Albergo Ape Elbana

Italy , Livorno
Portoferraio, "salita Cosimo De' Medici, 2"
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50 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

Mathieu

Overall, we had a good stay. The welcome was kind and friendly, and we appreciated the effort to make us feel comfortable from the start.

The setting is charming, with decor that feels truly authentic and thoughtfully done, giving the place a warm and unique character. However, there are a few things to be aware of. The walls between rooms are quite thin, so noise travels easily — we could clearly hear our neighbor snoring during the night. The bed was okay, but not the most comfortable we’ve experienced.

Also, there are no mosquito nets on the windows, which made it a bit challenging as we had to deal with quite a few mosquitoes.

Despite these points, the place still has its charm, and with a few improvements, it could be an even better experience.

2/10

Poor

13 Nov 2025

Erika

We were so excited for our stay at Ape Rosa, as my mother is from Florence and used to live nearby. The place definitely has classic Italian charm and is in a fantastic setting. However, we discovered so many issues that we had to check out after only one night. The bathroom had dozens of ants, both dead and alive, primarily in the shower so we couldn’t use the shower unless we wanted to step all over ants. We were also concerned about keeping any food in the room or in our bags because of the ants. Above the shower were 6” long cobwebs full of dead insects. The floors were filthy and had very clearly not been cleaned properly. The wardrobe doors were so worn out that they were nearly impossible to open or close. There were no drawers in the room save for 4 small ones in the nightstands, 3 of which had no knobs rendering them entirely useless and leaving us with one drawer that was an inch and a half deep. We specifically booked a room with two beds and were very frustrated to discover at 10pm that one bed had no sheets at all. The coverlet of the other bed had visible stains across it. The mattress on the only bed with sheets was sloped to each side, so you’d slide to the edges during the night. Staff were unconcerned about the issues which clearly speak to persistent subpar cleanliness and maintenance. To top it off, they refused to provide any sort of refund. Take your money elsewhere.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2025

Dashnor

Reception girl ( sorry I forgot the name) was really awesome. She contacted us on WhatsApp to many times and then she makes easy for us. Thank you!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2025

Marc-Andre

This property was perfect

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

I arrived after 7:30 and it was raining. The owner was at the reception and was very helpful, with indications of restaurants and other important information for the area.

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2017

Deepak

The hotel was good but faced issue going to and fro from city center/railway station as there is bus number 4 which runs and it was always late.

Partner

4/10

Poor

29 Oct 2016

Awful - Extremely Rude Staff

Our service here was terrible. Firstly I was asked to stay in a smaller room to the one I booked for the first night, then the next morning after packing up and checking out of this room, I was told I couldn’t go into my booked room because people were sleeping in it (even though I had booked it from the night before). I then went to work (the reason I came to Florence) but was emailed to come back from work to get my room keys otherwise staff would go out and I wouldn't be able to access my room. I was told we could not use the heating (even though it was freezing cold in the room) because it was against the law. Two staff burst into our room the next morning when we were changing without knocking – they said they thought we were out. We were spoken to extremely rudely when we asked/complained about anything. In fact, at check-out they were extremely angry, practically shouting at us, telling us we must not know how to use keys properly or work the heater. They threatened to call the police when we asked to pay for the cheaper, smaller room for the first night rather than the apartment that we had paid for. The only thing they offered was a free breakfast on one morning (the owner made a point of telling me to include this in the review as she was worrried about our negative review), but this didn’t cover the difference in price between the two rooms, and nowhere near made up for the bad service, rudeness and insulting language. I would highly recommend not staying here.

2/10

Poor

22 Jul 2016

Pasquale

Disappointing

It was disappointing, not like the photos on the web site. The outdoor lacked enough lounge chairs and the only two were dirty. If the landscaping on the property had been done properly it would have been a very attractive garden.
Our room was dark and noisy because was facing the street on the ground level, the small shower had no place to put the soap and the soap was really tiny.
The breakfast was below average. We needed five different keys to move around the property, to open two gates and three doors, not fun to carry around sightseeing and shopping. Overall inconvenient and not restful as it looked on the photos.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2015

Donna

Beautiful and authentic Italian welcoming hotel.

