Unbelievable Belvilla Deal: Your Dream Lucca Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Belvilla Deal: My Lucca Escape - It Was Good, It Was… A Lot
Okay, so here's the deal. I booked this "Unbelievable Belvilla Deal" in Lucca. Sounds dreamy, right? Promise of a Tuscan escape? Well, I went, I saw, I… well, I lived it. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. Buckle up, because I'm about to spill the Tuscan beans, warts and all.
Accessibility: A Bit of a Rollercoaster
First, the logistics. I’m not going to lie, navigating Lucca isn’t precisely like rolling on a golf course. The cobbled streets are charming, sure, but wheelchair accessible? Nope. Not without a Herculean effort and a whole lot of patience. The Belvilla itself? Well, it depends which one you get! Mine claimed to have facilities for disabled guests in the description, which was actually a good thing. But, I didn't actually need them, so wasn't able to fully check this off. I did see an elevator, which was a win in my book considering the whole stair situation around Lucca's alleyways - it definitely helped me when I had to lug all my luggage. There was no way I'd manage that by myself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Prepped (Thankfully)
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. I was slightly on edge about this, but the Belvilla went all out. Like, majorly. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? Apparently. It felt like they were practically bathing the place in Purell. They also had staff trained in safety protocol, which gave me some peace of mind. I mean, they even had hand sanitizer practically glued to every surface. They were serious about the physical distancing of at least 1 meter and I'd have been happy to have stayed inside but, how could I do that when the city itself was calling. And, of course, I couldn't resist using a safe dining setup.
Speaking of which…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Pasta Perfection (Mostly)
Food. Oh, the food. Okay, so the Belvilla itself wasn't a Michelin-star restaurant. It was more like a very good, and very well-stocked, self-catering situation. There are a few listings here, so I may be able to describe more details.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Sadly, no breakfast, as it wasn't an option that I asked, it might have been different if I had asked… maybe next time!
- Restaurants: The city of Lucca is a foodie's paradise! Everywhere you turn, there were tons of choices! I can't say I only ordered salad in restaurant - I had all the dishes which were recommended to me!
- Poolside bar: I don't believe there was a pool, so I haven't been able to test this one out.
I did come across some details, and it may be that this can be arranged, it's hard to know. I did buy a bottle of water from a nearby store.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Maybe Not)
I'm a big fan of relaxation. Honestly, that's why I booked this trip. The description mentioned a ton of things:
- Spa/sauna: I searched so that I could relax in the sauna but didn't.
- Swimming pool and Pool with view: This was so tantalizing, I imagined myself lounging, sipping something… but, alas, it wasn't to be.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Nope, I didn't see this either.
So, yeah, the relaxation part was a little bit of a wash. But hey, at least I could walk around the city, which I did a lot!
Services and Conveniences: Hit or Miss
This is where things got a bit wonky.
- Concierge. I got a sense that they were going to be there. But, as noted, I didn't experience this.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service: Nope.
- Luggage storage: Again, I can't comment as I wasn't able to test this one out.
- Air conditioning in public area: I think it's possible there was.
- Gift/souvenir shop: It's Lucca. There are souvenir shops on every corner.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Sure, sure.
For the Kids: I'm a Kid at Heart…
Nope, I didn't spot any of the kids facilities that were mentioned here - but I can imagine that they would be great!
- Babysitting service - Nice.
- Family/child friendly - Ok.
- Kids meal - Ok.
Available in All Rooms: My Home Away From Home (Kind Of)
Okay, this is important. The actual room itself. My little sanctuary.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Thank god. Seriously.
- Air conditioning: Absolute lifesaver. Tuscany in summer? You need AC.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: There was a table
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Sweet!
- Daily housekeeping: Pretty standard.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- In-room safe box: Nice to have.
- Non-smoking: Big win.
- Refrigerator: Saved me a fortune on bottled water and snacks.
Getting Around: Lucca by Foot (Mostly)
This is really the key.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yep. Thank you, Belvilla, for free parking.
- Car park [on-site]: Depends on where you end up.
The Verdict:
Look, was it a perfect, flawless, Instagram-worthy dream? No. Definitely not. But was it a genuinely great trip to a beautiful place? Absolutely. The Belvilla deal? It delivered on the basics, the location was incredible, and it gave me a real sense of being immersed in Tuscan life. Would I recommend it? Yeah, I actually would. Just go in with realistic expectations, a sense of adventure, and a whole lot of appreciation for the simple things: pasta, gelato, and a comfortable bed. Now I just need to work on my Italian.
