Vacation Rentals by Owner

Excellent location, excellent value, excellent all around!

Guest: Eliot (Brielle, NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

I have MANY friends who visit the LUCCA and outer Luca areas while visiting Tuscany and this HUGE apartment was by far the best experience for the money you can buy. Love the 12 foot ceilings, 2 kitchens, wii for my sons, short stroll to restaurants, wine bars, shopping and our favorite Gelato locations. Also, the owner referred us to his driver 'riccardo' who gave us 3 fabulous day trips throughout Tuscany that made my friends who visit here regularly VERY jealous. I highly recommend him. Anyway, i have never given such a great review for a place before and my wife and i travel all of the time. Here is the summary of the place: Great location, very large apartment, 2 kitchens, high ceilings, short (2-3 blocks) from at least 6 restaurants, 3 wine bars, shops, gelato shops, a beautiful church and my favorite butcher. And Luca is an absolutely stunning place that everyone must visit someday.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A perfect Tuscan retreat

Guest: nw (Adamsville, RI)
Date of Stay: 03/20/12 Review Submitted: 03/28/12

This was a wonderful home away from home. Everything was as described and the location was ideal - on a quiet little street near everything. The owner was available to answer questions by email in advance and the local caretaker was very accommodating and helpful. We took advantage of one of his company's bike tours which was magical. The terrace off one of the small bedrooms was a delightful roof-top sanctuary. We were two families (7 people total) and had plenty of space for privacy and plenty of space to gather all together. Would have been helpful to have additional sets of keys, extra maps of Lucca and also a little more information in the guest services book (where to park for free, where to buy groceries, banks, bus and train info, etc). There are lots of guide books on the shelves to help and inspire. Lucca is a gem. We took easy day trips to Florence and area sites, but were always so happy to come home to our Lucca apartment. The people are friendly, the pace is peaceful, everywhere you turn is picture worthy. It's a small town - easy to navigate, and very safe. Four bikes are available to share with the other apartments and are worth taking advantage of - to ride around the wall or just through the streets. Go to Lucca; stay in this apartment; you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Un Viaggio Perfetto

Guest: Janet (San Anselmo, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

My girlfriends and I spent three perfect weeks at Residenza Mansi and thoroughly enjoyed all Lucca and this apartment had to offer. We found the location exceptionally good. The weather during March and April was absolutely "divino". We enjoyed a week of Italian school and the remaining time we visited nearby towns via bus and train and really got to know Lucca - its shops, restaurants and people. We enjoyed a cooking class in the apartment given by Alessandra and learned so much. The amenities at the apartment were very special. We did not lack anything and enjoyed shopping at the various markets and eating at home more often than we originally planned. We felt very much at home and safe. We can't stop talking about our "perfect" vacation. Thanks Charles and Andrea for your assistance. We hope one day to return to this beautiful, special town. Ciao.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Residenza Mansi and Toro Vista

Guest: Leslie (Gaithersburg, MD USA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

We rented both the Residenza Mansi and Toro Vista to accommodate two families, 10 total. Both apartments are beautifully decorated and quite expansive. The kitchens are well equipped and everything you would want in a home, Charles has provided, even bikes. Lucca is the perfect place to stay in Tuscany. It is easy to take day trips to Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and the beach (the train is a short walk from the apartment.) Lots of quaint fabulous restaurants and shops are right around the corner too. I would definitely recommend the Residenza Mansi -- 4 stars! Our vacation was perfect. Thank you to Charles and Andrea for everything!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: carol 6 (naples fl)
Date of Stay: 08/24/08 Review Submitted: 08/24/08

I stayed at Residenza Mansi in July with my children and one grandchild. Everything was wonderful. The apartment was exactly as described online. We hated to leave. The property manager Chiara is fantastic.

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Guest: The Irving Family
Date of Stay: 05/13/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

The Residenza Mansi was the perfect hub for our stay in Italy. This is a wonderfully appointed "home" with a great feel, plenty of room, and a perfect location. We cooked some great family dinners here, and took day trips from the train and bus stations all over Italy. I can't imagine a better place to stay in Lucca or in Italy for that matter. The bicycles made our stay even more fun, helping us blend in like the locals… Thanks for a great stay Charles and Chiara!

