Bed & Breakfast L'Elce - Velletri

9.5

Hi. L'Elce was an amazing holiday, which I heartily recommend. Valeriano speaks English well and runs a magnificent country hotel, rather than a Bed and Breakfast as the website indicates. Set in an Italian idyll an hour south of Rome, with incredible service, each meal a tremendous value, easy access to Rome via train, absolute silence at night (the bedroom suites have medieval double shutters), L'Elce exceeded every expectation; when we extended our stay, they lowered the price for those nights. We were holidaying with another couple, and L'Elce was such a stunning find that we cancelled all of the rest of our travel plans and extended our stay in L'Elce. The photographs don't do it justice; it was an incredible view. It was a touch hard to find once we'd taken the train to Velletri. Thankfully, if you phone the hotel, they come and get you. Another thing that isn't clear is that the rooms aren't just rooms - they are three room suites, with two bedrooms, three beds, a balcony a bathroom and even a receiving hall. Three suites together share a massive common lounge, with huge windows we could open to the night air, which was perfect for sharing an evening drink with our traveling companions. Adults will love the tranquility and children will have an adventure every time they climb a set of medieval steps or open and close the shutters or run around the picturesque gardens. There is no phone reception or Internet or TV; there was an fifty year old radio, however, that still crackled out BBC shortwave reception. The website really didn't do this place justice; it was stunning. Since part of our holiday was a wedding, we had the opportunity to travel to and inspect several other hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area, and nothing else came close to L'Elce. If I have a complaint, it's that the ceilings are a bit low in three of the ten rooms and someone over six feet will have to watch their head on the low doorways.

10

Wonderful bed and breakfast located in the beautiful Castelli Romani. If you have a car the location is perfect for exploring the area which is overflowing with interesting places. Our room was really a small suite on the ground floor-very well appointed. Breakfast is cooked to order and dinners are the real Italian thing-and very reasonably priced. Valerio is the perfect host and provided us with maps and driving directions to local sights.

8.5

ok

7.4

Posto tranquillissimo,bagno in camera, ambiente pulito anche se necessita di una buona ristrutturazione dei pavimenti. Ottimo per se si viaggia in auto, e si cerca tranquillità. E' immerso nel verde, aria ottima, niente tv, per un periodo di vero relax.

9.5

Though hard to find when arriving late evening; A very nice place and excellent service!

10

This inn was a gem of a find. We loved our stay. What a pretty location, friendly service. Over all a 10.

9.9

This was Italy, we loved it. We were looked after so well, picked up and dropped off at station, driving round those windy hilly roads was wonderful.This place would suit someone who wants to sample real Italian hospitality. We had music every morning and Opera for dinner. Very simple and welcoming. Truly Lovely

9.9

Though we had a little trouble finding L'Elce, it was worth the effort. Our rooms were charming and quaint and spotlessly clean. We had the use of a beautiful and vast drawing room, where we played cards in the evening and had afternoon tea. Service was excellent - breakfast and dinner were delicious - they even had gluten free pasta and biscuits for my son. Such a peaceful and welcoming place - the pictures don't do it justice. NB On a monday in rush hour traffic it took 1hr 40mins to get to Ciampino airport - Cave!!

10

We were staying for 3 nights. We were very pleased by warm welcoming and cultural activities in the house. Breakfast is served in the garden and excellent homecooked meals in the evening. We would return at every time again. The best stay within the 2 weeks we have had.

9.0

We booked our stay a L'Elce because it is about 25 min from Ciampino airport where we had to catch a plane the next morning. We arrived late (10 pm) but the proprietor was there to greet us and opened the restaurant to make us a delicious late night supper. In the morning he knocked on our door for our "wake-up call" and we had Cappucino and a typical Italian breakfast and left (with directions from the owner) for an easy drive to the airport. The public great room space was charming, our room and bath were simple and comfortable and very clean. L'Elce was excellent for what we wanted: an easy lauching pad to get to Ciampino airport and the owner's courtesy and kindness made our late night arrival very relaxing and pleeasant.

9.3

Your host, Valerio is superbly attentive, his taste in music sublime and the food, produced by his mother, Maria, is of the highest quality and beatifully presented. Rooms are basic, charmingly rustic and spotlessly clean. Ideally situated for a rail journey or two into Rome.

9.5

Struttura in fase di recupero, sistemata decorosamente, camere silenziose e accoglienti, arredate con gusto, forse un po' spartane ma non guasta, vista spettacolare sul mare (la mia camera guardava ad ovest). Accoglienza all'altezza, colazione eccellente nella struttura gemella "Il Casale" a un centinaio di metri di distanza. Ideale per un soggiorno tranquillo, comodo per la vicinanza a Roma.

