Tenuta San Giovanni Lucca

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Tenuta San Giovanni? I was expecting just another countryside hotel outside Lucca, but this place actually has character – like, real personality that you don’t find in most four-star spots. The moment you pull up Via Laucci (and yes, there’s proper parking, thank god), you realize this isn’t your typical Italian hotel conversion. It’s got that authentic Tuscan estate feel without trying too hard, if that makes sense.

The thing about staying here is that you’re technically outside Lucca’s walls, but honestly? That’s the whole point. You get the peace of being surrounded by actual olive groves and cypress trees, but you’re maybe a ten-minute walk to Porta San Pietro – one of the main gates into the historic center. I mean, you could stay right inside the old town, but then you’d miss those morning views across the countryside and the sound of… well, actual quiet. The rooms have this lived-in elegance that feels more like staying at a well-maintained family estate than a hotel. Heavy wooden furniture, proper shutters that actually block out light, and bathrooms that someone clearly thought about (decent water pressure, hooks where you need them).

What really sells me on this place is how it handles the balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. The Wi-Fi actually works, the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a tractor, and – this is key – the staff knows Lucca like locals, not just the tourist highlights. They’ll tell you which osteria has the best tortelli lucchese, or that Via Fillungo gets impossibly crowded around 11 AM but empties out beautifully by 2 PM. The breakfast spread is properly Italian – fresh pastries, local cheeses, espresso that doesn’t taste like hotel coffee – served in a room that looks out over gardens that someone clearly cares about. During truffle season in fall, you’ll catch that earthy scent drifting from the kitchen, and honestly, it’s worth timing your visit around. The whole experience feels effortless in that way good Italian hospitality does, where you’re taken care of without feeling managed.

Rooms

• Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 single bed for 9 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 7 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 8 adults, 1 child
• Superior Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 single bed for 9 adults, 1 child
• Superior Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 7 adults, 1 child
• Apartment – Ground Floor – Separate Building with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 4 adults, 1 child
• Two-Bedroom Apartment – Separate Building with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 6 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Paul from Australia (9/10)

  Beautiful property. Spacious apartment & great pool. Very close to the beautiful city of Lucca. Exceptional host Andrea who gave us some great tips & even booked a restaurant for us!

• Maree from New Zealand (9/10)

  Nice space

• Claire from Finland (8/10)

  The size of the apartment and the location close to Pisa and Lucca.

• Eva from Netherlands (8/10)

  Very nice place and good service from Andrea and his wife. We even got a upgrade so we could stay in de the house near the pool! The recommendations for food and drinks were very good!

• Kelly from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Everything. We booked this last minute. Due to visiting another venue that was awful so we had to find alternative accommodation. This place was beautifully clean and lovely surroundings with a great helpful host

• Sally from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The location was good if you have a car – just outside of Lucca. very quiet, rural spot. Perfect for getting to Florence and the coast by car or train from Lucca. There is a bus stop at the end of the drive with fairly frequent buses into Lucca. There is also a lovely bar/cafe at the end of the drive, La Perla.
  The apartment was clean, nice towels, no air con.
  The apartment had lovely big bedrooms and bathrooms. We didn’t use the pool or outside areas as the weather wasn’t brilliant.

• India from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The property was so clean and had everything we needed. A perfect location and great facilities both outside with the pool area and table and in the rooms. The rooms were modern and beds were so comfortable. The villa itself is beautiful. There is a great cafe and bar a 5 minute walk away and restaurants down the road, it’s also very close to the main highways enabling you to get pretty much anywhere in good time. The host was incredibly welcoming as were all of the staff and the cats on site! I would highly recommend this property and will no doubt book again. Thank you so much!

• Scatena from Australia (9/10)

  It was an absolute pleasure to find the hidden gem, very conveniently located in a very peaceful setting and stunning view. Incredible pleasant stay.

• Divya from Germany (9/10)

  The location was perfect to visit places around. The pool was great and well maintained. The apartment was clean and had everything needed in the kitchen.
  We had issues with the air-conditioning in our first apartment and the first 2 days were difficult for us. Andrea was very helpful to get it fixed and provided us with an alternate apartment. We really appreciate his quick support.
  The guide provided by Andrea had great tips for exploring places around.

• Katarzyna from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The rooms were specious, very clean and well equipped.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities