Does anyone have any recommendations for a hotel in Lucca? We are a larger group-2 parents, 3 adult children and one 10 yr old-most likely needing 3 rooms. We looking at Albergo San Martino and Piccolo Hotel Puccini right now but are open to any other recommendations.

You have 2 good options right there. My other choice would be
Palazzo Alexander.

We liked Piccolo Puccini very much, but if you are going in mid summer, check to see if they have A/C if that is important to you. We were there in May several years ago, and the ceiling fans were adequate but don't know how that would work if it were really hot.
Charming hotel, super location.

We loved Albergo San Martino. We were stuck there during the 9/11 attacks and they went out of their way to help us get in touch with family in NY, and to make room for us when our flights to the US were cancelled. They will always be one of my favorite places to stay. Warm, friendly, comfortable, well positioned, free bikes... just loved the place.

We stayed last summer at the San Luca Palace, I highly recommend it. My other recommendation would be La Romea B&B , but they only have 5 rooms.

Thanks everyone. It's always good to hear first hand from people who have stayed at the places being considered. Anyone else?

San Luca Palace is very good hotel.

We very much enjoyed Palazzo Alexander. The location is excellent, and the staff were helpful and personable.

http://www.hotelpalazzoalexander.it/

Byrd

We also enjoyed our stay at Palazzo Alexander.

Thanks! I'm looking into Palazzo Alexander as well. Unfortunately I'm not going on this trip but helping a friend plan her's and it's just killing me seeing all these fabulous places!!!

Another vote for Palazzo Alexander, we loved our stay there.

Alice

Help! so far each of these hotels is unavailable! My friends are planning last minute, relatively speaking for peak time (July 8 for 5 nights). Does anyone have any suggestions for anywhere else, including apartments or places just outside the walls?

Wow, I am surprised that they are all booked. One other hotel we considered (but did not stay in) was:
http://www.allacortedegliangeli.it/
It is located within the walls, right in the center. We walked past it and it looked nice.

http://www.villaromantica.it/

good breakfast and lovely rooms but outside the walls.

we tried to get into La Romea due to the silly good reviews but it was booked. Thanks for reminding me, we swore we would try again some time it looked very well positioned and just look at the reviews.