8.6

Despite not staying in L'Elce itself, the room we were given was lovely and the warm welcome we were greeted with started off the stay as it meant to go on. The staff are exceptionally friendly and brilliant at their jobs - cooking the lovliest food and keeping the rooms spotless. All in all a lovely place to stay.

9.4

We booked at L'Elce but stayed at its' neighbors Il Casale(same owners). We were received by Valerio and his mother Maria who were very friendly and accomodating. Mamma Maria is an amazing cook - we enjoyed all her meals.The property and its surrounding are breathtaking. Thank-you for an amazing stay!!

8.8

the rooms are very small and rather rustic, but the setting is very nice. large grounds to wander and the staff is very friendly. we can't recommend the restaurant enough. we had two delicious, leisurely evening meals that were the highlight of our two nights there. the breakfasts were very good also.

9.9

a place we certainly can reccomend and will return to. Very friendly and warm atmosphere, nice spacious rooms and quiet and peacefull surroundings. allthough we came late we were served a delicious evening meal. else-marie & jørgen olsson middelfart denmark

9.6

Valeriano is an extremely kind, helpful and courteous host who served an interesting range of food

9.9

Europe doesn't have many places like L'Elce left: Old, large villas with large rooms: such generosity in space, rooms, ambience and staff. An extraordinary place, close to international airport, yet quiet. You'll need a car to get there comfortably. On the other hand, it's not as close to Rome as a map would suggest due to traffic on national roads (motorway too far). Excellent as a base for excursions, nevertheless, to Rome (take train in nearby Albano, you can't use the car in the city anyway), to the Mediterranean seaside or for hillwalking, -biking in the Albany Mountains (eg. around the volcanic lakes in Nemi and Albano). There is a tennis court nearby (closed during easter) as well as in nearby Velletri (artificial grass and hard court).

9.9

Superb stay - we loved it. The host is fantastic. We were made very welcome even though we arrived quite late at night. Yummy breakfasts! Rooms are excellent, large and stunning views out the windows. Not so easy to find but its off the SS7 at mark 35km, but very much worth it. There is a great pizzaria within 2 mins walking distance called trattoria i castagni which serves brilliant pizza. I can thoroughly recommened staying here - our host even bought us travel passes to get into rome - wow!

9.0

We had a very warm and welcome stay. The owners have two B&B facilities and althought we booked for L'Elce, whe stayed in Il Casale. The few is realy wonderfull down hill towards the vally and the sea. A real large garden and quiet surounding. The only bad thing was the noise the neighbours dogs made, and no TV/radio on the room. But the nekst time we visit the Rome area we sure will come back.

9.9

W had a very enjoyable stay of 5 days. Mr Bottini is a very welcoming host and we felt we were staying in a family home. The food is excellent, cooked by his mother. The wines proposed by Mr Bottini were very special. It is a relaxed and simple semi rural establishment, spread accross two large properties. The hotel supports local activities and the arts and while we were there the local conservatorio gave a concert in the hotel. We have a lovely evening. The hotel is difficult to find but worth the effort. Aqua Lucia is a small road off to the west of the main road between Velletri and Genzano near a supermarket. The hotel is in a good location to visit the spectacular Alban Hills and Nemi and a such places as Tivoli. We had a lovely time. Hotel has plenty of car parking- not common in Italy. Its about 1 hour from Campiano airport by car.

8.1

Not easy to find but well worth it when you get there. In a very quiet location the accommodation is basic but well compensated for by the friendly reception and hospitality.

9.6

Wir waren de facto im Colle Ionci untergebracht, Elce ist das Nachbarhaus, das wir nur von aussen gesehen haben. Colle Ionci ist ein schönes, altes Haus, das viel Ruhe bietet, aber auch einen eigenen Restaurantbetrieb und ein interessantes Kulturprogramm aufweist. Ausflüge nach Rom mit der Bahn kein Problem; auch die nähere Umgebung lohnt für Ausflüge und Wanderungen.

9.9

very quiet, very friendly retreat in a beautiful rustic setting. Accommodation is basic but clean and in keeping with the surroundings. Hospitality of host and staff excellent and food available any time.

9.5

We enjoyed our stay very much. The host, Valerio and family were very accommodating and helpful at all times. The B&B (old villa)is located in a very guiet country setting and 45 minutes to Rome by train. We had made our reservations for the L'Elce but ended up at the Il Casale B&B (associated with Colle Ionci) The actual address is 77 Via Acqua Lucia for Il Casale and 74 for the L'Elce B&B. Hard to locate for our first time to the Velletri area. Via Acqua Lucia is off S7(Via Appian Nord)from Velletri towards Rome. Turn right after Audi dealer or right again just after Alpha Romeo dealer and small local grocery and pizzeria. The owners also serve very good Italian meals, which is great after exploring Roma all day. Ask Valerio for the B.I.R.G. day transportation ticket and driving directions to the local train station. Enjoy.

