Tenuta San Pietro

Rooms

Tenuta San Pietro’s appeal is in the lighter touch to its décor as well as its service and fine food. The 8 rooms and 2 suites are all individually designed with muted decor. Splashes of colour are in the paintings by estate’s Norwegian owner. The kingsize beds are a highlight - each brought over especially from Norway - which can be set up as twin beds; some have quirky looping metal bedheads. In the light modern bathrooms you’ll find power showers and lightly-scented toiletries.

All rooms are similarly sized. Four Superior Doubles (including Bellavista where we stayed on our latest revisit) overlook the valley and mountains with fantastic views; the remaining four Deluxe Doubles have mountain views, and being near the (minor) road can get some noise (all are double-glazed). The two Suites are in a separate renovated barn also on the road, but face the valley and are steps above the pool, ideal for families and honeymooners. Expect wood-beamed ceilings, wooden floors, a master bedroom, living room with sofa-bed and spacious bathroom apiece. You also get a little hedged garden with outdoor seating if staying in Leccino.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Cots available
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Radio
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV

Eating

The restaurant is a huge draw but only opens for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so plan your visit accordingly. Olive groves surround Tenuta San Pietro, so unsurprisingly the olive oil is delicious and celebrated by the superb team of chefs. Expect seasonally influenced traditional dishes with flair sourced from local producers: turbot with olives and capers, slow-cooked guinea fowl, artichoke and clam risotto, homemade pasta with milk-fed pork, and divinely presented desserts. The hotel produces its own wine, too, so save room for a glass or two. Dinner is served either in the upstairs dining room or outside on the twinkly-lit terrace - both have those long valley views; you'll need to book regardless of season.

For breakfast, you'll order from a small menu of continental staples, like croissants, fresh fruit, cold cuts, yoghurts and juices. If not out for lunch you can choose from a selection of cold plates from the light bites menu. There are plenty of options in Lucca and nearby; there are two restaurants a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel, otherwise it's a windy 7km drive to more options.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Drive to the gorgeous walled town of Lucca and wander its Renaissance-era city walls, browse boutiques and food stores, enjoy gelato and coffee in its ancient Roman amphitheatre turned piazza
  
• Some of Lucca's medieval basilica churches date back to the 8th century, including the Duomo di San Martino
  
• Follow the wine road for the most important local producers. A guided tour and transport can be arranged by the hotel; Terre del Sillabo and Sardi Giustinaiari have been recommended, we especially loved Tenuta di Valgiano
  
• The goats cheese farm up the road is worth visiting
  
• Nearby country mansions and gardens include Villa Reale, Villa Garzoni's water garden and Lucca's botanical garden Orto Botanico
  
• Take a day trip to Pisa (40 minutes), for its iconic Leaning Tower and also its black-and-white marble Duomo and frescoed Camposanto cemetery
  
• Florence is only 45 minutes via the motorway, making day trips there very feasible (check the best places to park before leaving)
  
• The nearby Alpi Apuane mountains has signed trails for hikers and cyclists - be aware that the winding mountain roads have steep drops
  
• Visit the Versilia Riviera (30-40 minutes), where you'll find bustling beaches and seafront cafés, perfect for people watching
  
• Visit Torre del Lago Puccini near Viareggio (30 minutes), the lake and villa where the great composer lived. There's a festival of his music here every summer

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Hiking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Wine tasting

Kids

Although this is a quiet adult oriented hotel, families are made very welcome and kids will enjoy the pool. Older kids may find the place too quiet for them. The suites are ideal as family rooms, children under three stay free if sleeping in a cot; there are 4 cots available on request. Older children can stay in a pull-out bed (additional cost per night).

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Suites sleep four apiece and can take a couple of extra beds plus a baby cot. All rooms can take a baby cot, Superior rooms can take an extra bed

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 40 minutes (Pisa)
• Hospital: 20 minutes
• Shops: 10 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Tenuta San Pietro is situated 7km outside the pretty Tuscan town of Lucca.

By Air
Most people fly to Pisa, which has lots of international flights, then drive. There are also some flights to Florence Peretola airport. Clink on the links below for more details. The hotel can arrange airport transfers.

By Train
There are train lines between Florence and Lucca and between Pisa and Lucca. Taxis and shuttle buses are available at the station.

By Car
Most guests arrive by car and we do recommend having a hire car when staying here, as it is in the countryside 7km outside Lucca. See our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent upon confirmation.

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