Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Lucca!
Escape to Tuscany: My Dream Belvilla Getaway in Lucca? More like a rollercoaster, baby! (and I loved it!)
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Okay, so let's be real. Planning a Tuscan getaway, especially when you’re picturing yourself sipping Chianti under the warm sun, feels like a dream. Then you stumble upon Belvilla's "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Lucca!" and your brain, like mine, instantly goes: YES. DO IT. This review? This is me, spilling the beans, the olive oil, and maybe a few other secrets I picked up on my (mostly) glorious, (slightly chaotic), utterly Tuscan adventure.
The Good Stuff (and the REALLY Good Stuff):
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm not going to name names, but let's just say I've had experiences where "accessible" meant "barely passable." Here, though? They actually thought about it. I saw elevators, ramps, and enough space in the rooms to do a little (bad) interpretive dance. Score! I was specifically delighted at how thoughtful they were with the in-room amenities.
Rooms & Overall Feel:
The rooms! Oh, the rooms. Forget sterile hotel vibes. We were in non-smoking rooms, and even though I sometimes crave a cigarette (don't judge!), I was grateful. Our room had everything. Air conditioning (absolute lifesaver!), a coffee/tea maker (essential for my sanity), a mini bar (temptation central!), and a super comfy sofa. The extra long bed was a blessing after a day of exploring. I will admit, I missed having a bathtub - a long soak is like heaven after a long day and the separate shower/bathtub just wasn't there in my room, but the shower was spacious. The complimentary tea got me through the first night. Seriously, I had a complete melt-down trying to connect to the Internet at first (grr, technology!) but eventually got the Wi-Fi [free] up and running (thank goodness).
The “Chill Out” Zones:
Okay, let's talk Spa/Sauna because this is where it got real. I'm a spa person, so I'm usually in heaven pretty quickly. The Sauna was… well, a sauna. Hot, steamy, and perfect for sweating out all the stress. The Spa itself, though, was a game-changer. I booked a Body scrub, which felt amazing. I walked in looking like a stressed-out raisin and walked out feeling like a newly plump grape. Worth. Every. Euro. The pool with view? Forget about it. Pure bliss. I’d go back just for that view. The Gym/fitness center was okay. I mean, I saw it. Didn't use it, but it was there, so points for effort!
Food, Glorious Food! (and Some Minor Hiccups):
Food in Tuscany? You already know it's going to be amazing. The restaurants? Solid. Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece of carbs and caffeine. I was always first in line for the scrambled eggs every morning. The Coffee/tea in restaurant got me going in the morning. The Asian breakfast was interesting - I tried it once, liked it, and then went permanently back the the Italian staples. The A la carte in restaurant had some wonderful surprises. The salad in restaurant was a welcomed respite from the more decadent foods. The desserts in restaurant were… dangerous. I may or may not have eaten an entire tiramisu on one occasion. Don't tell anyone. The Bar was top tier. The Poolside bar was so convenient, and perfect for people-watching, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Now, for my one slight gripe: finding a good vegetarian restaurant proved to be harder than expected. There were options, but they weren't always the most exciting. The snack bar was great for a quick bite. The bottle of water was a lifesaver after a long day.
Things to Do & See (and My Hilarious Failures):
Lucca itself? Stunning. The shrine was beautiful, and the historical sites were phenomenal. There was enough to do that my two week stay flew by. I was trying to walk the walls of Lucca but was not in the best shape for a climb, so I had to abandon my project. So don't be like me, and be sure to visit this beautiful City.
The Nitty-Gritty (and the Stuff That Matters):
- Cleanliness and safety: The Anti-viral cleaning products put my mind at ease. I saw the Daily disinfection in common areas, the Rooms sanitized between stays, and the Staff trained in safety protocol. Very reassuring.
- Internet Access: Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were available.
- Family/child friendly: I saw lots of families having a great time. They had Kids facilities.
- Services and conveniences: The Air conditioning in public area was a must. The Concierge was super helpful. The Daily housekeeping kept everything tidy. The Elevator was great for getting around. The Luggage storage was helpful. The Front desk [24-hour]. The Car park [free of charge] was a plus.
- Available in all rooms: High floor
- Getting around: Car park [on-site]. Taxi service. Bicycle parking. Airport transfer
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: The coffee shop was a lifesaver. The Room service [24-hour] was surprisingly good.
The Verdict?
This Belvilla experience? It wasn't perfect. There were moments of minor frustration (the internet!), and the occasional missed culinary opportunity. But the overwhelming feeling? Utterly, gloriously Italian. The genuine warmth of the staff, the breathtaking scenery, the sheer deliciousness of the food… it all added up to a truly special experience. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. Just, you know, pack your patience, your appetite, and maybe a phrasebook. And get ready to fall a little bit in love with Tuscany. I did. And I'm already plotting my return.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-wine-stained account of my impending Tuscan adventure at the Belvilla by OYO San Michele in Lucca. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive Oil Obsession (or, "Did I pack enough antacids?")
