I am traveling to Lucca end of May 2006 and am looking for either an agriturismo nearby or a great/inexpensive (<$80 sgl) B&B/hotel, etc. in town. I have looked at various websites and tried Hotel Puccini (full). I wold love to have a comfortable place like Hotel Puccini with parking available.

http://www.aicipressi.it/default.asp

Right outside the city walls with parking. Gets great reviews on trip advisor.

Try Villa Romantica--a nice B&B about 300 yards outside the walls.

I second the suggestion for Villa Romantica. We thought it was very handy and very nice. Much preferred to staying inside the walls.

I love Lucca and have wanted to stay in the Hotel Puccini each and every time I have stayed in Lucca. However, each time I have called or inquired ahead, the hotel has been booked (I even had my Italian fiance who lives in Italy call ahead for us and it's been booked!) I too, like its charm, great rates, and central location. However, we have found another hotel that has worked nicely each time we go to Lucca. We stay at the "Hotel Diana" on Via dell Molinetto, 11, 55100 Lucca, Italia. Tel: 011 39 0583 567795 www.albergodiana.com /[email protected]). My double room with bathroom/shower last year was 67,50 euros a night. The hotel is located just inside the ancient city walls, and is a close walk from across the train station. Aside from its central location to all the main sites in Lucca, the room rates are very reasonable and they are family owned. In addition to the website info, here is a link to cut and paste for reference: http://www.eurovacanza.com/schedahot...el/659_lin/eng

If you have a chance to, eat at "Da Leo" Trattoria/ristorante at Via Tegrimi, 1 (Tel 11.39.0583.492.236). It's a local place known for its Tuscan specialities (Florentine steak, fried zucchini flowers, white bean favioli soup, etc); and the prices are great with ample portions. It is north of the San Michele Church in the quiet block of Via Tegrimi up to your left (you will have to ask a local where it is located since a little hard to find).

Here is my trip report from a little over 1 year ago, which included a stay in Lucca: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34539759 Since this trip report, I have been back there again.

Have a great time in lovely Lucca, it's a charming city. Buon viaggio!

KatGio, et. al....why do you prefer outside the walls?

Parking !

Palazzo Alexander is lovely, inside the walls, and has parking nearby.