I have emailed two small hotels in Lucca Italy about staying there in Oct. Neither answered me. I know that usually a no answer means we're full, but already for Oct.? Would you try again (because I also thought that sometimes if it was more than 6 months reservations might not be accepted) or do you think I should just make a reservation at one of the larger hotels available on venere? Thanks!

I would just call them. You can surely make yourself understood and find out if they received your e-mail and if they are accepting reservations for October. If you're set on a smaller hotel, don't give up so easily!

Two days ago I made a reservation in Lucca for this summer so seems like it shouldn't be booked. I haven't stayed there so can't really recommend it, but the booking process was simply done with an very nice person via e-mail.

If you need an alternative hotel in Lucca, I can enthusiastically recommend the Palazzo Alexander.

They are listed on venere, but I booked directly with the hotel: www.palazzo-alexander.it

Oops. Earlier posting left out the name of the hotel in Lucca -- Europa Hotel. Good luck.