Albergo Celide

Albergo Celide is in a class of its own in Lucca. The refined boutique hotel is distinctively European and though it's small, it makes excellent use of its space with rooftop terraces and a lovely living room area with a bar. Kids do stay here, but most of the guests are affluent couples in town to enjoy Lucca. We spotted several Italian sports cars in the parking lot. The lobby is decorated with art books and orchids, and the lounge by the bar is filled with cream leather sofas and a chandelier. The rooftop terraces are furnished with high end patio furniture and potted plants; views overlooking Lucca's ancient wall are picturesque. 

Lucca is world famous for its ancient walls that wrap around the city. Inside the walls you'll find cultural attractions, traditional water fountains, water canals, sidewalk restaurants, and stunning architecture. However, only registered hotel guests and locals are legally allowed to drive through the walls -- anyone else who attempts to drive through will get a ticket in the mail. The city inside the wall is also difficult to navigate by car, roads are narrow and some are just for pedestrians. A better solution is to stay outside of the walls, and walk or bike inside. For that, Albergo Celide has one of the best locations. There's a pedestrian entrance just across the street from the hotel, which will bring you near the Botanical Garden. Biking on top of the walls is a favorite pastime, and Albergo Celide provides free bikes to borrow. The neighborhood around the hotel is filled with lovely mansions and a few restaurants. It's a 30-minute drive from Pisa International Airport or a 50-minute drive from Florence International Airport. 

There are only 49 rooms, but there's a wide variety of room types and sizes designed to cater to everyone from single travelers to families. Decor is slightly different in each room, but all are elegant and furnished with high quality elements. The Classic Double Room includes a flat-screen TV, kettle, air-conditioning, minibar, free Wi-Fi, a double bed or two twin beds, and wood built-in closets. Single Rooms are quite spacious for one person and feature the same amenities, but have slightly more modern decor with purple accent walls and framed Matisse prints. Marble bathrooms (in a variety of color configurations) are quite upscale. Toiletries, hairdryers, and heated towel racks are provided. Views overlook the immediate neighborhood, and some rooms peek out on to the Lucca walls across the street. 

Features at Albergo Celide are well thought out and stylish. The day starts with a free breakfast buffet that consists of locally made seasonal items like pastries, jams, fruit, cereal, and espresso. For dinner, a popular Italian restaurant focuses heavily on seafood items -- but there is no option at the hotel for lunch. A lovely bar area provides cocktails. The wellness center features a Matisse-inspired decor, along with a sauna, Turkish baths, and whirlpools. Access to the spa requires a fee (some rooms are sold with spa access rates) and reservations. Massages are available and cost extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. For business travelers, there's an upscale event room in the basement level of the hotel. Guests can borrow stylish red bikes with baskets to explore Lucca. Free parking is provided in a lot behind the hotel.