Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla in Lucca's Historic Walls!
Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla in Lucca's Historic Walls! - A Review From the Heart (and Slightly Disorganized Brain)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, dry-as-a-biscotti hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Tuscan sun, cobblestone streets, and hopefully, a lot of delicious food. This is my experience with the Belvilla in Lucca's historic walls, unfiltered. Prepare for some rambles, some raves, and probably a few gripes. Let's roll!
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Metadata Description: A brutally honest, detailed review of the luxurious Belvilla in Lucca's historic walls, including accessibility, amenities, dining experiences, and personal anecdotes. Find out if this Tuscan escape lives up to the hype!
(Okay, now we get to the juicy stuff…)
First off, the location? Chef's kiss. Seriously. Being inside the historic walls of Lucca is just… magical. That feeling of stepping back in time, of wandering those ancient streets, of feeling utterly enveloped in history… it's something special. They've got a prime spot, no question. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty.
Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, The Needs Improvement (And My Blown Knee)
Okay, so my knee, let's just say, it suggested I look for places with good accessibility. The good news is, the Belvilla claims to have facilities for disabled guests. (See, they ticked the box!) The reality? A bit of a mixed bag. The building itself, being ancient, presents challenges, naturally. The front desk was actually fairly accessible, with a good ramp, which was a solid start. Then the elevators, yes, there were elevators, praise the pasta gods! But inside the property, maneuvering around can be a bit tricky, with some narrow hallways. And the cobblestone streets outside? Well, let's just say my cane got a serious workout. So, it's doable for those with mobility challenges, but you'll need to be prepared to navigate some architectural quirks. I'm giving access a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Be prepared for a bit.
Things to Do, aka, My Vacation's Schedule Was “Wandering and Eating”
Okay, so the Belvilla definitely has a thing for pampering. The Spa… Ooooh, the Spa. It had the expected stuff – Sauna, Steamroom, and a very tempting Pool with view. I spent a good chunk of my time there, because, well, relaxation. Their spa has a Body scrub and Body wrap, which I personally skipped, but it looked super tempting! And a Foot bath was another sweet treat. The spa was definitely the highlight. A place to just be. Pure bliss.
Then there's the Fitness center. I'm pretty sure I walked past it once, and then promptly headed back to the Pool with view. But hey, it's there if you're feeling energetic. (I wasn't.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Adventure
Oh boy, where to start? Let's talk food. Because, hello, Italy!
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant inside for sure. I did the Buffet in restaurant, and it was… decent. (I'm a hard sell on buffets.) But they totally redeemed themselves with their à la carte options. The International cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly good, with a solid nod to the local ingredients. And the Coffee/tea shop? Perfection. I’m a caffeinated fiend, so this was crucial.
- Poolside bar: Now THIS is where it gets interesting. The Poolside bar was the source of many a late-afternoon Aperol Spritz. Pure, unadulterated joy. And the Snack bar? More like a haven for my post-swim cravings.
- Asian breakfast? They did that! Which was… interesting. Not exactly what I was expecting in Tuscany, but hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
Overall, the dining options were solid. The food was generally good, with a real emphasis on fresh ingredients.
(Emotional outburst incoming…)
I lived on the Salad in restaurant, it kept my sanity in check.
- Breakfast: Breakfast? Available. Western breakfast? Yes. And, as a bonus, they offer Breakfast in room. Now, this is how you do hotels. Room service breakfast in the morning? Sigh. Perfection.
(Back to factual stuff!)
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Alright, let's breeze through this:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Crucial for staying connected and posting endless Instagram stories of my pasta-fueled adventures.
- Daily housekeeping. My room was always spotless.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Cash withdrawal: Easy access to Euros.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: For when my clothes inevitably got covered in gelato.
- Air conditioning in public area & in all rooms: Because Tuscany gets HOT.
- Elevator: This saved my knee, big time.
- Luggage storage: Essential for the pre- and post-check-out meanderings.
(And a slightly dramatic aside… I love the Terrace, the views were insane).
Cleanliness and Safety - Let's Be Honest (and slightly paranoid)…
In this day and age, cleanliness is everything. They seemed to be taking things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays and there was Hand sanitizer everywhere. They seem to be on top of it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol. They definitely seemed to know what they were doing.
- I appreciated the Safe dining setup. The tables were well spaced out.
