quiet square !!!
Review Submitted: June 26, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Stayed for 7 nights during June 2009.
I've ticked the 'fair' button but it's not fair - certainly below average despite it's special location and at first appearance 'chic' (sorry to use a french word) decoration and furniture. Apart from the bed, which was really comfortable, the rest of the apartment wasn't and sadly not easy to relax in.
There was a trickle of water from the kitchen taps although oddly the shower pressure was excellent. There was a dishwasher but not enough crockery or cuttlery to fill it, i.e. only 2 cups/mugs. Many things not right about the facilities but I'll mention just two - one highly frustrating, and one downright dangerous.Tin-opener was neithetr use nor ornament - I hung it on the wall with other strange things! The electric iron was a safety concern as the cable was worn through in several places and bare wires could be seen -needless to say I lived in crinkly shirts for the rest of the stay.
Suggestions for fix - try living in the apartment for several days, cooking, washing, relaxing, perhaps watching TV, and you'll see that my comments are genuine and fair.
Owner's Response: I am the owner and I think some, but not all, your comments were entirely fair. There is a certain spirit to Lucca and to my apartment that is perhaps not for everyone. It is after all not usual to live in a 16th century palazzo in the heart of the historic yet lively walled town of Lucca . The apartment was in fact my home for two years before renting, and I hope I will happily, dreamily and comfortably live there again. It is a unique place with a special location, as you pointed out. I love the romance of it, and, having rented it out over the past two years, I was very pleased to find that most people felt that and expressed how nice it was to stay there. It is because everything is at your fingertips - the best deli/fruit and veg market shop next door and a great choice of local trattoria's within a minute's walk. And that you can see the mountains in the distance over the red rooftops and all of italian life on the ground makes it clear why so many people dream, as I did, of living in Italy Under the Tuscan Sun. I understand that French antique furniture might not be to everyone's taste and an eclectic collection of original artwork is by nature subjective but I think the dramatic decor of the apartment, is made very clear in the 12 photographs on the website. I must admit, I cannot remember the last time I had cause to use a can opener in Lucca so I assumed it worked. It will be replaced. As will the iron. Clearly wear and tear and an unforgiveable oversight. As for the 2 mugs, and the cup collection, two more will be added. I can't however promise a dishwasher full, but, there is enough there for most people in what is, after all, a one bedroom apartment.
As for the water pressure, that is something you have to live with in a historic building.
Clearly, Lucca in all its aged glory and my unusual apartment in the centre of that were not for you. I accept that some people visiting Tuscany on holiday might eschew Lucca and excustions to nearby Pisa, Florence, the Cinque Terre and the beach at Viareggio for a nice cuppa, feet up in front of the telly, and, well, a smoothly working can opener. C'est la vie (sorry to use French).
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Helpful votes: 4/4
