Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Piccolo Hotel Puccini
MAP
HOTEL
€
GOOGLE MAP
( 05 835 54 21;
www.hotelpuccini.com
;
Via di Poggio 9; s/d €73/98; )
Snug around the
corner from the great man himself (or at least a bronze copy of him) and the house where
he was born is this efficiently run, intimate address. Decor is an unobtrusive mix of period
furnishings and collectables, and its 14 rooms have great high ceilings and vintage ceiling
fans.
Bathrooms are white and modern, and a quintessentially sweet Italian breakfast of
bread, jam and tarts, is served at candle-lit tables. Rates are around 30% lower in the
depths of winter.
La Magnolia
( 05 8346 7111;
www.lamagnolia.com
;
Via Mordini 63; s/d €60/90)
This atmospheric B&B
resides in a beautiful creamy-stone
palazzo
built within the city walls in the 15th century.
With a peaceful tree-laden garden to hang out in, it is an accommodation option verging
on irresistible.
B&B
€
Ostello San Frediano
MAP
HOSTEL
€
GOOGLE MAP
( 05 8346 9957;
www.ostellolucca.it
; Via della Cavallerizza 12; dm/s/d/tr/q €22/45/65/80/105; mid-
Feb-Dec; )
Slap-bang in the centre of walled Lucca, inside a staggeringly historic build-
ing, hostellers won't get closer to the action than this. Top notch in comfort and service,
this Hostelling International- affiliated hostel with 141 beds in voluminous rooms is ser-
viced with a bar and grandiose dining room (breakfast €3, lunch or dinner €11). Non-HI
members can join on the spot for €2 per year.
Locanda Vigna Ilaria
( 05 833 32 09;
www.locandavignailaria.it
; Via della Pieve Santo Stefano 967c, St Alessio; d/q €110/
120; )
Those on a Tuscan road trip or who love easy parking will be instantly smitten
with this lovely stone house in one of Lucca's wealthiest hoods (dump the car, then mean-
der along green lanes, past vast villas bathed in olive groves). The
locanda
(inn) has five
rooms, varying in size and each furnished with a mix of old, new and upcycled - lots of
wine boxes!
B&B
€€