- Cashless payment service: convenient and reassuring.
Rooms - My Little Tuscan Sanctuary
Okay, let's get into the rooms themselves. I had a non-smoking one (praise be!).
- Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Free Wi-Fi: Obviously.
- Mini bar: Always a plus for those late-night cravings.
- Free bottled water: Another bonus.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for surviving mornings.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Luxurious, albeit a little unnecessary when you're rushing to get to the breakfast buffet.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for those post-lunch naps (a vital part of the Italian experience).
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Safety/security feature:: Yes. I had a safe in my room.
- Desk: For those work-related emails I pretended to read.
- The Separate shower/bathtub situation was appreciated.
(Dramatic pause for effect)
I am obsessed with wake-up service!
For the Kids
I saw a few families around, and they seemed to be well-catered for, with Babysitting service offered, and they were Family/child friendly, which included Kids facilities and Kids meal.
Getting Around - The World Just a Touch Away
- Airport transfer: Available!
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge perk if you're driving.
- Taxi service: Available.
Accessibility (Again, Because It's Important!)
While they offer facilities for disabled guests, it's not a fully accessible experience. See the accessibility section above.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Honest Bits…
- Okay, so here's the thing: the Belvilla is old. It's charming, it's got character, but sometimes the character leaks in unexpected ways. One day the hot water took a vacation. Another day, the Wi-Fi decided to be as temperamental as a toddler. These things happen. It's part of the charm (said with the slightly glazed eyes of someone trying to be positive).
- I needed them to remove the shared stationery.
- Pets allowed? The website says no, however, I saw a few very well-behaved small dogs wandering around. So, maybe it's a negotiation thing.
Emotional Verdict – The Honest Truth
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the minor quirks (and my knee), the Belvilla in Lucca is a magical place. The location is unbeatable, the spa is heavenly, and the overall experience is incredibly charming. It's not perfectly accessible, but it's definitely worth the trip
Pag Paradise: Stunning Terrace Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Lucca adventure that's less "perfect Instagram feed" and more "slightly tipsy, gelato-smeared memory." We're calling it… "Le Mura di Lucca: My Tuscan Therapy Session (ft. Pasta and Panicked Cycling)"
Accommodation: Belvilla by OYO Le Mura di Lucca - Because who needs a hotel when you can have a whole damn apartment? (And a kitchen to hide all the snacks, obviously.)
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and Aperol Spritzes
- 14:00: Landed in Pisa. The airport was a chaotic symphony of tired travelers, crying babies, and the faint scent of regret (mostly my own, for not packing enough snacks).
- 15:00: Picked up the rental car. Now, I'm not going to lie, navigating Italian roads feels a lot like playing a video game coded by sadists. The GPS lady has a voice that sounds like she's judging every wrong turn.
- 16:30: Arrived at Le Mura di Lucca. The apartment? Gorgeous. Like, "Instagram-worthy" gorgeous. And… the balcony? Facing the city walls! Sigh. Now I'm actually starting to see the beauty. All the stresses seemed to melt away.
- 17:00: Checked in and immediately unpacked. My method? Throwing everything into a pile and pretending organization will magically occur. It never does.
- 18:00: First mission: find Aperol Spritz. Found one! At a little cafe tucked away near the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (a perfect, ancient Roman amphitheater). I'd had my first Aperol, and the next was coming fast.
- 19:30: Dinner at a random trattoria. Ordered some pasta. It was so… perfect. I swear, the Italians figured out how to make the pasta sing. I ate it like I was going to war.
- 21:00: Stumbled back to the apartment. The Spritz effect was real, but in the best way. Stared at the city walls, feeling like I'd just stepped into a movie.
Day 2: Cycling and the Unexpected Tears of Joy
- 08:00: Woke up. Hangover. I'd had another Aperol Spritz. The sunlight streaming through the window was a cruel, bright reminder of my poor life choices.
- 09:00: Managed to get a coffee and a croissant down. Fueling up for the main event: CYCLING THE CITY WALLS. I grabbed a bike. I don't like bike riding. I am a runner, so I was already stressed by the fact that there was a bike.
- 10:00: Setting off. The city walls are seriously impressive. Like, seriously. And the cycling path? Flat, and easy. For about five minutes.
