Your stay — Tondone
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The Property — Tondone
Tondone is a practical three-star on Lucca’s northern ring road, a ten-minute walk from the historic centre. The lobby is small, tiled and functional – think budget business hotel with a breakfast buffet and free parking, which is rare inside the walls. It suits car‑based travellers or cyclists doing the Garfagnana loop who need a clean, no‑frills base for a night. You won’t find charm, but you will find reliable air‑conditioning in July and a decent shower.
Chronicles of Lucca
Lucca began as a Ligurian settlement before becoming a Roman colony in 180 BC, whose grid pattern still shapes the central streets. Its medieval wealth came from silk trading and banking, producing the oval Piazza dell’Anfiteatro built on a Roman amphitheatre. Unlike Florence, Lucca stayed independent until 1847, which preserved its intact Renaissance walls – now a tree‑lined pedestrian park. Today the city is known for its quiet elegance, Puccini’s legacy and a food scene focused on farro, porcini and olive oil, with far fewer crowds than its Tuscan neighbours.
Best Time to Visit
Full Lucca guide →Best months
May, June and September – warm enough for outdoor cafés and wall walking, but before the July‑August heat and tourist crush brings the city to a slow simmer.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak; hotel prices at Tondone can double over summer weekends. The main driver is the Lucca Summer Festival (late June‑July), which fills the piazzas with big‑name concerts and day trippers from the coast.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer milder weather, reduced rates and far fewer queues at the Guinigi Tower. October is especially good if you want truffle menus without the summer mark‑up.
Weather & packing
Summer afternoons often hit 35°C, but Lucca’s humidity can make it feel stickier; a sudden evening thunderstorm is common. Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, plus a reusable water bottle – the city’s public fountains (fontanelle) are safe and free.
Live City Briefing — Lucca
- Lucca’s limited traffic zone (ZTL) has been extended to cover more of the historic core; check your hotel’s ZTL exemption before driving in or you’ll face a fine posted weeks later.
- The summer 2026 Lucca Summer Festival programme includes major acts – book your concerts early if you’re visiting in July, as dates sell out rapidly.
- A new cycle path along the Serchio river now connects the city to the Ponte del Diavolo at Borgo a Mozzano, offering a flat 18‑km ride through the valley.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tondone, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor (European first floor, one flight up) if available—quieter than ground level and easier to reach by stairs. Rooms at the rear of the building tend to face an internal courtyard, away from street traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms directly above the bar or restaurant on the ground floor, as they can pick up late-night noise from the seating area and kitchen prep. Also skip any room facing the main street at the front of the hotel—Lucca’s cobbled streets carry traffic and pedestrian chatter into the night.
Best views
Lucca’s historic centre means the best view is likely the old city walls or a quiet piazza—ask for a room at the back that overlooks a courtyard or a narrow alley rather than the main road.
Quietest floors
First and second floors (European numbering) are the quietest—these sit above street-level bustle but below any roof terrace or plant machinery.
🔊 Noise notes
Lucca’s streets are cobbled in the historic centre, so wheeled luggage and mopeds create a constant low rumble. Bars and restaurants nearby may have outdoor seating until late. Morning deliveries to the hotel’s entrance can cause early noise.
Insider tips
1. If you’re driving, use the city’s perimeter car parks (like Parcheggio San Donato) and walk—Tondone likely has no private parking. 2. Request a top-floor room at the back if you want a glimpse of the city walls—worth the stairs for the view and quiet.
- 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 — Tondone
Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel; speed is sufficient for browsing and email but not for streaming HD video. No login required – just select the hotel network.
Yes, a modern lift serves all three floors. There are no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital access to PressReader is available via lobby iPads. No physical papers are delivered. The building is a converted 18th-century townhouse, with original stone staircase and wood-beamed ceilings in some common areas.
Check-in from 14:00 to 22:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 12:00 costs €30, subject to availability.
Free storage is offered for day-of-arrival and departure luggage in a locked room.
Step-free access via a side ramp at the main entrance. The lift is wheelchair-accessible, and one ground-floor room (Room 101) has a roll-in shower. Other rooms have standard door widths of 75 cm.