8.6

Nous avions réservé à l'Elce, nous nous sommes retrouvés à Il Casale, auquel donc s'appliquent les notations ci-dessus. L'endroit, situé au N° 27 de Acqua Lucia est quelque peu confidentiel mais quelle divine surprise une fois franchi le "filtre" rébarbatif du N° 74 constitué par l'Elce! Il Casale est un B&B de grande qualité, où tout est naturel, depuis le parc qui l'entoure jusqu'au petit déjeuner (avec jus d'orange pressée), en passant par l'accueil inoubliable de la "Mama" qui, à 10 h du soir, nous a servi un dîner aussi savoureux que léger. Rien d'artificiel, rien de prétentieux. Il Casale est la meilleure adresse que nous ayons trouvée pendant ces 9 jours en Italie. Nous la recommandons fortement à ceux qui sont en quête d'authenticité et de confort paisible pour un prix honnête. Notre seul regret est de n'avoir pu y séjourner qu'une nuit pour cause de départ... Mais L'Elce-Il Casale se mérite car il faut d'abord trouver Acqua Lucia, sur la gauche de la via Appia en venant de Rome, à 3 km environ avant le centre de Velletri.

10

The best place we stayed on our entire trip in Italy! Service and food was excellent and reasonably priced. Maria and staff were very welcoming and hospitable! Thanks to Valario, Maria, Katarina, Julio, and Mateo for showing us a great time in Velletri. The surroundings were very quaint. We will definetly return!

8.7

Good spot. Difficult to find especially in the dark. Location maps would be enhanced by highlighting useful landmarks on the main road into Velletri. Warm welcome. The family who own/run the business are very aware of customer needs.

7.9

Though more spartan than luxurious we found the accommodation clean and comfortable and facilities adequate for our needs. Although we arrived fairly late in the evening the host provided a hot 4 course meal for us at very little notice which we all thoroughly enjoyed. We found the property had a good deal of old world charm and we liked the rural setting. It's very conveniently located for a first stop from the airport when arriving and indeed we chose to stay again for the last night of our holiday due to the convenience for Rome airport.

8.9

We had a great three days here in a large, clean, comfortable and quiet room although there were problems with the en-suite - we had to use another rooms bathroom for a shower. However, it is a big old building and the plumbing problems were an inconvenience which didn't spoil the stay. As other people have mentioned the directions aren't very clear and it is poorly signposted, which is a shame as it is quite simple - turn left off Appia Nuova at 35.5km and left(turnback on yourself) at the church! The breakfast was fine, if uninspiring, and the garden is a beautiful place to have your coffee and start the day. I would definitely recommend the L'Elce to anyone who wants peace and quiet with a large clean room in a lovely setting. Just have a relaxed approach to it all!

9.7

I made this reservation without having heard of L'Elce and was very happy with the price and service. At 70 euros a night one can't expect bottles of shampoo and conditioner, but the room was spotless and the host couldn't have been more pleasant. Also, the breakfast was very good - eggs to order and this in a country where a croissant and coffee are considered breakfast. We'll definitely return.

10

Our favorite place to stay during our Italian vacation. Excellent, welcoming staff. The restaurant served the best food we had in Italy. Beautiful countryside location, like a scene in a movie. The owner was so charming and helpful.

5.1

To be honest, this location is really out of the way for everything. Also, it was just a little bit of a strange place, and we drove back and forth between 2 locations twice before they determined where we were staying. The owners were extremely nice, but we would not stay there again.

9.9

directions to the property are abit difficult,but once there,you will find the most hospitable and charming host you have ever met,lovely quite setting and lovely building and honest good home cooked food, what more can we say, we hope to go back and would definately recommend it. you definately need a car but if you want to go into rome then take the train very reasonable at 6 euros for days train,metro and bus and service is excellent.the drive from the airport is lovely if you take the scenic route round the lake.so get the best of both worlds, enjoy sightseeing in the hustle and bustle of rome then go home to the peaceful relaxing ,welcoming hotel.

10

This was the perfect place for us. The centre of a thriving creative group, with a grand piano and wonderful people. By the end of our stay Valeriano was more than a host, he was a friend. When we were stranded in Rome (Notte Bianca Sept 03), he drove in to get us at 1.30 am. Altogether a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of travel. Very special.

9.6

I loved staying at L'Elce. The rooms are basic but it is only bed and breakfast. However he style is lovely, the upkeep is very good and the price reasonable. One word of warning. Better in spring than summer as there is no air conditioning. Also the grounds are greener and even more lovely in spring. Even so, the surroundings are beautiful at any time and the hospitality of the host and staff wonderful. I fully intend to return on a regular basis.

9.5

Our host could not have been more welcoming or helpful. He provided a wonderful dinner. Finding the location was a little difficult.