Let Them Feel at Home in Lucca: Warm Welcomes & Soft Landings

We believe in rolling out the welcome mat—without being a doormat. At Casa Campolattaro, we’ve created a warm, inviting space where guests can unwind, explore, and embrace the beauty of Lucca at their own pace. But we’ve also learned to let go—of expectations, of control, and of the idea that every guest will experience Italy the way we do.

Our Welcome Book holds the answers to every question you could possibly think of—except, of course, the ones you don’t read. Need to hire a driver? It’s in there. Wondering about the nearest gelato shop? Yep, in there too.

I’ll admit that letting go doesn’t always come naturally—especially when it comes to ensuring every guest falls in love with Lucca as much as we have. That’s why our guest book has grown into a 100-page masterpiece filled with day trip ideas, dining recommendations, and hidden gems. It’s my way of sharing everything we love about this city while making travel easier for our guests. But I’ve also learned that not everyone embraces our slow travel philosophy. Some book just a few days and treat their time in Italy as a checklist. Others don’t read the guide at all, only to ask for recommendations we’ve already provided. And a few arrive with unrealistic expectations—because, let’s face it, Italy doesn’t always operate on a tourist’s schedule.

We’ve even entertained the thought of only allowing week-long stays, hoping guests would slow down enough to truly experience Lucca. But then I remember Mel Robbins’ Let Them. Let them book for a short stay. Let them rush from sight to sight. Let them find their own favorite spots. Let them ask questions they already have answers to. Our role isn’t to control the experience but to offer the best of what we have—without attachment.

The Balance Between Hospitality and Boundaries

Hosting isn’t always glamorous. Our local host, Vanessa, is on the front lines, navigating the daily reality of welcoming guests, answering endless questions, and fielding occasional feedback—some reasonable, some completely out of our hands. She’s the smiling face that greets guests, the steady presence that keeps things running smoothly, and the liaison who helps maintain our perfect 5-star Superhost status while we manage Casa Campolattaro from afar.

She embodies Let Them in every way. She explains why the hairdryer isn’t as powerful as the ones guests might be used to at home, but they may still not be happy about it. Let them adjust to the quirks of an Italian apartment. Let them feel attached to Casa Campolattaro like it’s their own home—or not. And even when guests leave her waiting for their arrival without a word, she greets them with grace and patience, showing an impressive level of understanding and calm. She recognizes that travel can come with delays, miscommunications, and frustrations, and she handles it all with a smile, never letting it affect the guest experience. Her role isn’t to change the charm of our space but to help guests embrace it, no matter the bumps along the way.

A Warm Welcome Matters

Italy’s recent ban on key boxes for short-term rentals is part of a broader effort to curb overtourism and protect local communities. We understand the importance of preserving a place’s character, which is why we’ve always valued personal connections over impersonal check-ins. There’s something special about arriving to a warm welcome, stepping into a space that feels like home, and receiving thoughtful recommendations from someone who truly knows the area. But we also recognize that not every guest seeks that level of connection. Some prefer a seamless, no-fuss check-in, while others embrace every conversation. And that’s perfectly fine. We provide warmth, guidance, and the best of Lucca—allowing each guest to experience it in their own way.

Hosting with Grace in Lucca

Many of our guests arrive jetlagged and exhausted, having navigated flight delays, missed connections, and the general chaos of travel. We know that a warm greeting and a comfortable space can make all the difference. And while we strive to offer an exceptional experience, we also recognize that every guest brings their own perspective. Some will fall in love with Lucca at first sight, while others may never fully understand why we adore this place so much.

And that’s okay. The rest is up to them.