Finding a hotel in Lucca sounds simple until you realise that good options inside the city walls are surprisingly limited. And if you’re arriving by car, the ZTL zone (which covers almost the entire area inside the walls) adds another layer of confusion. That’s why I put together this guide to where to stay in Lucca, covering the best hotels in the Old Town and inside the city walls, including options with pools or parking. I’ll walk you through the best places to stay so you can choose the right spot and enjoy your trip.
My favourite hotel in Lucca
I only had one day in Lucca and was travelling by train, so I wanted to stay as close as possible to the historic attractions while still being convenient to the train station. For me, staying inside the city walls was the perfect choice. I was just steps away from Guinigi Tower, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, and about a 15-minute walk from the train station.
💖 My favourite hotel in Lucca: Hotel Palazzo Alexander
Location: inside the walls and within walking distance of everything
What I loved: old-world charm rooms, delicious breakfast with homemade pastries
Check details & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
On my last trip to Lucca, I stayed at this charming hotel and couldn’t have asked for a better location. Housed in a 12th-century building with beautiful antique wood floors and marble details, it felt like stepping into the home of an Italian noble family. If you’re driving, don’t worry – there’s a parking lot just outside the city walls, only a short stroll from the hotel.
Where to stay in Lucca (My best hotel picks)
Most booked by our readers – Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli
9.2 | 2,170+ reviews – charming hotel within the city walls with spacious rooms decorated with beautiful frescoes
Best mid-range stay – Hotel Ilaria
9.1 | 1,670+ reviews – stylish stay with a lovely terrace, jacuzzi, and a fantastic breakfast with local delicacies
Best budget-friendly stay – Albergo San Martino
9.2 | 1,040+ reviews – affordable rooms in a quiet area within the city walls, with a beautiful garden where you can enjoy breakfast
Best hotel with parking – Albergo Celide
8.9 | 1,560+ reviews – great hotel just outside the ZTL zone with free parking and a rooftop bar
Old Town (within the city walls) – best place to stay in Lucca
The first thing you’ll notice about Lucca, especially if you look at a map, is that the city is completely encircled by a wide ring. These are its remarkably intact medieval walls, stretching for 4 kilometres in a continuous loop. Today, they’re tree-lined and pedestrian-friendly, making them perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride. Inside the walls lies the historic centre, a maze of narrow streets and charming piazzas. If it’s your first time in Lucca, this is where I’d recommend finding a place to stay.
Best Lucca Tours & Experiences
City Centre Walking Tour – discover and learn all about the city’s most famous sights, including Guinigi Tower, the Cathedral, and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Puccini Festival Opera Concert – set in the stunning Church of San Giovanni, this concert features some of Puccini’s most famous arias and duets.
The best place to stay in Lucca is the Old Town, right within the city walls. This is where you’ll find all the main sights, including Lucca Cathedral, the iconic Guinigi Tower, and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Even better, the train station is just outside the walls and within easy walking distance. This makes arriving (or heading off on a day trip) incredibly convenient if you’re travelling by rail.
Best hotels in Lucca Old Town (within the city walls)
Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli – Most popular 4-star
Tucked just off the main shopping street, this charming small hotel offers the ideal base for exploring Lucca on foot. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with frescoes on the walls. Breakfast is a lovely spread with fresh orange juice and honey straight from the comb. Plus, there’s private parking available just a short stroll away!
Hotel Ilaria – Best rated 4-star
Set in a charming historic building, Hotel Ilaria is one of the best places to stay in Lucca. There’s a lovely terrace with a jacuzzi, private parking, and free bicycles to explore the city. Breakfast is fantastic, featuring products from local Tuscan producers and Lucca specialities like herb cake. Plus, from 12 PM to 7 PM, you can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, with prosecco and beer served from 5 PM onwards.
Visiting the city for the first time? Take a look at my detailed itinerary for one day in Lucca, covering all the must-see sights plus a few hidden gems.
Albergo San Martino – Best 3-star
Albergo San Martino is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Tucked away in a quiet area with minimal traffic, it’s just steps from the cathedral. The rooms are full of charm, decorated with beautiful artwork. Plus, there’s a lovely garden where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning or an Aperol Spritz before dinner.
Casa Paolina – Best apartments
If you’re after a bit of extra comfort, Casa Paolina is a great choice. The property offers self-serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens and air conditioning. There’s even a large elevator, which, if you’ve travelled in Italy before, you’ll know is a rare luxury. Check-in is quick and easy with a self-service system.
Lucca’s Old Town is a beautifully preserved slice of Tuscany that feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s also wonderfully compact. This means that when you stay within the walls, you’ll have everything, from historic landmarks to restaurants and shops, right outside your door.
There’s only one downside. Lucca is a fantastic base for exploring northern Tuscany, but it really works best if you have a car. If you’re relying on trains, I’d recommend staying in a larger city like Pisa or Florence instead, as they offer more frequent connections, including high-speed services. And if you do stay in Lucca, just keep in mind that for some destinations you may need to change trains in Pisa.
Why stay in Lucca Old Town (within the city walls)
- Old Town (within the city walls) is the best place to stay in Lucca for sightseeing, everything you want to see is right on your doorstep
- Guinigi Tower, the Cathedral, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the Palazzo Mansi National Museum are all just a short walk from each other
- the railway station is just a 10 to 15-minute walk away, depending on the location of your hotel
Another thing to know is that there are no 5-star hotels in Lucca itself. The city does have plenty of boutique stays, but none of them is officially rated five-star. So if you’re after a more luxury, full-service hotel experience, you’ll probably want to look just outside Lucca instead.
Best hotels in Lucca with a pool
Let’s be real – Lucca can get seriously hot during the warmer months! After a day spent biking along the city walls or wandering through the charming old town, a refreshing swim sounds like the perfect way to cool down. But here’s the downside: there isn’t a single hotel within the city walls that has a swimming pool. The historic preservation rules and limited space inside the walled centre simply don’t allow for it.
Finding good places to stay outside the Old Town and city walls isn’t much easier. Honestly, I can only recommend one decent hotel just beyond the walls (and it’s only three stars). The rest are a short drive away, which isn’t ideal if you’re travelling without a car.
I recommend skipping the pool option if you’re staying in Lucca. Instead, choose a central hotel from which you can easily explore the city for a day or two. But if you’re planning to use the city as a base to explore Tuscany by car, and having a pool is essential, consider staying just outside Lucca. That way, you can enjoy the extra comfort of a pool while still being close to the city.
With that in mind, here are my top hotel recommendations with pools near Lucca.
Hotel San Marco – Nearest to Lucca
Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood just a short walk from the city walls, Hotel San Marco is the best option. You’ll love the pretty garden with flowers, comfy loungers, and a swimming pool to relax in. Plus, if you’re driving, parking is free, and there’s even a charging station for electric cars!
Hotel Villa San Michele – Most popular 4-star
Set in a 15th-century villa, this place is everything you’d hope for in a Tuscan escape – rustic charm, stunning views, and plenty of history. You’ll find a large swimming pool surrounded by olive groves and ancient pine and magnolia trees. Free parking makes it easy if you’re exploring by car, and best of all, it’s just a short drive from the charming town of Lucca.
Hotel Villa La Principessa – Best rated 4-star
Once the residence of the Duke of Lucca, this stunning 13th-century manor is full of history and old-world charm. The pool is a real highlight, surrounded by a beautifully preserved, centuries-old park. And with free parking and Lucca just a quick drive away, it’s the perfect spot for a Tuscan escape with easy access to the city.
Best hotels in Lucca near the train station
Lucca’s train station (Stazione di Lucca) is conveniently located just outside the historic city walls. It has fewer train connections than Pisa, and it’s served by regional lines only (not by Italy’s fast Freccia or Italo trains). However, it still provides direct links to several important cities and towns in Tuscany and beyond. From here, you can easily catch a direct train to Florence, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or to Pisa in just around 30 minutes.
The historic Old Town is just a short 10-minute walk from the train station. If you’re only spending one night in town and need to catch an early train, staying close to the station is a great option. You’ll have the best of both worlds – super easy access to trains and all the beautiful city’s sights within walking distance.
However, if you’re staying for more than one night, I’d recommend choosing accommodation in the historic centre, as the area is much more charming. Also, keep in mind, it’s difficult to find anything beyond 3-star hotels right near the train station. The closest 4-star hotel is actually within the Old Town, inside the city walls. So if comfort is a priority, it’s better to skip the area near the train station altogether.
That said, here are some of the best hotels in Lucca near the train station if that’s where you want to stay.
Hotel Rex – Nearest to Lucca train station
Hotel Rex, located just across from the train station, is a super convenient choice if you’re staying for a night. The historic centre is just a 10-minute walk away, so you can easily reach all the main attractions without having to drag your luggage too far. The rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re clean, cosy, and have a lovely old-world feel.
Grand Universe – Best 4-star
Just a few minutes’ walk from the train station, Grand Universe is the closest 4-star hotel – and it’s as charming as it is convenient. Set in an 18th-century palace, the hotel overlooks Piazza del Giglio and Piazza Napoleone, placing you right in the heart of the city. On-site, you’ll find Legacy Bistro, serving up authentic Italian cuisine, while the rooftop terrace, Sommità Martin Des Orsyn, offers stunning city views.
Best hotels in Lucca with parking
Like many historic Italian towns, Lucca has a Limited Traffic Zone (Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL) in its city centre. This means that only authorised vehicles, usually residents, hotel guests, or delivery services, are allowed to drive inside the walls during certain hours. The goal is to keep the charming cobblestone streets peaceful, safe, and free from heavy traffic.
If you’re driving into Lucca, it’s important to know that entering the ZTL without permission always results in fines. The restricted area covers most of the old town (the area within the city walls). So, your best bet is to park outside or at hotels that offer parking facilities nearby. Also, keep in mind that driving within the city walls can be tricky due to narrow streets. Many hotels don’t offer on-site parking as well, and if they do, it’s often pricey and needs to be reserved in advance.
If your hotel is inside the city walls, they can usually help you sort out a permit to drive in. Just make sure you arrange it before your stay. That said, for a more stress-free experience, I’d actually recommend staying just outside the walls. You won’t need to worry about permits, and you’ll still be only a short walk from all the main tourist sights.
Here are the best hotels in Lucca with parking.
San Luca Palace – Best 4-star (inside the walls)
Although it’s located within the city walls, San Luca Palace sits right on the edge of the ZTL zone, making it easy to reach by car. Even better, the hotel has its own private parking right next door (just make sure to book it ahead of time). The property itself is a gem, occupying a beautifully preserved 16th-century building, full of old-world charm.
Albergo Celide – Best 4-star (outside the walls)
Situated right across from the city’s medieval walls, Albergo Celide is just a short walk from the nearest entrance to the Old Town. It’s easy to get to if you’re driving, with free parking and quick access to the A11 motorway. The hotel has a great seafood restaurant and a rooftop bar with lovely views of the city’s walls. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax in the sauna, steam room, or hot tub. And if you’re up for a scenic ride, grab one of the free bikes and pedal along the city walls!
FAQs about where to stay in Lucca
The best place to stay in Lucca is Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli. This charming boutique hotel is located within the historic city walls, making it an ideal base for exploring. Private parking is also available just a short walk from the hotel.
Lucca can be a great base if you’re travelling by car, especially for exploring northern Tuscany, including cities like Pisa and Florence. However, if it’s your first time visiting Tuscany and you want to see the highlights, staying closer to Florence is a better option since it’s more centrally located. Also, keep in mind that Lucca is only served by regional trains (not the fast Freccia line), so it’s less convenient if you’re planning to travel around by train.
Yes, Lucca has a train station, called Stazione di Lucca. However, it’s served by regional lines only, not by Italy’s fast Freccia or Italo trains. This means slower travel times and more stops compared to major cities on the high-speed network.
If you’re travelling by car, Lucca is a fantastic choice thanks to its charming, well-preserved historic centre. But if you’re getting around by train, Pisa is more practical since it’s on the fast Freccia line, making travel to Florence and other cities quicker and easier.
Florence is usually the best option for exploring Tuscany because it’s more centrally located and served by the fast Freccia train line. Lucca is very charming, but it isn’t on the high-speed network and is a bit farther from many popular Tuscan destinations.
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