Villa Casanova Lucca

Villa Casanova Lucca: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Nestled in the picturesque Lucca Valley, Villa Casanova Lucca, a Michelin Key selected property, offers guests a luxurious and tranquil escape in an enchanting 18th-century Tuscan farmhouse. Praised for its serene ambiance, impeccable service, and stunning surroundings, this 5-star hotel consistently receives high acclaim from visitors seeking an unforgettable Italian experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Villa Casanova Lucca is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful," "exceptional," and "glorious." It holds strong ratings for comfort (9.4), staff (9.5), and cleanliness (9.3) on various booking platforms, reflecting a high level of guest satisfaction. The Michelin Key selection further underscores its status as an outstanding hotel, recognized for offering a truly special stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Villa Casanova Lucca for its breathtaking setting amidst 360 acres of pine forest and woodland, offering panoramic views of the countryside, the town of Torre del Lago, and even the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance. The elegant design, combining traditional Tuscan architecture with modern comforts, creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The infinity swimming pool with views over the hills is a particular favorite, providing a perfect spot for relaxation. The attentive and friendly staff are also a recurring highlight, often making guests feel right at home. The Michelin Key selection criteria – including excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality, value for price, and contribution to the setting – are clearly reflected in these guest experiences.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Villa Casanova Lucca are a significant draw, with each of the fourteen suites described as spacious, elegant, and comfortable. Ranging at least 590 square feet (60 square meters), rooms feature wooden floors, pale yellow walls, and are adorned with Oriental rugs and original artwork. Guests can expect luxurious beds, including hand-made four-poster, carved-wood sleigh, or baroque beds with gilded frames, often equipped with premium and hypo-allergenic bedding. Marble bathrooms are well-appointed with amenities such as bidets, roll-in showers, and complimentary toiletries. Many suites offer excellent views over the woodland, and Supreme suites boast glorious terraces with morning views of the Lucca Valley sunrise and spectacular night skies. Modern comforts like flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, climate control, and free Wi-Fi are standard.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Villa Casanova Lucca is an integral part of the Tuscan experience. The hotel features an à la carte restaurant serving a delightful blend of traditional Tuscan and Italian dishes, crafted with fresh local ingredients. Specialties can include seasonal game like pheasant and wild boar, fresh produce such as figs, spinach, and mushrooms, and even home-pressed olive oil and truffles from the property. Breakfast is a continental affair, highly praised by guests, and can be enjoyed by the infinity pool with valley views or in the privacy of your room upon request. Room service is also available for guests who prefer to dine in.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Villa Casanova Lucca consistently receive exceptional praise. Guests describe the team as "lovely," "attentive," "helpful," and "professional," contributing significantly to a memorable stay. Many feel a warm and friendly reception, with staff going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction, offering personalized recommendations and impeccable hospitality. The dedicated housekeeping team also maintains high standards of cleanliness.

6. Location & Accessibility

Villa Casanova Lucca enjoys a serene and idyllic location in the Lucchese hills, approximately a 15-minute taxi ride from the historic walled city of Lucca. Its setting within a pine forest on a 360-acre estate provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, with opportunities for exploring the woodland. While offering a secluded ambiance, the hotel is near several public transport stations, including San Pietro A Vico, Nozzano, Ponte A Moriano, Lucca, and Montuolo Train Stations, providing access to nearby towns like Pisa and Florence. However, some guests note that the location can be a bit remote, recommending a car for easier exploration and highlighting that booking taxis, especially on Sundays, can be problematic.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally find Villa Casanova Lucca to offer good value for money, describing it as "luxurious for the price." While prices vary based on travel dates and room type, indicative rates for a night can range from approximately €197 for a Deluxe room to €494 for a Double room, with Superior rooms around €374. It's important to note that a city tax of €5.00 per person, per night (for up to 3 nights, children under 14 exempt) is applied. Additional charges may apply for pets (€50.00 per stay) and rollaway beds (€100.00 per day).

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms have been noted. A few guests have experienced poor Wi-Fi connectivity and temperamental shower temperatures. Some found the beds to be too soft for their personal preference. Additionally, a couple of reviews suggested that the decor in some common areas and the ambiance of dining at night could benefit from an update to fully align with a 5-star rating. The secluded location, while a highlight for many, has also been mentioned as a challenge for accessibility, particularly concerning taxi availability on Sundays.

Sources

1. wikipedia.org
2. eclathospitality.com
3. trip.com
4. hotel.report
5. booking.com
6. awardtravel.co
7. michelin.com
8. kayak.ie
9. hotels.com
10. klook.com