Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection

I’m mobility challenged, & far prefer a walk-in shower to an uneasy balancing act in a narrow old bathtub. This preference often means spending more money for a simple safety feature…the rooms & the hospitality venues I stay at often aren’t that great ..but yeah, they have that shower! So when recently we were in Lucca, we chose Marriott’s beautifully renovated former glassworks situated on a famous Square, as our destination. Our junior suite being the model of architecturally-influenced refinement did indeed have the promised (& spacious ) walk-in shower..but the huge base was not textured in any way ＞＞ & one was always fearful of slipping once the shower ran…indeed the adjacent flat section wasn’t textured either …so wet feet on a matt- finished stone platform ( with no wall hand rail ) was an accident waiting to happen as one gingerly stepped down onto the bath mat …in all an astoundingly ridiculous design failure …especially & ludicrously, seeing the surely almost never-used adjacent bathtub ( no doubt installed because they are ‘the thing’, aren’t they, those bid baths ?) …DID actually have …a nonslip base! Honestly. It was indeed a luxurious fitout, but the eyes-wide-shut hotel services manager nonetheless still allowed a vastly frayed edge to the lovely rug to greet us upon arrival…& I was always wary of that in case I tripped on it whilst being there. Awful such Raggedy Ann housekeeping …so-called Autograph Collection my foot! The 4 Star serve-yourself breakfast sadly wasn’t that good, with only very limited fresh fruit available & rather dry reconstituted ‘scrambled’ eggs …. Bewilderingly they offered just minimal cakes in a country that prides itself on glorious sweet beginnings to the day everywhere you go . Frankly I’ve had better breakfasts in far less prestigious places in Italy, many many times. And the ubiquitous caterer’s powdered eggs can be found everywhere….even zero-starred joints have those! Marriott can, & should do, better. The ground floor (sadly unsympathetically overlit in the evenings ) bar has a stellar Barman mixing a stunning Negroni…..but very ordinary snacks only to accompany a great cocktail..pity that. One wonders how it is an internationally famous hotel chain can’t get basic detail right when it presents one of its better brands in such a stunning city as Luca. Disappointed I was, so only a qualified recommendation, sadly. Hard to justify spending that much coin.

…. exceptional place = Lucca. We enjoyed 6 days of great food and personal service in this gem. Hotel is well-managed. We could participate in year-end and bew years dinners and brunch. The empathetic and highly personaliswd service is worth to mention. Breakfast is good. Restaurant has really good dishes in combination with a pretty well assorted wine cellar (literally). We will get back there.

Sharming Hotel in a sharming town! Enjoyed my stay. Service was above and beyond. Food was amazing, I tried so many local specialities. I highly recommend a visit to Lucca and a stay in the Grand Universe Hotel. Staff was really friendly and helpful. Make sure to avoid high season to enjoy a fully authentic experience in the city!

My wife and I stayed in the Grand Universe Lucca several times over the past four years, and every time the experience was consistently exceptional. Located in the walled part of the city that's a ten-minute walk to the train station, The Grand Universe is beautifully furnished and decorated, and it includes the most comfortable beds, large flat-screen TVs, and wonderfully appointed bathrooms with huge showers. The staff is absolutely amazing. Georges is the regional manager, and he always goes out of his way to welcome us upon our arrival. Antonia is the on-site manager, and she ensures a wonderful stay for every guest and makes us feel like we're family. Vanessa is her assistant, and she is a consistently bubbly, happy and welcoming host who makes everyone feel appreciated. Ricardo always goes out of his way to greet us and welcome us back, and his kindness and accommodating manner are outstanding. The young ladies who staff the restaurant during breakfast are truly exceptional and kind. My wife and I have stayed in dozens of beautiful hotels throughout Tuscany over the past twelve years and the Grand Universe Lucca is by far one of our favorites. We absolutely love staying there, and that's a direct reflection on the management and staff. The Grand Universe Lucca isn't "just a hotel," it's our home away from home in the beautiful walled City of Lucca!