Hotel Villa Volpi - Mastiano Lucca

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Apr 2008

A lovely spot. It was fairly empty when we were there in April, making it feel rather like a private villa in the Tuscan hills. In the summer, when the swimming pool is available, it would presumably be a different experience. To find our way out there, we followed the little signs listing hotels, until the only hotel left on the signs was the Villa Volpi.

Guest name: OK, France

Average rating:  6.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2008

In a hot summer period Hotel Villa Volpi should be ideal. One can escape from the sweaty Lucca into the higher and probably colder mountain. However in the first week of May the distance to Lucca is more a disadvantidge. It takes about 20 minutes by car. One would expect to have nice quiet rooms, but we could hear crying children and parents having a dificult time hushing them in the room next to ours. Due to the distance the restaurant next to the hotel is a likely choice. The quality was not that good and the check wa separate from the hotel check (it is one building and seems to be one owner...).

Guest name: SV, Netherlands

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Apr 2008

This Villa is great. The view is stunning, good food & wine. We were too early in the season for the pool but between that and walking trails one could easily enjoy oneself without even going to nearby sites such as Pisa or Lucca. Next time we will have to stay longer. Follow directions provided exactly (don't turn off and follow road signs unless instructed to do so)and you will find the property no problem. Check in before it gets dark though as the country roads aren't lit.

Guest name: Rose White, Greece

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Nov 2007

I visited with my 3 children (in their late 20's). Unfortunately, the only thing I regret is that our stay was so short! The hotel is from heaven-it is almost impossible to imagine such a beautiful place actually exists! Service was excellent, restaurant a real gourmet dinner, room (for 4)was lovely- we were lucky with sunny fall weather and location is worth it all!

Guest name: Shira SHEIN, Israel

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Beautiful view and gorgeous setting in Tuscany. A little hard to find even with a GPS unless you have the exact address with area code. You need a car if you want to get around as you are high on a mountain side with nothing much around. We would love to visit again in the summer. Great location for a tuscan vacation.

Guest name: Robert Fearon, Canada

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Oct 2007

Villa and grounds are beautiful. Bathroom in our quad room was clean and spacious with bathtub and shower. Not easy to find even with GPS but we were able to follow the signs to the restaurant on the property. Excellent dinner at restaurant. Breakfast was a bit dissappointing. Cappucino and coffee out of a self service machine but the pastries were good.

Guest name: Debbie Leech, Italy

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Villa Volpi is a beautiful property with stunning views over Tuscany. Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was by far the best we had in Italy, with wonderful pastries and a selection of meats and fruit, with bottomless espresso/cappucino, etc. It is an ideal hotel.

Guest name: David Stratman, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Overall a delightful introduction to Tuscany, an idilic spot, tucked away in the hills with wonderful views. If anything the breakfast let it down,coffee from a machine was not in keeping with the rest of the hotel.

Guest name: RP, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Oct 2007

This is a unique property in lush surroundings. Our room had magnificent views of olive groves and vineyards and the town on Lucca in the distance. Restaurant was excellent, and we had very good service.This was just as well as the hotel is a bit far from town, so be prepared for the drive up winding roads with steep ascents. Follow directions very carefully; once past the town of Lucca there are signs to the hotel. Would definitely go back again and spend some time around the pool when it is warmer.

Guest name: JE, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Wonderful "end of the world" location with beautiful views, wonderful ambience and pretty good restaurant. Wish we could have stayed there longer.

Guest name: MM, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2007

We were staying for 9 days, so it would have been nice to be able to eat in the hotel at lunchtime on occasion. However the restaurant which was open at nighttime was fantastic.

Guest name: LO, Ireland

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

If you can find the hotel, you'll have a fantastic stay. We found the directions from venere and the hotel website to be a bit confusing, but once we found it, it was well worth it. The manager, Gian Maria was awesome. He speaks great English and was there to help with our every need. Frankly though, Villa Volpi is the kind of place you should plan on staying at. The countryside around it is so pretty, there's really not much need to take a buch of crazy day trips. Just hang out, go for walks and drive to the nearby towns, then come back and relax by the pool, looking out over the olive groves and fruit trees. The rooms are big and comfortable. The hotel is tastefully decorated, the lounges are warm and inviting and the hotel has every modern convenience. As for directions, the best advice is to call the hotel in advance and ask. Basically, just keep following the signs toward Bagni di Lucca at every roundabout, then at the last one, find the sign for Villa Volpi and take that road another 3 km. Once you find it, you wont be disappointed.

Guest name: RS, USA

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Aug 2007

Excellent family run hotel in a great location with a quality restaurant

Guest name: Colin Frost, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2007

the service in the restaurant does not reach the excellent quality of the hotel.

Guest name: Ingolf Schedel, Germany

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Group

stayed in Jun 2007

Stunning this hotel is amazing. It is quite dificult to get to with without a car. If your not driving it is best to go to lucca and get a taxi to the hotel which will cost 24euros. The resturant attached to the hotel is closed on a tuesday and so you will need to get to the town to eat as the hotel doesnt provide food. Be warned that if you do get a taxi from the hotel it will cost 25euros each way as they have to come from lucca and they will charge you from when they leave lucca. The pool was lovely and very quiet cant wait to go back

Guest name: Emma Williamson, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2007

A lovely location a few kilometres outside Lucca. Certainly not easy to find the first time, but you learn the way eventually. The Villa is beautifully and tastefully furnished throughout, and the views from its elevated position in lovely countryside is typical Tuscany. Will certainly come back and have some relaxing time by the pool.

Guest name: Fred Wachsberger, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2005

Wirklich ein versteckt gelegener, wunderbarer Ort mit viel Liebe zum Detail. Leider hat das Wetter nicht mitgespielt und es war doch etwas kühl. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

Guest name: Michael Armbruster, Switzerland

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2006

I really loved the hotel overall and the location was fantastic. I was a little bit disappointed with my room - no. 14 at the back of the hotel with no windows when obviously some rooms had amazing views for the same price. The restaurant food was fantastic and I fully recommend a visit.

Guest name: Heather Newbould, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.6

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Sep 2006

Villa Volpi is a wonderful place for respite..which is what I was looking for..room was large enough but dark...I felt "almost cloistered" with bars on the windows..large bathroom..almost as large as my room...mini bar never worked and you had to find someone to get bar service..tv..telephone..lifts but I used the stairs...thin walls between rooms..could hear even conversations at times. ..Hotel is not in Mastiano, it is serveral curves and bridges downhill..but I was told several good restaurants in Mastiano..Hotel is difficult to find..and almost impossible without a car...Staff is helpful and somewhat friendly..food service is limited..only CB on tuesdays...Ristorante is wonderful..when it is open..excellent food and service..prices reasonable..Hills and valleys surrounding the hotel are very theraputic...olive groves..vineyards..apple trees loaded with ripe apples..didn't find walking trails..and some were either on the road itself or rocky unmarked trails into the hills....Pool area was a little unkempt though nice clean pool.. and again the view was outstanding from this level...My feeling was that Hotel Villa Volpi is a "work in progress"..it is a wonderful old country house and I would go back again...One of the highlights of my stay was a cooking school there with Chef Gianlucca Pardini..a complete surprise but what a treat!!!!Bettye Reece

Guest name: Bettye Reece, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Jul 2006

WARNING: It took me 90 minutes to find this wonderful hotel as I was going in circles near Lucca! Get good instructions before attempting to drive yourself up there! This property was absolutely fantastic!!! The setting is amazing and the rooms were great, really great. We stayed one night there, but next time I will stay more to enjoy the surroundings. Everything went fine during this short stay (other than the difficulty in locating it and the poor breakfast).

Guest name: MA, United Arab Emirates

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Group

stayed in Aug 2006

The map on the website was a catastrophee! The location plan was very unclear. This can be improved very much! The hotel was lovely, nice pool, excellent bikes, beautiful surrounding, the restaurant was o.k.

Guest name: Irmi Gallmeier, Germany

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jul 2006

Stayed for one week, beautiful location but isolated. If you don't have a car, there is no option but to take taxis to Lucca and back which cost 25 euros each way. Pool is lovely for relaxation, when quiet it is a perfect setting, but if other guests have the same idea, it gets crowded with not enough shade or seating. The adjoining restaurant provides top-class food and views in the evening, however there is nowhere to eat at lunchtime.

Guest name: MS, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2006

Good cop, bad cop on reception. Fingers crossed you get the good guy. Don't worry. If you don't, it will take a nano second to realise. Hotel also advertises a non existent shuttle service to Lucca, (approx 6-7 miles away). Means you need to drive down, dump your car, get a taxi back, and then figure out how to go collect your car the next morning. Rooms good. Breakfast absolutely fine. Lovely setting. Great wee pool, but with only 3 sun loungers, make sure you get there early.

