca Palace

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about San Luca Palace? The fact that it’s tucked away on Via San Paolino – which honestly is one of those streets that feels properly Italian without being overrun with tourists dragging wheeled suitcases at 7am. I mean, you’re still in Lucca’s historic center, but it’s got this quieter, more residential vibe that made me actually want to linger on the little balcony instead of rushing out to hit every sight.

The building itself has that solid, understated elegance that four-star Italian hotels do well when they’re not trying too hard. Nothing flashy, but the details matter here – like how the front desk staff actually remembered my name after the first day (rare, honestly) and the way the rooms manage to feel spacious despite those thick medieval walls. The bed was proper comfortable too, which I wasn’t expecting given how many European hotels seem to think firm means “sleeping on marble.” What really got me was the bathroom situation – marble that didn’t feel cold and clinical, plus water pressure that actually worked. Small victories, but they add up when you’re dealing with post-travel exhaustion.

Here’s the thing about the location that the booking sites don’t really capture: you’re about a ten-minute walk from the main piazzas, but you’re also close enough to that little morning market near Porta San Gervasio that I stumbled onto by accident. The locals there were selling the kind of produce that makes you understand why Italians are so particular about their ingredients. Plus, if you’re dealing with luggage, the street’s actually accessible by car – not always a given in Lucca’s maze of pedestrian zones. I watched a few guests struggle with that 8.8 rating expectation thing, you know? Like they were expecting some grand luxury resort experience, but this place is more about getting the fundamentals really right. The service feels personal without being intrusive, the rooms are genuinely comfortable, and there’s something to be said for falling asleep to the sound of actual Italian conversations drifting up from the street rather than tour groups. It’s the kind of place where you end up having a longer breakfast than planned because the coffee’s good and nobody’s rushing you out the door.

Rooms

• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult

Reviews

• Baris from Italy (9/10)

  The location was excellent. Pretty close to the parking area. The staff was INCREDIBLY kind and helpful.

• Stuart from United Kingdom (8/10)

  The location was ideal exploration on foot. The breakfast was excellent and all the staff were both attentive and helpful.

• Neil from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Everything

• Georjina from Singapore (9/10)

  Breakfast was great, especially the baked pears. Lots to choose from. Good quality. Staff are nice. Room is large and there's a stool for you to sit on in the bathroom – a very nice touch. Location is excellent with plenty of shops and restaurants/cafes on the same street. Has its own parking space. Charming.

• Howard from United States (9/10)

  Great location just inside the city walls. Nice rooms, great breakfast and helpful staff.

• Bernard from United States (9/10)

  San Luca Palace gave me what I wanted — an old (i.e. classic) hotel that's been updated. Welcoming lobby, fancy bar. Our room felt like a suite. Large and comfortable. Green with lavender touches made it soothing. Breakfast was plentiful, warm and cold options. The location was near restaurants and Lucca's cool side streets. We were surprised at Lucca's great many boutiques and creative window displays; price points much friendlier than in our later stops, Como and Milan. We had two outstanding dinners each night of our stay. Highly recommended: Da Francesco and Lucca in Tavola: Cucina Casalinga, which happened to be right across the street from our hotel and features charismatic owner and host Michael. Be wise and take Michael's suggestions. It's tight inside the restaurant and you'll wind up making friends — and glad you did.

• William from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The hotel is traditional and the rooms are a good size and spacious, the breakfast room was very comfortable.The location is good

• Timandjoy from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Fantastic staff – welcoming, friendly, and above and beyond helpful. Rooms are a perfect size, spacious, ample storage for a 5 day trip. Good bathroom and shower (not always the case in Italy!). Bar service, which is a bonus for a quiet drink in the evening with outdoor seating. Stored our luggage during a side trip, booked taxis, nothing too much trouble. We will definitely be back.

• Mark from Ireland (9/10)

  Room was lovely, comfortable and very big. The building, lobby, bar and other common areas were very elegant. Breakfast was superb – great choice and quality, with both European and American options. Roberto and all front desk staff were extremely helpful with all requests and kindly booked an airport transfer for us in advance. Location is within easy walking distance of the main attractions. Bicycles available for cycling the walls – an essential experience in Lucca!

• Gina from United Kingdom (9/10)

  very handy

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities