Bed & Breakfast Ai Cipressi - Arancio Lucca

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2008

Danielle and Gabrielle were wonderful hosts and helped us to make arrangements on several occasions. The rooms and service were excellent. The hotel seemed a little farther from the train station than indicated in the description. Other than that, it was perfect and I'd definitely go back there again.

Guest name: PM, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2008

WE've been arround and this hotel is a nice surprise! Excellent situated small hotel. Owners are 100% volunteerly at your service. You feel that this hotel is one with a hart. Everything is personal and with a smile.Any question is answered with lots of info. Great breakfast room! Because all of this,You'll feel home. We had a great time in Lucca! Pitty it rained for 2 days, but that couldn't kill the charme of this interesting town. If you really want to discover it and take a time to enjoy you can spend 2 full covered days. We' where glad the hotel was situated on a small jump from the entrance of the South gate, so we always entered/left the town in a quit zone. Also enjoyed a small classical opera evening concert in a church due a tip of the owner. If we really must be critical? Just a sign outside at the road to say where the hotel entrance is..it's a drive-in entrance and located at a split of a one way road. That confuse people. We shall be back in Lucca! Lisbeth & Marc (Belgium)

Guest name: MARC JOOS, Belgium

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Gabriele and Daniele were extremely welcoming and accomodating. When we had to make some last minute changes to add our daughter and a friend, they couldn't have been more helpful. Their restaurant recommendations were excellent and despite rather horrid weather, Lucca was a pleasant and interesting place to visit.

Guest name: Rebeccah Sproat, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in May 2007

We enjoyed staying here very much. Room was very clean, bed comfortable and bathroom spacious, however it was also very hot, the A/C didn't seem to work. Comfortable with the window open but not practical while sleeping. Drapes also did not block out enough light particularly in the morning. Breakfast was self serve, good and plentiful. Also liked their 'frigobar', drinks on the 'honor-system.' Really convient when we arrived late and were tired and thirsty! Note that they request you arrive during office hours. We accidently missed that fact but they provided us the key anyways and didn't cancel our reservation! Parking is limited in their lot but we were directed to a nearby church parking lot (also free). Convient walking distance to walled city of Lucca. We would love to stay there again! Thanks!

Guest name: JR, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

We spent 2 nights at this property and enjoyed our stay very much. As a small property, it does not have the facilities of a big hotel, but it makes up for this with friendlienss and cleanliness- The staff were lovely & very helpful. The breakfast was very good & the location is very convenient. We certainly would stay there again and hightly recommend it to others.

Guest name: WA, New Zealand

Average rating:  6.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

This motel type lodging was clean, mattress comfortable but with poor lighting and more or less just basic accomodations. I would probably opt for something a little pricier next time around but it was okay for the price.

Guest name: MA, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Within walking distance of the town, very comfortable and delightful hosts.

Guest name: JR, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Motel-like with clean but uninspired rooms. However, the welcome and tourism assistance were excellent, the breakfast room was bright and pleasant with a good selection of breakfast foods and the coffee was excellent (espresso as well as American coffee). A good place for older and quieter travellers since there is little muffling of sound between rooms, at least on the ground floor.

Guest name: CS, USA

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Check in arrangements are very limited. We arrived on public transport one & a half hours before the reception opened at 3.30.p.m. Good cafe to visit round the corner but valuable time wasted. Lucca is a beautful town, on the level which is unusual in Tuscany! Good places to eat. Enjoyed a visit to the Botanical Gardens there. Very peaceful. Highlight was a Puccini Concert. Un forgettable. Hotel had posters but no info re ticket sales which we found out later were available from them. Visiting Italy to celebrate our Ruby wedding.

Guest name: LS, Turkey

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2007

Owner was very helpful indeed. Young guy who really wanted you top enjoy your stay at the hotel and Lucca itself. genuinely wish him good luck

Guest name: IB, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Very helpfull staff. Great ideas on local touring,dinning etc. Exceptionally clean surroundings(room and common area). Breakfast good variety and plentifull. Bike rental a bonus. convenient and reasonablly priced.

Guest name: DK, Canada

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

You can walk to lucca in 10 minutes. Service was great.

Guest name: KB, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2007

Good location for the price. No complaints Satellite TV has hundreds of channels from all of the world!

Guest name: Dennis Holding, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jul 2007

The perfect place for a stay in Lucca. Just 5 min. walk from the Gate. The only problem was findig it. The guide in Venere - coming from Firenze sends yuo the wrong way when you leave the motorway.

Guest name: Ole Bisgaard, Denmark

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2007

Our host Gabriele was excellent...we were delayed coming into Lucca (due to a flight cancellation) but he waited up for us to ensure that we arrived safely. He also went out of his way to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Thoroughly recommended.

Guest name: Richard Bottomley, Singapore

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2007

Just a short walk from the gates of lucca. If you were driving you would be parking near here. (parking spaces just inside the walls are not plentiful). The two owners very friendly and helpful however they are not intrusive. Parking is also free and there is adequate parking for all the guests.

Guest name: John O'Neill, Ireland

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Apr 2007

Excellent welcoming. Good breakfast. Spacious rooms. In spite of the high quality of services and room we found it slightly over priced. Very close to the old city. Free Internet access upon request for short updates on pending email.

Guest name: Samuel Benhalal, Israel

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2006

This is a good located B&B in Lucca, ideal to explore the walled city. The owners are very helpful and can give you good tips for restaurants and things to explore. We would stay here again.

Guest name: AB, Switzerland

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Really nice hotel to stay in. Gabrielle could not have been more helpfull. He provided maps, recommended places to see, recommended restaurants and booked a taxi for us. The hotel is small but very clean and with a friendly athmosphere. Rent the bikes as they were a relly pleasant way to see Lucca. We would definately stay there again and recommend it to our friends. We opted for sat nav in the rental car and it guided us practically to the door of the hotel so no problems with directions.

Guest name: Sean Mc Mahon, Ireland

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Very enjoyable stay. I had read a comment that there was no breakfast. Untrue, and it was very adequate, self service in a homely dining room. Anyone using Ai Cipressi MUST take advantage of the bikes for hire (only a few Euros per day). Our trip by bicycle around the town ramparts was one of the highlights of our holiday

Guest name: James Main, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2006

Excellant welcome , a little difficult to find need clear directions rooms large

Guest name: David Lafferty, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2006

Our room was recently renovated and very nice. Very clean room and bathroom. Flatscreen on the wall and a good working airco. 10 minutes walk and your in the center of lucca. Breakfast was simple but enough (we were addicted to the italian food during the day ;)

Guest name: Joost Leenders, Belgium

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2006

People close to address did not know of Ai Cipressi's existence e.g. petrol station just down the road - took a while to actually find it - otherwise reception and service could not have been more courteous and helpful. Finding a taxi proved negative - are they all radio bookings ?

Guest name: Julio Alcantara, Gibraltar

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2006

Danielle and Gabrielle could not have been more helpful. I concur with all previous comments that the accommodation is outstanding, very clean, central and a great base for touring Tuscany. Lucca is breathtaking and Florence is a must only 90 mins on the train. Make sure you hire the bikes - good fun !!

Guest name: John Wallace, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2005

Very friendly welcome from the 2 young brothers who run the hotel. They went to a lot of trouble to provide us with information on restaurants and points of interest in the town and were very anxious to please. The room was very clean and spacious and the large bed extremely comfortable. We had a couple of excellent meals in the lovely walled town and found transport to Florence and Pisa convenient and cheap. All in all a good centre for exploring the area and a hotel and venue we would definitely return to, especially in spring or autumn.

Guest name: Derek Grime, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Sep 2005

Owners were very helpful and I wish we would have had more time to spend in this beautiful city. The only problem we had was in finding the place since it sits back off the road and the sign is too small to see when you are watching for traffic. I would happily return here for a longer stay.

Guest name: DL, USA

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

Comments of others are right on. Good for the price. One comment-if you decide to walk from the train to the B & B, it takes 10-15 min but is over gravel walkways. Not good if using wheeled suitcases. Was a short cab ride.

Guest name: GL, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

We would recommend the Ai Cipresso without any qualms. The owners are terrific! Our only criticism is that it is a little tricky to find because it's not right on the main road. We suggest letting visitors know to look for the sign and the driveway back to their parking lot.

Guest name: MC, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Friendly staff, free parking. Nuff said.

Guest name: JH, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

Circuler en voiture à Lucca étant quasi impossible, nous avons apprécié la situation de ce B&B, juste à l'extérieur des remparts. Mais il est un peu difficile à trouver: il faut prendre la rue en face de la porte Elisa (direction Sanctuaire Santa Gemma) et tourner à gauche Via di Tiglio. Le sanctuaire est juste à droite (grande église) et le n°126 est un peu plus loin à gauche,dans une petite cour intérieure. Accueil sympathique et compétent, chambre propre, calme, agréable et spacieuse, petit déjeuner copieux, nous avons été très satisfaits de notre séjour. Seule réserve: une porte entre notre chambre et celle des voisins. Heureusement, ils étaient discrets et non bruyants, sinon l'insonorisation de la chambre vis à vis de l'extérieur n'aurait pas servi à grand chose!

Guest name: Danielle GUIRAUD, France

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2005

The two brothers that run this small hotel (it's not like a typical B&B)were charming - went out of their way for everyone, even drove us in their own car to pick up our car. The rooms were large, the bathrooms were great (large and clean). The hotel was just minutes from the walled town - it was a bit lonely at night with not much around the area - no lobby to speak of - but it was well worth the money and I would stay there again and highly recommend it. Lucca is a small town with not a lot of activity, so most everything closes at night.

Guest name: Sherry Ruggieri, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2005

The room and bathroom were of very good size with exceptionally good cupboard space for clothing. Our room had a small kitchen facility as well. The breakfast was adequate in a pleasant breakfast room. This small hotel was very well located close to a gate into the old city of Lucca although, I have to say it was actually quite difficult to find initially and a better map would be a helpful improvement. It was in a residential area of the city which meant it was close to a number of facilities including supermarket, shops, cafes, banks and post box which was ideal. The hotel offered modern, well looked after bicycles for hire at a very cheap rate of a Euro per day per cycle. The accommodation and facilities do not include frills but are very clean, well presented, well located and extremely good value for money. Most impressive of all was the very comprehensive briefing given by one of the partners who own the hotel. It covered the city, the mountain and coastal areas nearby, the entertainment, good eating, maps, bochures and anecdotal evidence. We stayed for six nights and really would not have got so much out of our stay had it not been for the most complete briefing I have ever received on arrival at a hotel anywhere else in the world. My wife and I were very grateful for that. I would have no hesitation in going there again and no hesitation about recommending the hotel to others. The other guests, by the way, seemed to agree. First class. Neil & Lesley Jones

Guest name: Neil Jones, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

It´s our first time in a bed & breakfast hotel and it is a really good experience. We had a long stay (5 nights)and during all of our stay we were very well supported by Grabriele e Daniele which became almost our brothers. They were great in order to give us a best stay as possible, giving a lot of information, places to go or to eat. Be sure next time on Toscana and in Lucca we will be back to Ai Cipressi. Congratulations for you both. I really recomend strongly the next guest will not be dissapointed.Very well located close to the walls with a thing that is a must in Italy, parking area. Sergio & Angela - Brazil.

Guest name: Sergio Bordonalli, Brazil

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jun 2005

The rooms, while not fancy, were very clean and spacious. The best part of our stay, however, was the friendliness and helpfulness of the two young men who were our hosts. They made it a point each day to offer to help us with recommendations, directions, anecdotes, and assistance of any kind. When we left, it was more like leaving friends than just checking out. We highly recommend this establishment

Guest name: Terrance Carroll, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

Very nice, spacious, and clean. Breakfast had so many choices it was hard to decide. People were very nice. A bit difficult to find off the venere map and from the directions.

Guest name: Jennifer Varga, USA

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

A more North American motel style property run by two very pleasant and helpful brothers who made the stay very comfortable.

Guest name: Henry Thiel, Canada

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

We enjoyed our stay very much. The owners went out of there way to give excellent service.We would definitly stay there again if we returned to the wonderful town of Lucca.

Guest name: MO, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2005

Ai Cipressi offered a clean and modern accomodations for us. The hosts were very helpful in providing all sorts of information about Lucca from good restaurants to various interesting sights to visit in Lucca. Breakfast was also very nice for the price of the accomodation. In addition, we had a wonderful time renting their bicycles for only 3 euros for the day! What a deal! Grazie Daniel and Grabriel for making our stay at Lucca a wonderful one! We will no doubt choose to stay again should we visit Lucca in the future!

Guest name: Alwin & Anne Lai, Canada

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2005

Well placed and comfortable. Breakfast room a little small, but larger facility being constructed at time of visit. Within walking distance of walled town of Lucca and a short taxi ride from the station. The manager is very helpful. Reasonable prices.

Guest name: Leslie Stevens, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2005

We stayed at Ai Cipressi for two nights. It is a bit tricky to find. Here's a hint: look for where Via Romana branches off Via di Tiglio. Exactly opposite is the courtyard which leads to Ai Cipressi. There's also a sign where you have to go. The host Gabriele is very welcoming and friendly. His english is very good. He's happy to explain all the sights and events in the wonderful town of Lucca. Also, if you need some information from the internet, he'll be happy to look it up for you. As a service from the B&B, you can rent bikes for just 3€ per day! This is very convenient in Lucca, as you can cycle through the town and around on the town wall. Another service is a fridge near the reception, where you can buy drinks like water or beer for just 1€ at anytime. The B&B is located outside the historic center of Lucca, but it is just a 5 minute walk to get inside the wall. The rooms are big and nicely furnished. Also nothing to complain in the bathroom, everything was perfectly clean. There's air conditioning and you can set the room temperature to what you prefer. There's also satellite TV in the rooms, which gives you some german and english channels. The breakfast is the sweet italian style, but with some welcome additions, like cereals and fruit juice. Gabriele also tries to spoil you with tasty italian chocolate. If you want other things for breakfast, just tell him. Overall, we can highly recommend Ai Cipressi in every respect. Lucca is a wonderful town and is definitely worth staying some days longer than we did.

Guest name: Simon Schneider, Germany

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2005

we thank the two friendly brothers for a wonderfull stay in Lucca in a very clean and spacious room and for all the helpfull information they gave us,the great tips of where to eat,what to visit and so much more !

Guest name: Luc Goossens, Belgium

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

The rooms are off the main road but were well signposted. They are run by two brothers who were incredibly welcoming and very helpful and told us all about Lucca and where we ought to visit. The room itself was spotless, very nicely decorated and spacious. It felt like staying in someone's house rather than a bed and breakfast. Breakfast was included in the price and brought to the room by one of the brothers who purchased it from the local cafe -the choice was not huge but the quality was good. I would highly recommend staying here.

Guest name: RW, United Kingdom