WHERE TO STAY - Florence and Tuscany - page 249

LUCCA Hotel Universo

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Piazza del Giglio 1, 55100 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 60 Road map C2
Located in the centre of town near the Palazzo Ducale, this 19th-century building houses 60 comfortable rooms,
some with views over Lucca's cathedral. The recently restored restaurant serves delicious Tuscan fare in an elegant
and tranquil setting. Parking is available. The hotel is open all year. www.universolucca.com
LUCCA Grand Hotel Guinigi

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Via Romana 1247, 55100 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 168 Road map C2
This large four-star hotel is popular with both leisure and business travellers for its luxury rooms and conference
facilities. Ideally placed in Lucca's ramparts, the many accoutrements include a gym and sauna. The cocktail bar and
gourmet restaurant are advantages. Event and entertainment booking facilities available. www.grandhotelguinigi.it
LUCCA Locanda L'Elisa

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Via Nuova per Pisa 1952, 55050 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 10 Road map C2
Five-star accommodation in a stately 18th-century home, this Relais & Chateaux chain hotel stands at the foot of a
range of softly rolling hills. The luxury rooms are spacious with lounge areas full of antique furnishings, paintings and
draperies. Understandably, it is a popular choice for couples on a romantic trip. www.locandalelisa.it
LUCCA Villa la Principessa

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Via Nuova per Pisa 1616, 55050 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 40 Road map C2
The former home and court of Castruccio Castracani, Lord and Duke of Lucca at the turn of the 13th-century, Villa la
Principessa stands at the base of the hills surrounding Lucca. The rooms are charmingly rustic, and the shared lounge
has a fireplace and 13th-century furniture. The garden is tranquil and soothing. www.hotelprincipessalucca.it
PIETRASANTA Palazzo Guiscardo

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Via Provinciale 16, 55045 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 9 Road map B2
A small palazzo houses this quietly elegant hotel offering friendly service. Each bathroom is made from a different
kind of local marble. Bedrooms come with canopied beds, flatscreen televisions and antique furniture. The breakfast
is splendid and you can expect a warm welcome. www.palazzoguiscardo.it
PISTOIA Hotel Piccolo Ritz

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Via A. Vannucci 67, 51100 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 21 Road map C2
This popular budget three-star hotel is near the city walls, and close to the train station. The rooms are small but luxurious.
The coffee bar has a stunning frescoed ceiling. Even though it is close to a busy and sometimes noisy road, this hotel is still
an economical option given its proximity to the city's major sightseeing attractions.
PISTOIA Il Convento

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Via San Quirino 33, 51030 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 32 Road map C2
Once a 19th-century Franciscan monastery, this ambient hotel has simple but appealing rooms overlooking a
picturesque courtyard and cloister. The rooms are in the monks' former cells, and the restaurant in the refectory. The
garden, surrounded by woodlands, has views as far as Florence cathedral. www.ilconventohotel.com
PRATO Hotel Hermitage

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Via Ginepraia 112, 59016 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 59 Road map C2
Located in a quiet residential area near the 15th-century Medicean Villa Ambra, this three-star hotel sits on top of a
hill in a lush parkland. A great spot for touring the nearby vineyards. Rooms are unfussy and comfortable, and some
come with stunning views. The restaurant serves Tuscan specialties. www.hotelhermitageprato.it
VIAREGGIO Hotel President

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Viale Carducci 5, 55049 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 39 Road map B2
This Liberty-style beachfront hotel, built in 1949, is typical of Viareggio's architecture. Its good reputation is justified
by the comfortable, modern rooms with a real seaside feel. Restaurant Gaudì serves a generous buffet breakfast, and
boasts an evening menu of Tuscan and international cuisine. Bicycle rental and playground. www.hotelpresident.it
VIAREGGIO Hotel Astor

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Lungomare Carducci 54, 55049 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 68 Road map B2
A luxury hotel alongside the white sand beaches of Viareggio, the Astor has a panoramic sundeck overlooking the
town's Liberty-style promenade with its elegant shops and colourful attractions. The popular seafood restaurant, La
Conchiglia, serves up a real treat with alfresco dining in the summer months. www.astorviareggio.com

EASTERN TUSCANY

AREZZO B&B Casa Bellavista

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Località Creti, 52044 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 3 Road map E3
This family house on the hills outside Arezzo has only three guestrooms. The charming garden overlooks cypress-
lined hills. You can be sure to get excellent, personalised service at this welcoming B&B. Breakfasts consist of
delicacies made using great-grandmother Teresa's recipes. Cooking courses on request. www.casabellavista.it