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Guest: Sharon Pettit (Clearwater, Fl 33767)
Date of Stay: 10/20/07 Review Submitted: 10/20/07

Thinking of Italy? Think LUCCA! Then think Residensi Mansi. Its twice as nice as Four Seasons and ten times the average suite. Safely and conveniently located in the "walls" its the best of the best. Shop til you drop in some of Italy's most classy boutiques, eat in a wide selection of gourmet restaurants, choose daily fresh vegetables, breads, pasta, desserts to die for! I live in my own paradise on the beach---but I'd move here in a minute. Everything you'll ever need is right here in the apartments--tastefully decorated and exceedingly comfortable. Its so sad to leave---I'll be back WITH FRIENDS! e-mail me for more particulars---this haven is 5 STARS T hink LUCCA!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/24/07 Review Submitted: 09/24/07

We spent a wonderful week at Residenza Mansi, the apartment is beautiful with everything we needed to enjoy our stay. It's well located to enjoy everything Lucca has to offer, we hope to return for another visit.

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Guest: Pete Primavera (Montgomery Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/19/07 Review Submitted: 09/19/07

Through my years I have rented villas, time shares, apartments, weekly hotels and perhaps others. NOTHING can compare to residence Mansi. It was clean, spacious, well furnished, and a fantastic place to stay. The owner and property manager have only one goal in mind and that is to make the guest feel at home. I strongly suggest that if you want a pleasent and rewarding experience then residence Mansi is the appropriate selection. I look forward to my next stay.

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Guest: ann myers (new york, ny)
Date of Stay: 08/27/07 Review Submitted: 08/27/07

We had a wonderful time at Residenza Manzi for the second year in a row - the exquisite renovation makes staying in the apartment nearly as enjoyable as exploring some of the surrounding areas near Lucca. It is perfectly located for the beach as well as numerous day trips to places such as Cinque Terre, Montefegatesi and Montecatini. With several fine restaurants within walking distance for nights when you don't want to cook, the outdoor deck for dinners "at home," and the big screen TV for the unusual rainy day, Residenza Mansi has it all.

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Guest: Kathy Weiner (Saratoga, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/07 Review Submitted: 08/07/07

Residenza Mansi is a wonderful apartment in a lovely city. I have rented many homes in Italy and this is by far the best. Perfect location and easy walk to everything in Lucca. Incredible apartment and definitely a home away from home.

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Guest: Laura R. (-)
Date of Stay: 07/28/07 Review Submitted: 07/28/07

Residenza Mansi was a wonderful, comfortable retreat to come home to after wandering the ever interesting streets of Lucca.The ammenities were everything we could have wished for, and more. I hope I will have the opportunity to visit again soon!

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Guest: Alta Dezort (Normalville,PA)
Date of Stay: 07/26/07 Review Submitted: 07/26/07

This apartment is spacious, well maintained and stocked, clean, and has all the amenities you would need during your stay. The lovely terrace was very nice for meals and for sharing a bottle of wine in the evening. Very, very nice rental.

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Guest: July 2007
Date of Stay: 07/26/07 Review Submitted: 07/25/07

Hello! We loved everything! The apartment was perfect, Lucca was enchanting, and the weather was ideal! Our time there went by too quickly. Indeed, I will tell friends about your rental. Again, thank you so much for making your home available to us! Sincerely, XXXX

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/06/07 Review Submitted: 01/06/07

Our family just returned after spending Christmas and New Year's Eve in Residenza Mansi I and II. What a fabulous experience in all regards. The units are beautifully appointed and ideally located near everything historical in Lucca. Both the owner and the manager were delightful to work with and exceptionally accommodating. We fell in love with the town and the units and would recommend both to anyone. Even with cold weather and a bit of rain, the residences were warm and inviting and provided everything a family could need to create sumptuous meals and to celebrate life.

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Guest: Jane8 (Indianapolis, IN and Boca Grande, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 10/27/06 Review Submitted: 10/27/06

The Residenza is a wonderful apartment with a lovely patio and a well-equipped kitchen and laundry room plus good bathrooms. The location is the best part, right in the center of Lucca -- no need to drive anywhere, just walk or get a bike. Walking the city wall can be your daily work out. We'll be back.