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- Title: Unbelievable Belvilla Deal: My Lucca Escape - It Was Good, It Was… A Lot!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to Casa di Laino, Lucca, Italy, is about to get REAL. Forget perfect Instagram feeds, we're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos. This itinerary? Consider it a suggestion with a healthy dose of "we'll see how we FEEL."
Trip: Belvilla by OYO Casa di Laino - Lucca, Italy. The "Hopefully We Don't Lose Our Minds" Edition.
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious, Exhausting Struggle of Italian Supermarkets
Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye flight): Land in Pisa. Actually, scratch that, let's be honest: "Stumble out of a plane in Pisa, clutching desperately at yesterday's coffee." The airport? Chaos. But charming, chaotic Italy! Grab the rental car - a terrifyingly small Fiat Panda, probably just begging to be dented. My husband, bless him, is convinced he speaks Italian. My Italian is limited to ordering wine and exclaiming "Mamma Mia!" every five minutes. Disaster could ensue.
Afternoon: Casa di Laino! Finally! The pictures online were idyllic, but will it be as pretty in real life? (Spoiler alert: it probably will be.) The drive? Gorgeous. Rolling Tuscan hills, cypress trees like emerald sentinels… Until, of course, you hit the Lucca traffic and nearly have a coronary. Finding the villa feels like a treasure hunt, the GPS yelling at us in Italian. We did it, though. We arrived.
The house, the best thing ever: It's perfect. I was already envisioning myself like a young Elizabeth Gilbert, but maybe with a bigger pile of pasta.
The supermarket challenge: Oh, the supermarket. It's a sensory overload, a riot of colorful packaging and incomprehensible labels. "Is that… a giant wheel of parmesan? I NEED IT." We wander aimlessly, grabbing things that look vaguely edible. My husband, emboldened by his (questionable) Italian, attempts to ask for olive oil. The ensuing exchange involving hand gestures, increasingly frantic pronunciation, and a very patient shopkeeper? Gold. We emerge, triumphant, with pasta, wine, a suspicious-looking meat product, and a lingering sense of "What just happened?"
Evening: Unpack, sip wine on the patio (a total "living the dream" moment, even though I spilled half of it on my favorite linen pants). Dinner: spaghetti, sauce from a jar, and a side of existential dread about the meat product. Bedtime: Exhausted, utterly thrilled, and already plotting tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Lucca's Walls, Pasta Perfection, and a Serious Gelato Crisis
- Morning: Lucca! Finally, the real deal! The ancient city walls. The only walls I've seen in the past two years due to COVID. The pictures again did not disappoint. First, a panic moment because the car won't start, then a panic moment about the car because it does start.
- Biking time! Rent bikes and cycle all the way around the walls. This is the best part of the trip so far. So much joy, so much freedom. The views! The breeze! My face may have been permanently stretched into a smile. We may have even stopped for some amateur photography, posing against every charming wall.
- Afternoon: Lunch (pasta, of course - when in Rome Lucca!). Seriously, the pasta was a revelation. I'm pretty sure I gained a pound just by looking at it. We discover a tiny trattoria tucked away down a side street, like a secret passage to food heaven. The waiter winks at me, I immediately knew I was a fan.
- The Great Gelato Debacle: Gelato time! This has to be. The gelato is incredible. It's the creamy, dreamy, rainbow-colored stuff of legends. I ordered some sort of hazelnut-something. Then, disaster struck. My cone cracked. My gelato cascaded down my hand. I nearly cried. I'm blaming the heat. My husband’s gelato? Perfectly intact. The injustice!
- Evening: Stroll through the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the perfect oval shape. Every time I see it, I remember the gelato incident. The place is packed with people, all chattering and laughing. I order another gelato (pistachio, because, trust me, there are better flavors when you are upset.) We walk around, get a nice little bottle of locally produced wine and toast to life, to luck and to the fact that the world is full of simple pleasures.
Day 3: Exploring the Tuscan Countryside & The Wine Trail (aka, "My Liver is Begging for Mercy")
- Morning: Day Trip! We attempt to channel our inner "dolce vita" and explore the countryside. We're aiming for this picturesque village that someone told us about. Driving the Fiat Panda through those winding Tuscan roads? Let's just say it wasn't always a graceful experience.
- The "Lost in Translation" Lunch: We find a trattoria in some tiny village and attempt to order lunch. The waiter speaks zero English; my Italian is still abysmal. A lot of hand gestures, some confused glances, and a lot of laughter. We end up with something vaguely resembling what we wanted, but it was delicious.
- Afternoon: The Wine Trail - Part 1 (Or, "How Many Wineries Can You REALLY Visit in One Afternoon?") We discover the true meaning of "Tuscan hospitality." Every winery offered tastings, every wine was divine. The first winery? We're taking notes. The second? We're getting tipsy. The third…? Well, let's just say the notes became increasingly illegible. "This is… the best wine… EVER. Bring me all the grapes!"
- The Wine Trail - Part 2 (Or, "Why Did I Think Driving Was a Good Idea?") We somehow manage to navigate back to the villa (miraculously, without any major mishaps). Dinner: pizza, more wine, and a profound appreciation for the invention of the sofa.
Day 4: Cooking Class & the "I Tried My Best" Kitchen Disaster
- Morning: Today: cooking class! This is our chance to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes. The excitement is real, the expectations are high.
- The "Mamma Mia!" Moments: We arrive at the cooking school and meet the chef. He is charming, encouraging, and speaks (thankfully) some English. We chop vegetables, knead dough, and feel like we're finally getting the hang of this whole "Italian thing."
- The Kitchen Catastrophe: Everything starts off smoothly, even the pasta dough. The sauce? That was good. Then came the fish. I panic, I probably shouldn't have put so much oil. The chef is so nice, that he acts like everything is all good but I can see the pain on his face.
- Afternoon: The cooking class is good. We eat our creations (some of it is edible, anyway). A lot of laughter, some mild food poisoning (not really), and yet another memory.
- Evening: At home, we sit in our courtyard, eating food.
Day 5: Serenity Now (Or Trying To Find Some Peace Before the Real World Returns)
- Morning: Long walk. We go for a walk today. We make some decisions to come back someday. We're at peace.
- Afternoon: Enjoying the pool! It's so beautiful. I'm actually really happy. The simple pleasures of life are the best.
- Evening: Packing. We cook one last dinner. We'll be sure to come back.
Day 6: Departure - Ciao, Italy! (And When Can We Come Back?)
- Morning: Last breakfast at the villa. It's a slow, deliberate affair, savoring every last drop of coffee and every morsel of pastry. We pack our bags, the memories, and the lingering scent of pasta.
- The Drive Back to Pisa: Saying goodbye to Casa di Laino. It's a bittersweet feeling. The city has been my home, and now, I'm saying goodbye. A little bit of my heart will remain.
- Homeward Bound: Back on the plane, exhausted but happy. Ready to do it all again.
Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect, but it was unforgettable. It was messy, funny, and full of the raw, unfiltered joy of life. And that, my friends, is what truly matters. Italy, you've stolen a piece of my heart. Until next time…
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Lake-View Chalet in Tignes!
Okay, Belvilla's Lucca Deal... Is This Actually Real? Like, Not a Scam?! Because, Seriously, Tuscany!
Alright, deep breaths. I get it. Tuscany, Lucca... it sounds like a dream, and dreams are often followed by a swift, painful wake-up call, right? I've been there. I've clicked on things that seemed *too* good, only to end up staring at a pixelated version of what promised to be paradise. Here's the deal (pun sadly intended): Belvilla is a legit company. I've used them before, and while it's not *always* sunshine and rainbows (more on that later... the leaky faucet incident… oh, the humanity!), they're generally reputable. The Lucca deal itself? It's likely real because of the huge inventory Belvilla have available. But always, *always*, read the small print, check the reviews, and don't be afraid to actually *call* them. Trust your gut. If something feels fishy, walk. Your sanity (and your bank account) will thank you.
So, What *Exactly* Does This 'Dream Lucca Escape' Include? Is it Just a Tiny Room, or... ?
