looking for a nice place to stay in lucca or the area close by. not outrageously expensive but not real cheap either,

I've recommended Piccolo Hotel Puccini as have many others here. It is smallish, family run, friendly and has quite a lot of character. It is right in town.

For a small 3 star the above is hard to beat. If you want a 4 star, look at Palazzo Alexander. You will like Lucca.

Try the Hotel Due Torre, its really nice, has kitchen facilities as well, Lucca is beautiful.

Last year I stayed at the B&B La Romea in town near the Guinigi Tower. I was very happy there.

A bit more upscale, but still not "outrageously" expensive is the Locanda di Elisa. It's a beautful old villa that has about 10 well appointed rooms, an outstanding restaurant and lovely pool set in a garden. It's about a five to ten minute drive to Lucca.

We were very happy with the Albergo San Martino, via Della Dogana 9 in Lucca. They have a web site. Check it out. The hotel is inside the walls and convenient to the train station and the city.

Hi, I stayed At the Albergo Diana, just a few steps away from Albergo San Martino. They have an Annex which is separate from the main hotel with new, large rooms...bathrooms were probably the nicest I've encountered in a long time. Both the San Martino and Diana have an excellent location just inside the city wall. Very reasonable prices. A great walking town, very convenient to the train if that is your mode of travel.

on sunday they have a large extensive open air market with lots to buy or eat. its spread ouot all over so do not miss it. great way to spend a day when little else is open

I'd recommend the Piccolo, also, but be advised that it does not have A/C, just ceiling fans. It was fine when we were there in May, but not sure how it would be in hot weather. As others have said, you will enjoy Lucca.

To add a note to Allison's post about Albergo Diana - we stayed in the annex and it was fine, newly outfitted inside. I had read that the actual hotel often smells of cigarette smoke as the manager smokes all day long and the smell permeates the building. That's why we chose the annex/dependence. I don't know how true that is, but it sure put me off. The annex is around the corner from the hotel.
Kay

We stayed at the Rex Hotel (conveniently near the train station) at the railroad square. A short walk through an opening in the wall into the city.
Recommend. It's 3*, with or without breakfast.

I second BobtheNav's recommendation of Palazzo Alexander. We stayed there last winter and loved it.

Byrd