- 10:05: Had a minor existential crisis when I almost ran into a gaggle of nuns. Swerved, shouted a half-hearted "Scusi!" (basically my entire Italian vocabulary), and vowed to be more careful.
- 11:00: Finally, finally, adjusted and started enjoying it. The breeze, the views, the sheer joy of not having to walk. And then…tears. Pure, unadulterated, "I'm-cycling-around-a-medieval-city-wall-and-life-is-amazing!" tears.
- 12:00: Found a gelato shop. Rewarded myself with pistachio and a scoop of lemon, because balance.
- 14:00: Lunch at a place called "La Buca di Sant'Antonio." I think it translates to "The Hole." The food? Spectacular. The service? Slightly chaotic, in a charming Italian way. There was this old guy shouting in Italian, and another lady laughing, and I loved it. Order the wild boar ragu. Trust me.
- 15:30: Wandered aimlessly, got lost a few times (mostly on purpose), and found a hidden garden. The perfect place to sit and think.
- 17:00: Coffee break. Because, Italy.
- 19:00: Decided to head back to the apartment, and start preparing dinner. I was going to make some pasta. I was so happy.
- 20:00: I made a mistake. It was terrible.
- 20:30: Ordered pizza.
Day 3: Pisa, Panic, and the Power of Prosecco
- 09:00: Headed to Pisa, because apparently, I hate myself and enjoy crowds.
- 10:00: Arrived in Pisa and was immediately swarmed by vendors selling miniature Eiffel Towers (???). The Tower itself? Iconic. Much smaller in real life. The crowds? Massive.
- 10:30: The obligatory "holding up the tower" photo shoot. Tried to be original, but ended up doing the same pose everyone else does. Judge me, I don't care.
- 11:30: Pizza again. I didn't care. Pizza is always a good idea.
- 12:00: The drive back. I swear the GPS lady was deliberately trying to get me lost.
- 14:00: Back at the apartment. Had a lot of prosecco. Like, a lot.
- 16:00: Fell asleep on the couch.
- 18:00: Woke up. Went out for pizza.
Day 4: The Last Supper (of Pasta), Regret, and Departure
- 09:00: Woke up. Felt like a slightly flattened pancake.
- 10:00: One last walk around the city walls. Tried to soak it all in.
- 11:00: Souvenir shopping. Bought a ridiculous amount of pasta and olive oil. Will probably realize I can't make it when I get home.
- 12:00: Ate one last lunch and one last pasta. This time it was perfect.
- 14:00: Packed. Pretended to be organized. Failed miserably.
- 15:00: Checked out. Said goodbye to the apartment. I am going to miss it.
- 16:00: At the airport. Starting to get slightly sad that it's over.
- 17:00: On the plane. Feeling a confusing mix of exhaustion, contentment and the overwhelming urge to eat more pasta.
Final Thoughts:
Lucca, you were a messy, beautiful, pasta-filled adventure. I came, saw, cycled, wept, and ate enough cheese to feed a small army. And despite all the minor disasters and the questionable pasta-making skills, I wouldn't have traded a single moment. Until next time, Italy. And until then, I will dream of pasta.
Rhodes Villa Paradise: Private Pool & Unforgettable Views!
Escape to Tuscany: Belvilla in Lucca - Your Burning Questions (and My Honest Answers!)
So, Belvilla in Lucca? Sounds fancy. Is it actually *luxurious* like they claim?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxurious" is always a bit of a loaded word, isn't it? They love tossing that around. Look, the Lucca Belvilla I stayed in WAS nice. Really nice. Think... exposed beams, terracotta floors, that classic Tuscan feel. The kitchen? Well-equipped! Okay, maybe "luxurious" in the sense that it wasn't exactly a hostel dorm. But... and this is a HUGE but… Remember, you're living inside the city walls! That means limited parking (nightmare), and sometimes, the "luxury" includes the delightful sounds of early morning deliveries and the occasional late-night Italian argument echoing off the brick. One morning, I swear I saw a pigeon staring at me through the window like I owed it money. So, yeah... *mostly* luxurious. Define "luxurious" accordingly. Don't expect gold faucets, unless they've upgraded since I was there... which, let's be honest, is entirely possible.
What's the deal with the city walls? Are you *actually* staying inside them? Is it noisy?
