Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection

We had a fantastic time at the Grand Universe Hotel in Lucca. It is located right in the middle of the old city, surrounded by plazas and cathedrals. There was an opera show right around the corner that was just beautiful. The staff are so friendly and helpful, we immediately felt at home. The room was comfortable and very clean. Like all rooms in Italy, it  is a bit compact but they make amazing use of the space. The breakfast was delicious and had a huge variety of delicious offerings. The rooftop bar is small but has a beautiful view. We loved our stay here and are looking forward to returning.

This hotel is in an excellent location near the ring road and just a block into the center of the old town from the ramparts.. The rooms are modern with fabulous comfortable beds. Best I have had. But the bathroom is awful. It is very dark and small. No place for toiletries just a sink. If the bathroom had been adequate than the room would have been just fine. The room had a lot of space in the sitting area where a shelf or a table could have been installed near the bathroom for people to put their toiletries on. Not ideal but certainly better. The Champagne rooftop experience on Friday and Saturday nights was a bit weird. To go up there you need to pay 20 Euro each. We took a peek and there were only a few tables in the place. It was beautiful up there, maybe it could have more tables and a general bar. we would have loved to sit up there. Also, I think that there needed to be more receptionists. We asked for reservations to a restaurant and went out for a few hours yet came back and a call was not made. One bag with our luggage was missing and they said they were coming up with it, but after an hour, we went to get it. It is a nice hotel and I would have rated it higher but for these issues.

The hotel was very nice, clean, quiet, and convenient to the town of Lucca. The staff was very personable and helped with any request or question we had. Bicycles were available for guests which my wife and I took advantage of riding the wall around the town. The breakfast choices were excellent and staffed with very friendly people.