Your stay — Raffaello
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The Property — Raffaello
The Raffaello, a 3-star hotel in Lucca, is a charming, family-run boutique hotel that exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its elegant façade and beautifully maintained Tuscan-style interior transport guests to a bygone era. The hotel's USP lies in its tranquil courtyard garden, where guests can unwind amidst lush greenery and the soothing sound of a small fountain. This hidden gem is perfect for couples, solo travellers, and families seeking a relaxing retreat from the city's bustle.
Chronicles of Lucca
Lucca, founded by the Etruscans in the 2nd century BC, boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. The city's medieval walls, built in the 16th century, still stand today, encircling the historic centre and giving it a unique, self-contained feel. Lucca's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its medieval heritage, evident in its picturesque piazzas, ornate churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The city's annual Lucca Comics and Games festival, held in September, attracts fans of comics, gaming, and pop culture from around the world. Lucca's position as a UNESCO Creative City for Music since 2017 has also solidified its reputation as a hub for musical innovation and creativity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Lucca guide →Best months
June and September are the best months to visit Lucca, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Lucca, driven by the city's summer festivals, including the Lucca Summer Festival, which features classical music concerts and opera performances. Hotel prices surge during this period, with prices increasing by up to 20% compared to the shoulder season. The city's narrow streets and historic centre can get congested, but the festive atmosphere is well worth it.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer a great value-for-money experience, with mild weather (18-22°C) and significantly lower prices (up to 30% off peak rates) compared to the summer months.
Weather & packing
Lucca's climate is characterised by a Mediterranean microclimate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for sudden rain showers in the summer months, and pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella to avoid getting caught off guard.
Live City Briefing — Lucca
- The city's new bike-sharing system, 'Lucca in Bici', has been launched, allowing visitors to explore the historic centre and surrounding countryside on two wheels.
- The Puccini Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous composer, has reopened after a major renovation, featuring new exhibits and interactive displays.
- The annual Lucca Summer Festival will take place from July 10th to August 15th, with a lineup of concerts, opera performances, and cultural events throughout the city.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Raffaello, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a more peaceful stay. The lower floors may have more noise from the street, which can be busy in Lucca.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift as they may be noisier due to frequent use.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address in Lucca doesn't provide a clear indication of a specific view, but you might get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from a higher floor.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Lucca is a historic city with cobblestone streets, so expect some ambient noise from the streets below, especially on weekends or during events.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view of the surrounding area. If you're driving, be aware that parking options in Lucca can be limited, so consider booking a spot in advance or exploring public parking options nearby.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Raffaello
free throughout the hotel, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers available in the lobby
16:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (€50 fee after 12:00)
available at the front desk for €5 per bag per day
step-free access to all areas, wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas, historic building has some narrow corridors
on-site parking available for €20 per night, nearest public car park is Piazza Santa Maria del Carmine (€15 per night), EV charging not available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3 per person per night (€1.50 for children under 18)
Deposit & card hold: €100 advance deposit + credit card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Visitazione di Maria Santissima (220 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Santi Clemente e Colombano (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
La primula — 199 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro (EUR)
You can exchange currency at the Lucca train station or Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena branch, but be aware that airport bureaux de change often offer poor rates. Major banks in the city centre also offer competitive exchange rates.
Most businesses in Lucca accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, while contactless payments are widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 euros for good service is appreciated. For taxis, it's common to tip 1-2 euros for short journeys and 5% of the fare for longer trips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A traditional Italian bar serving a strong espresso and cornetto (similar to a croissant) costs around 1-2 euros.
A panino (sandwich) from a local bar or a piadina (flatbread) from a street vendor costs around 5-7 euros.
A pasta dish at a local trattoria costs around 10-15 euros, while a pizza slice from a street vendor costs around 3-5 euros.
The Piazza Anfiteatro and surrounding streets are popular for street food, with vendors selling everything from panini to fried dough balls.
Conad, Carrefour, and Lidl are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable high-street shopping in the Via Fillungo and Via della Sapienza, with a mix of local and international brands.
A day ticket for the local public bus system costs around 4-5 euros, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs around 20-25 euros.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices are often inflated. Instead, opt for local trattorias or street food.Consider purchasing a Lucca Card, which grants access to public transportation and discounts at local attractions.Shop at local markets or street vendors for fresh produce and souvenirs, as prices are often lower than in shops.
Good to know — Lucca
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Lucca112 is the single European emergency number for police, ambulance, or fire. 118 is the local ambulance number, 115 is the fire brigade. For non-urgent police matters in Lucca, call 0583 4491.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Lucca, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Raffaello
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Hotel Le Giraffe, Lucca → Lucca Porta Elisa (city centre)
💡 Bus stop is 50m from the hotel, corner of Via Romana & Via delle Ville. Buy tickets at the tabacchi on Via Fillungo (€1.50 each, 90-min validity). You can walk to the walls in 10 minutes—only bother with the bus for grocery trips to the Coop on Via Pisana.
Lucca Railway Station (Piazzale Ricasoli) → Hotel Carlos, Via Fillungo
💡 Use line L (blue bus) from the station—get off at 'Via Fillungo 2' stop. But honestly, the whole historic centre is flat and walkable; skip the bus if you have light luggage. Buy tickets at any tabacchi (look for a T sign) before boarding—no cash on board.
