Al Tondone, Lucca

Advantages: Everything for a relaxed, away from it all break.
Disadvantages: Not for small children or those with walking difficulties

...helpful bus drivers (!!!!!!), charming, patient shop assistants; wherever we went we were greeted with friendship, courtesy and helpfulness. Lucca is a beautiful walled city, which if visiting and wishing to have a bite to eat, I would recommend that you go to the Trattoria da Leo. It gets very busy, as many of the locals eat there, but the service is quick, there is a wonderful atmosphere, it is comparatively inexpensive and the Pasta al ragu boasts quite simply the best Bolognese sauce I have ever tasted. In Santa Maria del Giudice the three restaurants are Quercia, Locanda and Hotel da Carlos. We did not eat in the Locanda but the grocer assures me the you can "mangiare bene costa poco" - eat well at small cost there. The da Carlos is run by Giuseppe Giorgetti a famous chef who also teaches from time to time in the International Academy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: One of the wonderful walls i've ever seen
Disadvantages:

...Surrounded by the intact Renaissance walls, the town of Lucca can boast a well kept historical centre, where the medieval palaces form a natural line along the main streets. Worth a visit: the Cathedral and St. Michele's Church, both in the Romanesque style of Pisa and St. Frediano's Church. In the Cathedral, the famous masterpiece of Jacopo della Quercia can be admired: the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, a marble sculpture realised in such a fine manner that seems as if it were made of porcelain. The Market Square, another fine example of the typical architectural style of this town, was built in what was originally a Roman Amphitheatre. For antique lovers, the antique market takes place in St. Martino's Square every last Sunday of the month.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Cheap and Location
Disadvantages: Not Onsuite and no breakfast

...The Quatro Fontanas or the Fountain Travel Club stayed in this Hotel (perhaps better decribed as Bed Guest House) The first thing it is very cheap in price two nights for Double Room thru Bookings.com would be about £60. You can also see photos of the Rooms on that site) Now I have said it is Cheap and no breakfast ,DONT TURN OFF JUST YET, it does have other attributes. First you have to find the place. We arrived as most do by Train from Pisa where we had flown into. The Airport at Pisa is only 3 miles from the Railway station, then about 35 mins on train to Lucca. You come out of the station at Lucca and are faced with what they call the Meadow. This is a grassy park area that lies outside the WALLS, yes WALLS. These you have to either Get over or walk round to one of the main gates. Lucca is a BEAUTIFUL WALLED TOWN. We went over... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful