We chose Villa Romatica for its location - just 5 minutes from the City Walls. The location was good for easy access to the old city but the name of the hotel was entirely misleading. There were no rooms available so we accepted a small apartment instead for 120 euros a night without breakfast. It was pleasant enough but definitely overpriced. The swimming pool was very small and only suitable for cooling down. The general impression was of an establishment that was in need of an update to justify the relatively high prices. The apartment was equipped with poor utensils and the hob had to be lit with a cigarette lighter. Fingers were burnt on several occasions. That said - the owners were pleasant enough and we felt safe returning from the city late at night. Sleep was disrupted by ambulance sirens as they sped towards the local hospital.

Owner was friendly and welcoming as soon as we arrived, made us feel totally 'at home' and relaxed. We stayed in the Junior Suite, lots of room, large bed, bathroom was fabulous, brilliant shower and jacussi bath. Extras such as toiletries, large bath towels, bathroom slippers. Small fridge with reasonable priced items replenished daily, tea/coffee making facilities.
Villa Romantica is a few minutes walk to within city walls Turn right out of villa, cross small road, continue walking towards main road (zebra crossing starts halfway across road, end of gravel is end of pavement)!
Continue walking along path (lit at night) through tunnel under walls, steepish cobbled stones for approx 20 steps, follow through tunnel out into the walled city. Takes approx 5-10 mins depending on walking speed and heat! As soon as within city walls all traffic noise stops and you enter a lovely peaceful time warp zone, just perfect. Be careful of the cyclists who appear to wander around in a dreamlike state!
Villa Romantica offers a full continental breakfast - fruit, cereals, assorted breads/rolls, condiments, meats, cheeses (hard and spead) with option of boiled egg, fruit juice and fresh coffee.
There is a pool with relaxing covered area and a garden terrace reached via steps. We did not have chance to use the spa/turkish bath/massages available, we only stayed a few days but will definately try the facilities when we have the chance to visit Lucca again. All queries were answered immediately with printed details of buses, trains etc produced almost immediately upon request. The owner was always available whatever time of day we arrived back, always asking where we had been, had we enjoyed ourselves, etc. I would recommend Villa Romantica without any hesitation, we really enjoyed our time there and look forward to staying there again.

If you want to visit Lucca you have 3 options: Stay within the city walls (no pool), Stay outside the city walls (pool), Stay in the Hills (pool and drive in for half day).

We chose the middle option and the Villa Romantica as it had a pool and you could walk into Lucca. Having said this the walk might be 5mins, but felt more like 15mins in the blistering August heat. Then you need to walk for another 10mins or so before you reach the actual ‘centre’. Pool area although small was lovely. We put our chairs up on the decking and it was great to come back to after sightseeing around Lucca.

Hotel is right next to the Stadium. Surrounding roads quite busy - lots of sirens. The hotel itself is nicely furnished and with excellent breakfast. Family very nice and helpful. Drinks fridge in room. AC good. We had a ground floor room which was a bit cramped for the 3 of us. Room little bit dark as we couldn’t open all the shutters due to being overlooked by the car park.

Bit pricey for what we had. Perhaps better to stay up in the Hills and drive into Lucca for a half day.

It was immaculately clean, good breakfast. We had a basic room on the ground floor and it was a generous size though was a bit gloomy as the shutters were kept down due to being overlooked. This was not a problem as the weather was great and we sat outside in the lovely garden to relax and read.
I would definitley not hesitate to recommend this hotel.