Lucca's historic center, enclosed by Renaissance walls, offers a range of budget-friendly hotels that put you steps from Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the Guinigi Tower. Expect rates typically between $56 and $100 per night, with free WiFi, family rooms, and breakfast included at many properties. Staying inside the walls means you can walk to landmarks like Piazza San Michele and the Duomo, avoiding transport costs entirely. For those arriving by train, the Lucca Railway Station is within a 10-minute walk from most central budget options, and some hotels offer paid airport shuttles or free bicycle rentals.
Top-rated budget picks include Hotel Diana & Depandance (Superb score of 90), offering colorful air-conditioned rooms and a daily breakfast at a partner hotel, just 500 meters from the train station. B&B Anfiteatro (Fabulous score of 88) sits directly on Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, with elegant wood-beamed rooms and a very good breakfast. Casa Nora (Exceptional score of 96) provides spacious rooms with kitchenettes, free bikes, and family-friendly features, a 2-minute walk from the Guinigi Tower. For a more intimate stay, La Gemma di Elena (Fabulous score of 87) offers Tuscan-style rooms with private parking and a sweet-savory breakfast buffet. Most of these hotels are central, so you'll find countless restaurants and cafes within a short walk-but note that some properties lack elevators and have steep stairs, typical of historic buildings.