Guest name: Mark McCamley, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2006

The hotel and its surrondig are wonderful and so relaxing. Quiteness is assured. The hotel is so clean and very care. It was the first time I staying in Villa Volpi but I think I'll back very early because I have to taste the flavours of the restaurant!

Guest name: RC, Italy

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jun 2006

This villa is picture perfect. The views are spectacular. The restaurant is superb. We had no difficulty finding the hotel due to the numerous signs pointing the way. We were very pleased with our stay.

Guest name: Mark BERNARDINI, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2006

This was truly an amazing place and well worth every penny! I couldn't believe that it was not a 5 star!! It was in a beautiful area in the hills surrounding Lucca . As well the restaurant was superb! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Guest name: Evi Donevan, Canada

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2006

Outstanding location, surroundings and restaurant, would highly recommend. Only regret was that we couldnt stay longer. As noted by others a little difficult to find, the Tourist office in Lucca were very helpful

Guest name: Gerald Heasman, Australia

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2006

Jean Marie was a gracious host ensuring our comfort and privacy at all times. Thank you, Jean Marie for making our vacation one of a lifetime. Hopefully, we'll see you again soon! Connie Saizan and Friends

Guest name: Charles Saizan, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Sep 2005

Excellent property with outstanding views. Noteworthy on-site restaurant & quite adequate breakfast buffet. Recommend daylight for first visit & detailed maps/directions.

Guest name: Charles Smith, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

As we drove up the hill through the ripening olive groves, past the ancient church on the hilltop surrounded by vineyards, I tried to keep my expectations low so as not to be dissapointed, but my fear was without cause. The Villa Volpi was storybook perfect. The setting was jaw-dropping incredible and convenient to Lucca, a wonderful medieval walled city not to be missed.(Rent the bikes, ride the wall).Remarkable value, very accomodating staff, wonderful restaurant on premises. I'd go back in a minute.

Guest name: John Moody, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2005

Ist wirklich prima, super gelegen und besonders schönes Ambiente. Äußerst ruhig gelegen, daher schwer zu finden, aber ab Ponte a Moriano ausgeschildert. Das Restaurant ist auch sehr zu empfehlen und nicht teuer (am Wochende voll).

Guest name: Frank Dittwald, Germany

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

The directions are fair, but signs come suddenly and you must be prepared to turn. Navigation around Lucca and out is a challenge even with directions. That having been said, the hotel was worth any apprehensions in finding it. I wish we could have stayed more than one evening. Pool is to die for view. Food very good and the manager had booked a reservation for us since we were to arrive late. A peaceful and relaxing property with room to walk and common rooms to explore in the hotel itself. After you know the way, it is a very short ride to Lucca.

Guest name: JR, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

The hotel is very difficult to find, but it is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world I've ever been.

Guest name: Christian Jung, Germany

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Sep 2005

Villa Volpi was a highlight of our trip. The rooms were very comfortable, the staff friendly and helpful, the restaurant was wonderful, and the views were amazing. We wished we could stay longer and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Guest name: Fran Anderson, USA

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

The room was clean, but smelled of smoke. The air conditioning was barely working so during the day it was quite hot and in the evening it was very cool outside but the air could not make it in becasue there was only one small window in the room and no cross ventilation. The woman caretaker for the villa did not speak much if any English so it was somewhat challenging trying to coomunicate. The man caretaker spoke great English, but he wasn't alwasy around and was very grumpy. The safe in the room also did not work. The shower had great pressure and was excellent. The views and surroundings were beautiful. The restaurant at the villa was very good too, but it was closed on Wednesdays and we did not know. Also, they charge you 5 Euros for a towel to use at the pool. They also have bicycles you can rent and a computer/internet you can rent by the hour. We were never given a key to the gate when we checked in nor was the air conditioning "hooked up" in our room until we formally asked. No one showed us how to operate the air conditioner and it really didn't work anyhow. But for $105 Euros/night, it was still a pretty good deal. Although it wasn't the easiest place in the world to find because the road signs aren't that great anywhere in Italy.

Guest name: JM, USA

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

We had a lot of trouble finding the hotel, mostly because it was at night in the rain, and Italy does not mark the streets very well. The directions were vague, and the local McDonalds finally drew us a map. We didn't arrive until half past midnight, but were still welcomed warmly. The hotel is much farther from Lucca than we thought, about a 15 minute drive. It's a lovely place on the top of a mountain, and I only wish we could have stayed longer.

