Hi: Doing planning for spring of 2011. Would like to spend three nights in Pisa or Lucca. We will not be renting a car, so will be using train/bus for local travels.

Looking for a studio or one bedroom apartment. Air-conditioning is a must for health reasons. I'm finding slim pickings in Lucca (owner of 2 VRBO listings not returning email) and none for Pisa.

Any suggestions for an apartment, or even a hotel with a small apartment, or even a real refrigerator (not a mini-bar).. Our hope is the stay under 150 Euro per night.

Thanks
Steve

Try www.ownersdirect.co.uk
you can search by country "Italy" e.g. then area "Tuscany", then "Lucca area" for self cateting apartments.

There are plenty of apartments in Lucca; from a research two years ago, my experience is they're rather on the expensive side as far as value for money.
Look here for example: http://www.bbplanet.it/case-vacanza/lucca/

Great websites. May contact some of the "weekly" renters to see if they would rent for a shorter period of time.

Thanks
Steve


PS: Are there no air-conditioned apartments in Pisa?

http://www.behindthetower.com/en/house/description

We rented an apartment in Lucca in May and it was way too cold to have the air con on. In fact, we had the heat on a couple of times. When in spring are you going.

I am insufferably hooked on Pisa and the Royal Victoria hotel. DH and I stayed there twice and traveled by train to quite a few places. You would have to contact them about apt. type rooms.

Pisa is a university city and not a terribly touristy once you leave the Leaning Tower area. The Duomo is beautiful and a tour of it very interesting. IMHO only.

We only visited Lucca for an afternoon but it didn't "call" to us the way Siena and Pisa did. Many people love Lucca more than Pisa. But we are all trying to say "to each his own" on this thread so you have to figure out what appeals to you.

Sarvowinner: We're planning the middle or end of May. Agree it could be cold, but would rather have the peace of mind knowing that we can turn on the AC or at least turn on the fan and get filtered air if we need it.

TDudette: 3 Night stay, gives us a day to explore Lucca, Pisa, and probably Montecatini. I've been reading very good things about Pisa, and will check with Royal Victoria hotel to see about apt type rooms.

Thanks all.
Steve

Zafferano: per their website, they have heat for the winter and fans for the summer. No mention of AC.

Thanks anyway.

Please let everyone know how it went!