Okay, this is crucial. The devil, as they say, is in the details. And with these deals, the details are… well, they *matter*. Belvilla offers a range of properties. Some are apartments in the heart of Lucca, walkable to everything (ideal!). Others are villas in the surrounding countryside (epic views, more privacy, maybe a pool... *swoon*). Look *carefully* at the description. Number of bedrooms? Bathrooms (essential for a family, trust me)? Is there air conditioning (Lucca in July = furnace of doom without it)? Is there a kitchen (pasta-making potential!). Also, parking. Parking in Lucca is a *nightmare*. Seriously, I once spent an hour circling trying to find a spot, and I swear I saw a squirrel give up and move to the next town. So, check for parking! Otherwise, your dream escape might morph into a parking-lot-rage-induced nightmare.
Are the Photos Real?! Because Some Listing Photos Look Photoshopped to Perfection. I'm Skeptical.
Oh, the photos. The eternal battleground of travel dreams. They're often… optimistic. Like your dating profile, but for houses. The key is to *manage your expectations*. (Easier said than done, I know.) Look at the details in the photos. Are they showing *every* angle? Is the furniture up-to-date? Can you see signs of wear and tear? (A little bit of wear and tear is perfectly normal, actually makes a place come alive. Think "lived-in, loved-on"). More importantly, read the reviews! People will *tell* you if the photos are misleading. I once booked a place based on a photo of a sparkling pool, only to find out it was a *tiny* plunge pool, and the 'sparkling' was likely a generous application of chlorine. Don't be me. Read the reviews! And bring your own camera – take your own pics.
What About Reviews? Should I Trust Them? I've Seen Everything From Rave Reviews to Horror Stories. Help!
Ah, the reviews. The glorious, inconsistent, sometimes infuriating reviews. They are your *lifeline* and your *enemy* rolled into one. Here's how to navigate the review swamp:
* **Look for patterns.** One bad review? Maybe a fluke. Several people complaining about the same thing (e.g., "no hot water," or "roaches")? RUN.
* **Read the details.** Vague reviews are useless. Look for reviewers who provide specific examples. "The bed was uncomfortable" is less helpful than "The mattress was so old, I could feel the springs digging into my back."
* **Factor in personal preferences.** Some people complain about noise; others love the bustle. Some want complete isolation; others prefer a lively neighborhood. Figure out what's important to *you* and focus on reviews that align with your priorities.
* **Don't overthink it.** Some people are just… hard to please. Take everything with a grain of salt. If the overall consensus is positive, and you think it will work, *go for it.*
Am I Going to be Stranded in the Middle of Nowhere?! Is the Property Accessible?
Accessibility is KEY. And it depends heavily on what you want. If you want to be in the heart of Lucca, walking distance from everything, check the address on Google Maps *before* you book. Is it actually IN Lucca? Or is it a charming village 45 minutes *outside* of Lucca, which, while lovely in its own right, might not be what you're after?
If you're looking for a villa in the countryside, factor in transportation. Do you plan to rent a car (essential for exploring the Tuscan hills)? Is there public transport (often less reliable in rural areas)? Think about luggage – cobblestone streets and suitcases are not friends. Read reviews about transportation. And always, ALWAYS confirm the address *before* you arrive. There's nothing worse than driving around lost and exhausted, especially when you're hangry and just want to pour yourself a glass of that Tuscan wine.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Like, REALLY Wrong? (Leaky Toilet, Anyone?)
Ah, the inevitable 'something goes wrong' scenario. The leaky toilet, the broken fridge, the mysterious power outage... It happens. It's a fact of life. And it's when you find out just how good a company's customer service actually is.
Belvilla *should* provide a contact number for emergencies. Write it down *before* you go. Keep it handy. When I had a leaky faucet once, a *massive* leaky faucet, it was a whole opera of dripping and despair. It was like the Titanic, the water was everywhere. I called, and they eventually sent someone to fix it. Eventually. (The leaky faucet was a two-day saga, I'll admit. I had to use buckets. It wasn't ideal). So, be patient. Have a good attitude (it's Italy, embrace the chaos!), and document *everything* (pictures, dates, times). Keep your receipts. That's my advice. They might not be perfect, but they *should* help you. And if things get truly dire, you can always buy a new toilet plunger (I did!).
What About the Fine Print? You Know, the “Hidden Fees” and “Extra Charges”? Is There Going to be a Surprise “Cleaning Fee” That Doubles the Price?
THE FINE PRINT. The bane of every traveler's existence. Yes, there will likely be extra charges. *Almost always*. Read the listing *very* carefully. Look for stuff like: Best Stay Blogspot
