I confess that I have been reading the posts here for several months as I have been planing a trip to Italy the end of May. Lots of great stuff here!! Anyway, we are flying to Venice and will rent a car to work our way to Rome. One of the overnight stops is in Lucca. I have reservations with Da Carlos, but not sure I'm real excited about it. Anybody been there or have another hotel that may be better? Thanks!

Was in Lucca last September. While Lucca is wonderful, I wouldn't go out of my way. Spend extra time in Florence, or Sienna. Seems like Lucca is out of the way.

topping for Gretchen<BR>

Thanks for your thoughts Edward. Anyone else? Is Lucca a waste of a afternoon / night?

I didn't think so. Lucca is a very walkable city with a nice treed park built on the ramparts around the city. I had a nice visit there.

Gretchen, Lucca is worth your time. Try the Villa Romantica---more of a B&B type place just outside the walls. Easy parking and walk into town

Hey Bob I checked out the site for Villa Romantica and it looks wonderful!<BR>I have sent in a request for availability so we will see. How did you come upon this place?

Lucca is wonderful! The home of Puccini (and our relatives) The church of San Michele is very representative of the area. Bucca di Sant Antonio is the best restaurant in town--go for a lovely lunch. Lovely hotel is Villa la Principessa, just outside of town, but then you'll need to drive and park at one of the gates to the city. City is almost entirely pedestrian. Another hotel that's been recommended but we've not stayed there is Palazzo Alexander. Don't miss Lucca--it's one of the best examples of a medieval walled city in Italy. Take some time to learn the history and you'll really enjoy seeing it.

check out www.littleparadise.net. I stay there every year. Set up camp and drive to all the cities. It is so well located that it's perfect!!!! 10 mins from Lucca, 1/5 hour from Pisa, 1 hour florence, 2 hours rome, 1/2 hour Vinci.....It is the greatest!!!

Gretchen, I think Lucca is definitely worth a visit but if you are only going to be there one day/night I'd suggest you stay inside the walls (Plenty of parking inside the city gates) or just right outside as Bob suggests, to truly get the feel of the place.

I can highly recommend the Albergo San Martino, just inside the walls. Lucca is definitely worth an overnight.