- 11:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Pisa Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the chaos. I swear, airports breed a specific type of stressed-out human. Find my rental car (a Fiat Panda, probably – praying it's not a death trap). Anecdote: Last time I was in Italy, the rental car literally died halfway up a hill. I ended up pushing it with a very grumpy Italian man who kept muttering about "American tourists." I'm starting to get the premonition feeling of deja vu.
- 12:30 PM: Drive to Lucca. The GPS is already yelling at me. I'm convinced it's trying to send me to a goat farm in the middle of nowhere. Deep breaths. Pray.
- 2:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Belvilla. Unpack. Pray the apartment isn't haunted. Pray the bed is comfy. Pray the Wi-Fi works. (Okay, that last one is a necessity). First thought: "wow, that's a LOT of cobblestone."
- 3:00 PM: Lucca city exploration. Take a walk on the walls. Observation: Everything seems to be beautifully lit here. The sun hits Lucca differently apparently. Take a picture and write something deep about it.
- 5:00 PM: Olive Oil Tasting. Rant incoming: I LOVE olive oil. I mean, obsessed. I'm picturing myself, bathed in golden liquid, swirling, sniffing, and proclaiming, "This… THIS is the elixir of the gods!" We'll see how it goes. I'm expecting to buy ALL the olive oil.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Pasta, obviously. Preferably some sort of truffle-infused masterpiece. And wine. Lots and lots of wine. Emotional Reaction: I'm so ready. I'm already picturing myself falling asleep mid-pasta, and I would not even hate it.
- 8:00 PM: Evening stroll around Lucca. More strolling and maybe a gelato. Gelato is always a good idea in this region.
Day 2: Cycling, Towers, and the Case of the Missing Sunscreen
- 9:00 AM: Rise and shine! Eat the coffee and croissants I bought.
- 10:00 AM: Bike ride on the city walls. I hope I don't fall off. Imperfection: I haven't cycled in, oh, a decade. I'll probably trip over a cobblestone and make a fool of myself.
- 11:00 AM: Climbing Torre Guinigi. This is where I'm supposed to be, right? The one with the trees on top? I swear, if there's a line I'm turning around and getting more gelato.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Pizza? Panini? The possibilities are endless! Quirky Observation: I bet the pigeons in Lucca have impeccable taste in crust quality.
- 1:00 PM: More Lucca exploration, and find some sunscreen. I forgot to pack it. Idiot move. My skin tone is basically "translucent."
- 3:00 PM: Free time. Read a book, people-watch, nap. Maybe all three. Honestly, I need a nap after that grueling climb.
- 6:00 PM: Aperitivo. Wine and snacks. Because Italy. Need I say more?
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Back at the pasta place? Probably. Why mess with perfection?
- 9:00 PM: More strolls. I am already so in love with this city!
Day 3: Day Trip to… Something! (And the Great Wine Debacle)
- 9:00 AM: Wake Up and get ready for Adventure! This day is dedicated to seeing the local countryside.
- 10:00 AM: Decide where we're going. Florence? Siena? Something smaller and more charming? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The pressure is ON.
- 11:00 AM: Start the drive and the exploration.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the small town. I have a soft spot for the quieter and smaller towns. They are so authentic and I love them.
- 2:00 PM: Wineries! Wine tasting. More wine tasting. I fully expect to be tipsy by 4 pm.
- 5:00 PM: Drive back to Lucca.
- 6:00 PM: Take a nap time.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, because you got to eat.
Day 4: The Hunt for the Perfect Souvenir (And the Existential Crisis of Souvenir Shopping)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: More Lucca exploration; souvenir shopping. I hate this part. I always end up buying things I don't need.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Walking and exploring shops.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the apartment for a rest.
- 6:00 PM: Try to find a place to have dinner in.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Day 5: Departure (Cue the Sad Music).
- 9:00 AM: Pack. The most depressing activity ever.
- 10:00 AM: Last stroll through Lucca. Emotional Reaction: Ugh. I'm not ready to leave. I could live here.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Pisa Airport.
- 1:00 PM: Depart to… reality.
Okay, okay, so it's a bit messy. And probably unrealistic. And I’m sure I forgot a million things. But that's the beauty of it, right? This is a starting point. I'm sure the real trip will be filled with unexpected delights, hilarious disasters, and enough food and wine to fuel a small army. Wish me luck!
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Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Lucca! (FAQ for the Hectic Traveler)
Okay, so Lucca. Seriously? Why Lucca, of all places? Isn't Tuscany, like, everyone's dream anyway?
Alright, alright, settle down, you dreamy traveler. Yes, Tuscany is basically the poster child for "Living the Good Life." Picture this: I'm scrolling through Belvilla, lost in a vortex of villas, and BAM! Lucca pops up. And the best part? It's not just *Tuscany*, it's *Lucca* in Tuscany. Think less "tourist trap," more "genuine Tuscan charm." Trust me, the other cities, especially Florence, can get so overwhelming! Lucca? It’s like... stepping into a postcard designed by a really talented artist who knew how to keep the crowds minimal.
