We booked this hotel because we know 5 star hotels are the only way to go in Europe. This was FAR from a 5 star hotel...interior was VERY tired. Food/restaurant was excellent as was the staff.
But a little smelly and tired interior which was not great.

The Locanda L'Elisa was an oasis - a charming villa just 10 minutes outside Lucca's city walls set in a lovely ring of mature trees creating a lush green quiet retreat. The pool is clean (and unheated), but the kids loved it. The staff are very polite and helpful with answering questions. The bathroom was immaculate and recently renovated. Bedrooms feature tall ceilings. The place has character. A great home base for exploring Lucca and Pisa. We felt as if we had a whole villa to ourselves with none of the hassle of homeownership. Having spent two whole days exploring Lucca, I would much rather stay at the Locanda L'Elisa than anywhere in town, although like the other reviewers, I'd recommend eating in town and taking a taxi back and forth.

We recently stayed there for three nights. Our room was beautiful with a small living area and a somewhat seperate sleeping area with a large canopied bed. Our view wasn't much to speak of however. One view was over a roof top and the other was over someones back yard where they kept chickens. But, the room more than made up for the view. The bathroom was excellent with a separate walk in shower.

The staff was outstanding. Christian, the bellman, was very helpful and the ladies at the front desk gave us great restaurant recommendations.

We had dinner at the villa our first night and it was excellent.

My only big complaint is that on top of a very expensive room rate they charge about $20 per person for a simple continental breakfast. Most other villas include breakfast in the rate. We skipped it and drove a short distance to a local cafe where we had the same breakfast for less than $5. Try to negotiate breakfast into the basic room rate.

This hotel is just not worth the money. Our room cost 390 euros for one night and although it was nice, it wasn't THAT nice! The bathroom wasn't very clean either. We thought the pool and sumptous breakfast might make up for it but the pool was so cold that I couldn't get into it and my husband had to grit his teeth to jump in. The breakfast was a huge disappointment for such a pricey hotel. i was offered a bowl of museli and a coffee with one croissant and I overheard another guest say that there was cheese in her cheese omelette which she had paid extra for! The hotel has a very small bar area and restaurant but we chose to eat out at the fabulous da Giulio trattoria in Lucca which made our whole visit worthwhile....