Italy, Lucca, Tuscany. January 11, 2021

A new era in hospitality shines bright in the coveted Tuscan destination of Lucca, where the Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, recently opened in the heart of the city. Offering 55 superbly appointed rooms and suites, the former 16th century palazzo turned luxury auberge stands proudly adjacent to the Piazza Napoleone and across from the iconic Teatro del Giglio, where performances by Lucchesi composers Puccini, Catalani and Luporini have inspired a moving music culture that beats well into the present day.

A masterstroke of the Florence-based Archea Associati S.r.L., Grand Universe Lucca's interiors splendidly blend timeless elegance and contemporary comforts. Textiles drawn by earthy shades of grape red, pine green and Tuscan sun yellow, reflect the city's famous silk production heritage, while delicate wall tapestries pay homage to the region's vineyard patterns. Refined, glass pendant lights reflect the property's glassblowing history, while music, one of the hotel's inherent pillars, inspires the name of each room category -- from the ‘Piccolo Room' to the ‘Puccini Suite', named after the beloved composer who, along with various global artists, poets, philosophers and royalty, frequently visited the monumental Hotel Universo e Tosca in the early 1900s.

"The opening of Grand Universe Lucca is an extraordinary, momentous occasion -- not just for the charming city of Lucca, but for our beloved, resilient Italy, and the travel industry as a whole," said Georges Midleje, Regional Managing Director for Shaner Properties in Italy. "With its sublime design and inspired programming, Grand Universe Lucca duly pays tribute to a storied and colorful past and present, while celebrating a brilliant novel era in luxury travel centered around new discoveries and moving, meaningful experiences."

In addition to showcasing the historic locale through its interiors, Grand Universe Lucca offers a traditional Italian restaurant Legacy serving local cuisine accompanied by fine wines. At the rooftop bar Sommitá, guests can enjoy a digestivo named after great personalities of the city along with panoramic views of Cattedrale di San Martino and beyond.

Paying homage to the city's rich culinary traditions, guests can indulge in a variety of experiences that range from pasta workshops, to pastry making, to honey and olive oil tastings and pairings. Wine tastings, such as the Montecarlo, Montalcino and Chianti Classico experiences, will explore the Tuscany region's various appellations. For a truly curated experience, guests can visit the Symphony Lounge to unlock their own theme song with the ‘Prelude of Existence' whereby the hotel's classical composer will create a personalized Prelude, crafted to reflect the guest's personality.

Grand Universe Lucca debuts as the 200th hotel in the Autograph Collection Hotel brand portfolio, offering guests a unique outpost from where to explore Lucca, ‘city of a hundred and one churches,' and it's mesmerizing medieval landmarks.

Nightly rates start at €250 per night. For more information, please visit www.granduniverselucca.com.