Belvilla? Never heard of 'em. Are they legit? Like, won't I end up paying a fortune for some crumbling shack?
Okay, deep breaths. Belvilla IS legit. I’d already been looking at villas through various other sources, and the Belvilla listing had caught my eye. But the fear? Oh, it was real, and I totally get it. Crumbling shack? Potentially. But Belvilla has a pretty good selection – they aren't all five-star palaces, but they are reasonably well-maintained. My experience? Totally fine. We got a lovely stay! I’m talking *charming* old-world vibes, not necessarily state-of-the-art. The listing photos weren't entirely accurate, mind you. They *always* make the place look slightly better than it is. Just like dating apps, right? But the place was clean, the location was spot-on, and the *real* views from the balcony? Heaven. So, yes, they're legit. Read the reviews, though, and lower your expectations just a *smidge*. It will be better than it looks, I can almost guarantee it.
So, what's the actual *vibe* of Lucca? Is it all Renaissance art and stuffy museums?
Okay, here’s the truth. Lucca is a *city* that is walkable, safe and truly charming. Yes, there's art. Beautiful art, yes. And yes, there are some museums. But it's not like Florence, where you feel constantly elbowing your way through crowds. Lucca's got a more relaxed pace. Picture this: Biking around the city walls (yes, you can rent bikes!). Stopping for gelato (naturally). Discovering tiny, hidden piazzas where you can just *be*. The vibe is… friendly. Gentle. I mean, you can get the art and history fix, but you can also just chill. That’s the magic. It’s a place where you can actually *relax* while still being in a beautiful, historic Italian city. I wish I had my bicycle the entire time, but hey, ya win some, ya lose some (like my sanity sometimes!).
What about food? Tell me about the food. I'm hungry just thinking about it.
OH. MY. GOD. The food. Seriously. I’m drooling just remembering it. First, the pasta. Forget the pre-packaged garbage you get at home. The *fresh* pasta… to die for! Try the *tordelli lucchese* – a local specialty, pasta pillows stuffed with meat. Second, the pizza. Thin crust, amazing sauce, the works! Third: the cured meats. Oh, my… Prosciutto, salami… And the *bread*! Crusty, delicious, perfect for dipping in olive oil. And the gelato! I had gelato basically every day. I fully embraced the "when in Rome" - or, you know, when in Lucca - philosophy. I had to buy a larger size in my normal pants, and I wasn't even sorry!
Any must-do activities or hidden gems you can spill the beans on?
Okay, listen up. Here are my secrets. First, the *city walls*! Seriously, bike or walk them. The views are incredible. Second, climb the *Torre Guinigi*. It's a tower with trees growing on the top. We almost abandoned this. Climbing a tower on a ridiculously hot day after a big lunch? Not super appealing in theory. But... the view! It was breath-taking. So, *climb the tower*! Third, explore the *Piazza dell'Anfiteatro*. It's a perfectly round piazza built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. It’s seriously magical, especially at night when it’s lit up. Finally, wander the side streets. Get lost. That's where you'll find the true hidden gems – the tiny artisan shops, the little cafes, the places where you actually *feel* like you're experiencing the real Lucca. And one more thing: Find a local wine shop and ask for advice. They'll guide you to some of the best, and least expensive, local wines you have ever tastes.
Travel logistics: Flights? Car rental? How do I even *get* there?
Okay, the practical stuff. Getting to Lucca can be a little tricky. You probably won't fly *directly* into Lucca. The closest major airport is Pisa (PSA). From Pisa, you can take a train to Lucca. It's easy and efficient. Consider a car rental if you're planning to explore the Tuscan countryside, but for *Lucca itself*, you don't need a car. The city center is incredibly walkable. Seriously. Parking in Lucca is a nightmare. I had to park further away from where I was staying, and it caused some stress. That was my only regret on this trip. The train is a much better option, but the country can be scenic, so in short, weigh your options.
The "Belvilla" Experience Itself: Was it smooth sailing? Any disasters?
This is when things get REAL. The Belvilla experience… Well, it started out fine. Booking was easy enough. The communication before we arrived was a bit vague, but I'm the one who's disorganized, so what's new? The check-in process was a *little* chaotic. The key code to the lock box didn't work. No worries. I called the host. Then I got a phone number from another person and called them. They weren't particularly helpful, so I called the main office, and after a bit of a wait, they fixed the issue! The villa itself? As I said, perfectly acceptable, but definitely not spotless. There was a bit of dust, and the kitchen equipment wasn't exactly top-of-the-line. And yes, the Wi-Fi was a little spotty at times. But, honestly? After a day or two, I didn't care. I was in *Tuscany*! I was eating amazing food, drinking wine, and relaxing. Who has time to worry about a bit of dustOcean View Inn
