This apartment was the first I've rented through HomeAway, and was better than the picture suggest! Paolo was very easy to work with, both through the reservation process and while I was in Lucca. He checked in to make sure all was as I expected, and didn't hesitate to offer help in any way he could.
The apartment is very centrally located - the first night, I heard drums & horns, opened the front shutters to see the parade celebrating Lucca's Festa Patronale go by. Everything is in easy walking distance, but this location was particularly good, as there is a lot of life on the street at night, and therefore it was quite safe for a single woman.
The apartment itself is a gem - even more beautiful than the pictures show, light & bright & airy, but also with the shutters so that the heat of the day could be kept out. It had everything I needed for an extended stay, including laundry and a fully stocked kitchen. The materials used in its renovation are in keeping with Tuscan style, but of good quality, and beautiful. Paolo also leaves a lot of information so that travelers with all types of interests can find something to suit their plans. There is also a small library in English and Italian, for those who would like to kick back and rest/read.
One small caveat, for those who are very light sleepers - since the apartment is on a main street, with cobblestones and brick/stone buildings, sound can echo, so if you are easily awakened, a pair of earplugs would come in handy.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would stay here again!