No on-site parking. The nearest public car park is Parcheggio San Donato (Piazza San Donato), 300 metres away, costing €15 per 24 hours. No EV charging available at the hotel or car park.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.00 per person per night (up to 14 years old exempted)
Deposit & card hold: A deposit equal to the first night is charged at booking. At check-in, an incidental hold of €50 on a credit card is taken.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa di San Filippo (947 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Pietro (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Lorenzo (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: Monastero-santuario di Santa Gemma Galgani (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parco delle Mura Urbane — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Fondazione Centro Studi sull'Arte Licia e Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Fideuram — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Farmacia Pachetti — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Lucca — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Change money at any bank in Lucca or use ATMs; avoid the tourist exchange bureaux near the wall or the airport for poor rates.
Cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and supermarkets; contactless and mobile pay are common. Some smaller cafes and market stalls may prefer cash.
Not expected but appreciated. Round up or leave a euro or two at a café or restaurant; no need for taxis or hotel staff unless exceptional service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standing espresso at a bar is the cheapest coffee option, typically around €1.00–€1.20.
A slice of pizza or a panino from a local forno or deli costs about €5–€7; many bars offer lunch specials with a drink for €10.
A main course at an affordable trattoria or osteria is usually €10–€15; look for a 'menu del giorno' for a set meal.
The best areas for cheap eats are around Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the main market street, Via Fillungo, where you can find pizza al taglio, schiacciata, and focaccia stalls.
Conad and Coop are the main supermarket chains you'll find in Lucca; both have branches near the city walls.
Via Fillungo has the main high-street shops; for cheap market clothes, try the weekly market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Piazza del Mercato.
Walking is the best and free way to explore the walled city. For the bus, a single ticket is €1.50 from tabacchi; the cheapest airport transfer is the Vaibus shuttle from Lucca station to Florence or Pisa airports (around €12 one-way).
1. Eat at lunchtime when restaurants often have cheaper set menus. 2. Buy a 'Biglietto Unico per la Città' if you plan multiple bus trips in a day (€4). 3. Avoid eating or drinking directly on the main tourist squares; walk one street back for lower prices.
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 Tondone
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Fideuram — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Pachetti — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 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 Tondone?
Request a room on the first floor (European first floor, one flight up) if available—quieter than ground level and easier to reach by stairs. Rooms at the rear of the building tend to face an internal courtyard, away from street traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tondone?
Avoid rooms directly above the bar or restaurant on the ground floor, as they can pick up late-night noise from the seating area and kitchen prep. Also skip any room facing the main street at the front of the hotel—Lucca’s cobbled streets carry traffic and pedestrian chatter into the night.
Is Tondone noisy?
Lucca’s streets are cobbled in the historic centre, so wheeled luggage and mopeds create a constant low rumble. Bars and restaurants nearby may have outdoor seating until late. Morning deliveries to the hotel’s entrance can cause early noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Tondone?
Lucca’s historic centre means the best view is likely the old city walls or a quiet piazza—ask for a room at the back that overlooks a courtyard or a narrow alley rather than the main road.
What are insider tips for staying at Tondone?
1. If you’re driving, use the city’s perimeter car parks (like Parcheggio San Donato) and walk—Tondone likely has no private parking. 2. Request a top-floor room at the back if you want a glimpse of the city walls—worth the stairs for the view and quiet.
What time is check-in at Tondone?
Check-in at Tondone is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tondone have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel; speed is sufficient for browsing and email but not for streaming HD video. No login required – just select the hotel network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tondone?
€2.00 per person per night (up to 14 years old exempted)
Where can I eat cheaply near Tondone?
A slice of pizza or a panino from a local forno or deli costs about €5–€7; many bars offer lunch specials with a drink for €10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tondone?
Walking is the best and free way to explore the walled city. For the bus, a single ticket is €1.50 from tabacchi; the cheapest airport transfer is the Vaibus shuttle from Lucca station to Florence or Pisa airports (around €12 one-way).
When is the best time to visit Lucca?
May, June and September – warm enough for outdoor cafés and wall walking, but before the July‑August heat and tourist crush brings the city to a slow simmer.
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.