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Guest: Willie and Marilyn Paton (San Antonio, Jalisco, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 10/27/06 Review Submitted: 10/27/06

Residenza Mansi - This very spacious, elegant, yet extemely comfortable furnished villa-like apartment complete with all amenities served as a wonderful backdrop for our truly memorable family reunion. My husband's two children and their significant others from NYC and Vermont joined us for a week this past October. R. Mansi served as a perfect gathering place at night after exploring the charming, medieval town of Lucca or taking in Florence, a short train ride away. One night we hired the local chef's school to come to the house and teach all of us how to prepare an exquisite 4 course Tuscan dinner complete with wines. We rode bikes, enjoyed a picnic on the wall one afternoon, drank lots of wonderful wines, ate at some great restaurants (without breaking the bank.) Jennifer, the owners property manager was always available for any help we needed although, Residenza Mansi comes pretty buttoned up already. Like my dad use to say "the best compliment one can give of any establishment is to say, we'll be back" well, as my husband and I say in our new hometown of Mexico- "Hasta la vista, Residenza Mansi"

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Guest: Tom and Gwen (Bournemouth , UK)
Date of Stay: 10/25/06 Review Submitted: 10/25/06

We spent 2 great weeks in this apartment in Sept / Oct 2006 . It is a very comfortable and superbly furnished property with some particularly attractive features . The kitchen is wonderful , with appliances and equipment of a high standard . In addition it is ideally located to get the most out of a stay in Lucca . The local , friendly deli-type shops are within a 2 minute stroll as are some excellent restaurants . We also found it convenient to use the bus station which is less than 5 minutes walk from the apartment . Buses go regularly to Pisa / Florence / Viareggio / Barga etc . Lucca is a great town in its own right but it is also an ideal base for touring . All things considered we found staying in this apartment far better value than any hotel .

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/05/06 Review Submitted: 10/05/06

An absolotely perfect place in an absolutely perfect city! No detail has been overlooked. Every item in the apartment is first class. I would return in an instant.

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Guest: Laura Roemmele (Murrieta, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/03/06 Review Submitted: 10/03/06

Thank you for sharing your beautiful apartment with us! It was truely beautiful and made our vacation that much more amazing!! Everything in the apartment was first class. Lucca was not going to be on my vacation plan, but I am so glad we found you because Lucca was truely a gem and would not have felt that I had saw the real Italy if I stayed in a more tourist area. It was perfect!! Thank you and Jennifer for the great hospitality! Laura, Brian and Dylan Roemmele

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Guest: Diane7 (Sherman Oaks calif)
Date of Stay: 10/03/06 Review Submitted: 10/03/06

If you are looking for a true taste of Italy you will find it here. The residence has every comfort imaginable. The kitchen was chef-equipped... we enjoyed dinners with fresh porcini mushrooms and fresh burrata cheese and perfect tomatoes. The patio was lovely for morning coffee and sitting out reliving our days adventures. The bathrooms have every amenity including hair dryers. The master has a spa shower made for 2. My only hesitation in sharing this is that I'll never find a vacancy so I can return. Only one thing to know is that it is up 2 flights of stairs if you have any walking issues.. not a problem for us.. actually a plus after all the great meals. I am a travel writer and recommend this highly.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/22/05 Review Submitted: 07/22/05

Charles- Thank you for the use of your beautiful home in Lucca. Your apartments are gorgeous. What a great design! The newly remodelled kitchens and bathrooms are fabulous. We especially enjoyed the terrace late at night and the cold bottle of proseco. Riding bikes around the top of the city wall was a highlight of our 2 week trip. Now I know why you live in Lucca. Thank you!! Pril, Steve & Samantha

Owner response:You were the perfect guests! Glad you enjoyed Residenza Mansi. Please return (often) and tell your friends!

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Guest: Charles O'Fee (-)
Date of Stay: 07/19/05 Review Submitted: 07/19/05

The apartment is beautifully designed, decorated and furnished. It is very comfortable, pleasant to live in and superbly appointed. The living areas are spacious and in the main kitchen everything that we needed was available and more! The bathrooms are luxurious and well designed. The bedrooms are very comfortable with good mattresses and plenty of wardrobe and drawer space. We love your apartment! Charles O'Fee

Owner response:You and your family are welcome anytime! And thank you for the lovely wines!! Charles

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