Lucca Station (Piazzale Ricasoli) → Hotel La Principessa (Via della Chiesa)
💡 Take bus line L1 or L2 from the station to stop 'Via della Chiesa'. Walk 3 mins to hotel. But honestly, Lucca is flat and walkable; from the station to the hotel is just 1.2 km, so skip the bus unless you're hauling heavy luggage.
Pisa Airport (PSA) → Lucca Bus Station (Piazzale Verdi)
💡 Buy your ticket at the airport ticket office or via the Vaibus app to skip queues. Bus stops just outside arrivals; it's slower than the train but drops you right by the old town walls.
Pisa Airport Bus Station (outside arrivals) → Lucca Bus Station (Piazzale Verdi)
💡 This is the cheapest direct airport option, but frequency is low. Check the timetable at vaibus.com in advance—miss one and you wait two hours. The drop-off at Piazzale Verdi puts you a 5-minute walk from Hotel Carlos through the porta walls.
Pisa Centrale Station → Lucca Station
💡 Buy tickets from the automatic machines at Pisa Centrale (cash or card). Validate your ticket in the yellow box before boarding—fines are €50 on the spot. From Lucca station, it's a 10-minute walk to Hotel Carlos: exit left, cross Piazzale Verdi, and head into Via Fillungo.
Pisa Airport (take PisaMover shuttle to Pisa Centrale station) → Lucca Railway Station (Stazione di Lucca)
💡 PisaMover costs €2.70 and runs every 5 minutes. From Lucca station it's a 15-min walk straight ahead down Via Cavour to the hostel. Cheapest option if you're not in a rush.
Pisa Airport (PSA) → Hotel La Principessa, Lucca
💡 Pre-book with a local firm like Taxi Lucca or Pisa Taxi to avoid surge prices. The hotel can arrange this for you too.
Pisa Airport (PSA) → Hotel Le Giraffe, Lucca
💡 Book with Taxi Lucca (0039 0583 491212) or NCC Fiorentini. They track flights and cost less than hailing at the airport. The hotel's small courtyard drop-off saves walking with bags.
Pisa Airport Bus Stop (outside arrivals) → Lucca Piazzale Verdi (near Ostello San Frediano)
💡 Buy ticket from the tabacchi inside the airport or the app – driver won't sell it. Get off at Verdi, then it's a 5-min walk to the hostel via Via Fillungo.
Pisa Airport (PSA) → Hotel Le Giraffe, Lucca
💡 Take the Pisa Mover shuttle from the airport to Pisa Centrale station (€2.70, 5 min), then Vaibus line L4 from the bus bay there to Piazzale Verdi in Lucca (€2.80, 50 min). Walk 100m to the hotel. Avoid the local trains—they’re slower and more expensive.
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei, PSA) → Ostello San Frediano, Lucca
💡 Fixed rate of €50 to Lucca city centre – confirm with driver before setting off. No extra charge for luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Raffaello?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a more peaceful stay. The lower floors may have more noise from the street, which can be busy in Lucca.
Which rooms should I avoid at Raffaello?
Avoid rooms near the lift as they may be noisier due to frequent use.
Is Raffaello noisy?
Be aware that Lucca is a historic city with cobblestone streets, so expect some ambient noise from the streets below, especially on weekends or during events.
Which rooms have the best views at Raffaello?
Unfortunately, the address in Lucca doesn't provide a clear indication of a specific view, but you might get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from a higher floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Raffaello?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view of the surrounding area. If you're driving, be aware that parking options in Lucca can be limited, so consider booking a spot in advance or exploring public parking options nearby.
What time is check-in at Raffaello?
Check-in at Raffaello is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Raffaello have Wi-Fi?
free throughout the hotel, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Raffaello?
€3 per person per night (€1.50 for children under 18)
Where can I eat cheaply near Raffaello?
A panino (sandwich) from a local bar or a piadina (flatbread) from a street vendor costs around 5-7 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Raffaello?
A day ticket for the local public bus system costs around 4-5 euros, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs around 20-25 euros.
When is the best time to visit Lucca?
June and September are the best months to visit Lucca, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Lucca
💡 Check for free organ recitals Saturday afternoons. The Pisan-style exterior is best seen in morning light.
💡 Avoid the overpriced cafés in the square. Instead, grab a panino from Alimentari Puccini one street away and eat it on the steps near the southern edge.
💡 The church is free, but the small museum (€2) gives access to the rooftop terrace for a close look at the facade's marble intarsia. Visit early to avoid tour groups.
💡 Walk to the centre and look up—the irregular roofline follows the original amphitheatre seating. Free to enter, but no seating inside; grab a coffee at Caffè di Simo for a view.
💡 The free section covers the main church. Pay €3 for the treasury and sacristy to see the gorgeous wooden choir stalls and 14th-century frescoes.
💡 Visit late afternoon when the sun slants through the west window, lighting up the mosaic. Free entry, but check for occasional concerts (€5–€10) in the crypt.
💡 Head to the back of the nave to see the restored fresco of the Last Judgement—it's often missed by tourists but is one of the best in Tuscany.
💡 Free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Otherwise, it's €4, but if you're on a budget, the free public park on the walls (Parco delle Mura) is just as green and costs nothing.