Guest name: JR, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2005

Great place to stay. Very quiet. Great restaurant. Great people. Breakfast (inlcuded) somewhat limited and "low cost", but adequate. Nice to have bikes available for adults and kids, but could use basic tools (e.g. to pump op tires). Would definetely stay there again.

Guest name: Krijn DeJonge, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Aug 2005

Once found(Lucca being a nightmare to navigate around!)the hotel is in a wonderful setting.The hotel is charming,very clean and comfortable and views magnificent.An old ex-convent, it remains full of character. Only one complaint, our room was opposite the very good restaurant, but with windows open on a hot night, it was very noisy until close. Would definitely reccommend Villa Volpi to anyone, and it's very peaceful by day.

Guest name: CHRISTINE TIETJEN, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

A map will not help you, nor will the signs in Lucca. Get to Lucca and call for help right away. We found a very nice local man who laughed at our map and saved us. The pictures give no indication of how wonderful this place is. The view from the pool is AMAZING! The pool is clean and has comfortable chairs. It's an infinity pool though, so it's a bit brisk. Breakfast is plentiful and excellent (for Italy). The hot water seems to not be available on weekday afternoons, but that's easy to plan around if you know about it. The staff is very nice and the price is amazing for the beauty of this place.

Guest name: Christopher Byrd, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Aug 2005

This is an excellent place if you want to stay in the countryside. The restaurant is excellent. The views from the property are beautiful.

Guest name: RW, USA

Average rating:  3.8

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Aug 2005

The price was extremely high for such a room (189 € for a room for 4 but without any space once the bed are opened !). The hotel managers are not very friendly. The have organised a wedding which make a lot of noise without having at least informed us. The hotel is extremely difficult to be found. The breakfast is poor. The place is beautiful.

Guest name: Daniel Benquis, France

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2005

A lovely hotel that was very well maintained in a beautiful location. Very nice rooms, communal areas and pool. I would definitely go back again.

Guest name: David Buggins, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jul 2005

We had a very nice stay at villa volpi, better than expected. We can highly recommend this hotel and its surroundings.

Guest name: PW, Sweden

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Jul 2005

Beautiful small hotel in lovely area, although further from Lucca than had realised. Excellent restaurant, but was closed on Tuesdays. Staff recommended another restaurant for this night which was also excellent. Best food we had in whole stay in Tuscany! Only negative was paper thin walls between rooms, and the hotel had no booking from Venere, only fitting us in as there was space!

Guest name: Louise Stocker, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

We enjoyed our stay very much, tranquil and scenic.The hotel provides a relaxing atmosphere and is very stylish. The swimming pool is clever, a few more pieces of quality pool furniture would be good. Restaurant food was excellent. Highly recomended

Guest name: Paul Stoneham, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jun 2005

One of the best I've ever been!

Guest name: Harry Birkholz, Germany

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

The hotel and its surrondings is absolutely beautiful. Well worth the money paid.

Guest name: VB, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Jun 2005

Villa Volpi was absolutely charming with great views of the countryside, spacious and modern rooms, and a friendly, helpful staff. The pool was a real bonus. We would have liked to stay longer! The only caution is that it is a bit hard to find especially the first time and is a bit remote without a car (but 15 minutes from Lucca with one) The on-site restaurant was very good and reasonably priced. We loved our stay and have already recommended Villa Volpi to friends who plan to visit the Lucca area.

Guest name: Rebecca Dekker, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

This hotel could be described as the Tuscan Dream -set on a Tuscan hillside with wonderful views across the valleys to the north of Lucca. The hotel has obviously been restored by someone with good taste(e.g. beautiful wooden beams in the ceilings). Rooms are clean with modern bathrooms. We drove from Pisa airport and found the hotel easily ( although I'm glad we did it in daylight the first time).It was literally 10 minutes north of Lucca but you do need a car.Most memorable moment - sitting outside the hotel with a glass of Vin Santo enjoying the most spectacular lightning storm on the distant hills.A peaceful retreat after a hectic day of site seeing.

Guest name: AW, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in May 2005

Location was hard to find, but when found it was worth the hunt. Food at restaurant was excellent. Breakfast could have included eggs. Cappucino from breakfast bar was luke warm. Area and location was fantastic!

Guest name: Juan Becerra, Switzerland