YES. You're *inside* the walls. And it's incredible! Walking those walls is like, the thing everyone does. You can rent a bike, walk, run, whatever suits your fancy, except maybe a motorcycle, I wouldn't try that! Remember the pigeons? Yeah, they’re EVERYWHERE. And the noise... Well, it depends. My place… well, let's just say the previous tenants clearly hadn't bothered to explain to their neighbors the concept of "Sunday morning silence." One Sunday morning, I swear I could hear a child practicing the recorder. Horrifying. But on the upside, you are *right there* in the heart of Lucca. Cafés, piazzas, gelaterias... all on your doorstep. Worth the minor noise trade-off? Absolutely. Bring earplugs. Trust me. Seriously. They are your friend.
Describe the key features of the Belvilla property? What amenities did it have?
Okay, so the specific place I booked... it was a townhouse, maybe three stories. Lots of stairs. If you have dodgy knees, maybe ask for a ground floor apartment. It had a fully functional kitchen (important!), a washing machine (bless!), and a tiny little balcony overlooking a cobbled street. The balcony was my happy place, by the way. Morning coffee with a view, evening glass of local wine... *chef's kiss*. The building itself was… old. Gorgeous, old. Rustic chic, if you will. Expect character. By "character," I mean a slightly wonky door that sometimes needed a good shove to close and a shower that occasionally decided to run hot and cold at the same time. Amenities? Uh, let's see... a TV (I didn't touch it. This is Tuscany, people!), Wi-Fi (thank god!), and, I think, a hairdryer. Maybe. I always bring my own, because trust me, you can never be sure. And a couple of the kitchen knives, honestly, were more suitable for spreading butter than slicing tomatoes. But hey, it's part of the charm, right?
What about the location? Is everything walkable? Is it easy to get around?
Walkable? Honey, Lucca is PERFECTLY walkable! Seriously, the BEST way to experience it. You could wander for hours, getting gloriously lost in the narrow streets, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and tiny artisan shops. Everything you need – restaurants, shops, the main piazza – is within easy reach. The only downside? The aforementioned parking. It's a nightmare. I swear, I spent more time circling the walls looking for a spot than I did actually appreciating Renaissance architecture. My advice? Don't rent a car unless you absolutely have to. Take the train (or, better yet, fly into Pisa and THEN take the train). It's the best way to avoid a full-blown parking-induced existential crisis. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit... but still: park outside the walls, and walk.
Give me a tip on a great restaurant around the Lucca area...
THIS is where I get excited! Okay, so I'm going to tell you about a place, and it's pure gold. It's called... wait for it... "Il Vecchio Frantoio". If you make a reservation, you might actually get to sit at a table. The food? Beyond divine. Pasta to die for. The atmosphere? Authentically Tuscan, not one of those "tourist trap" places. You'll be surrounded by Italians, which is always a good sign. And the wine? Oh, the wine! Cheap, cheerful, and plentiful. I ordered a bottle... then another... then, well, let's just say the walk back to Belvilla felt a little… wobbly. But absolutely worth it. Seriously, go there. Eat everything. Drink all the wine. And thank me later.
What was the *best* thing about staying at Belvilla in Lucca?
Okay, real talk, the BEST thing? The freedom. To wander, to explore, to eat gelato for breakfast if I felt like it (I did). To not have to rush, to get on anyone else's schedule. I could wake up whenever, make coffee, sit on that balcony and watch the world go by. It was simply incredible to feel part of the *city's* rhythm, not just a tourist passing through. And, after a few days it became second nature, like I was living here. That feeling of really settling into a place, of feeling like a local, if only for a little while... That, my friends, is pure gold. It made the dodgy shower, the noisy neighbors, and the parking struggles all fade into insignificance. It was worth every single penny, every single moment.
Worst thing? Be honest!
The Parking. Okay, I know I've mentioned it a million times, but it deserves to be mentioned again. It was a constant source of stress and anxiety. I spent an unholy amount of time circling the walls, muttering under my breath, and generally losing my mind. I swear, on one occasion, I saw a local man laughing at me. I almost started crying. So, yeah... the parking was the worst. Followed closely by the lack of a decent coffee machine in the kitchen. Seriously, an espresso machine is a travel essential. I had to survive on instant coffee. The horror! Though, on the plus side, there were plenty of opportunities to sample the local coffee at the cafes, which quickly became my favorite time of the day.Hotel Near Me Search