Traveling with a 4 year old was pleasurable to do at this hotel. Beautiful place and lovely staff

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2015

Leslie

Tuscany escape close to Florence opportunities

We chose this getaway B&B so that we could enjoy the busy tourism in Florence during the day/night but the peaceful beauty of the area when we were not out and about. This location is about 15 minutes by bus from Florence but the bus is only a dollar (or 1.2 Euro per trip). The bus runs every 10 minutes and is only a 2 minute walk to the bus stop. The room was great with air conditioning which was important since it was 100 degrees there all week. We chose the lower priced room in the additional building which did not get the wifi, but we just walked next door to the lobby or garden or breakfast area to get it, which was easy to do. At breakfast we were greeted by a warm croissant and fresh espresso along with tables of breads, eggs, jams, meats, cheeses and sweet cakes. The family lives on property so we also met Meggie their friendly dog. The back yard is filled with olive, lemon, fig, and pomegranate trees as well as bushes of sage and bay leaves. There is a whirlpool bath out there too in an ancient fountain. They serve dinner in the garden 4 nights a week, but we did not try it. We walked to local establishments 5 minutes away and were very impressed. They were very helpful with helping out getting reservations for restaurants and museums. I would definitely go back.

Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Jul 2015

William

Lovely villa with a lot of limitations

The description for the hotel is misleading. There are not any balconies and the swimming pool is actually a fountain with limited room for swimming.
The villa is beautiful but the gardens needed tending and compared to the photographs and description was disappointing.
The villa is itchiness you reach of public transport into Florence which runs from early morning until after midnight but if you do not want to travel into Florence there are no other options for dinner etc,
The villa offers dinner on some evenings but it is a set menu which wasn't explained and didn't cater for people who do not eat meat.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2015

Margaret

Outside of Central Florence

This hotel is a bit far from the city center where we did all our activities. Not a lot around in the way of restaurants. There was a bus stop close to the hotel and that is how we got to the city center. It took about thirty minutes to get into the heart of Florence. The breakfast was great, served buffet style. The staff member who checked us in was a bit rude about the city tax. Frustrating way to end the stay. The hotel room was very large and the grounds were nice. However, the clean hotel room and good breakfast were not worth the amount of money we paid to stay here.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2015

karen

Florence frustration

The hotel was difficult to find for us with the gps. Don't pay attention to the numbers on the street, keeping going past where the gps tells you to stop and at the end of the wall on the right, look over your shoulder! To find # 12. Ugh. This added to our frustration after a long day of driving.

To catch the bus, you need to walk down the hill about 10 minutes, which is not a big deal for me, but for my father with mobility issues, it was very difficult. Honestly, the whole stay was a struggle, it was frustrating to locate, the stairs were steep, the hotel was farther away from transportation then I expected, and it meant we had to drive into Florence, which was an enormous mistake.

The hotel was ok, the owner was helpful, but for my situation, I was sorry I made this selection.

Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2014

Rachel

Quaint hotel near city center

This hotel definitely has a B & B feel to it. It is conveniently located 10 minutes by bus or taxi to the city center. The building is very old, but quaint. The staff are extremely helpful and breakfast was very good. We were only there for one night, but would have gladly stayed longer.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2014

Adria

Romantic Florentine Villa in quiet garden setting.

Villa Ape was everything we hoped it would be. After spending the day in the crowded, noisy city we loved getting back to the peace and quiet of the villa and its garden. The bus was steps from the villa and took us to the center of Florence in minutes. The villa itself is lovely and comfortable. We had room number one with a king and twin bed overlooking the garden. The bathroom was huge. We started our day with a wonderful breakfast in a beautiful dining room. Our hosts Elena and Paolo could not have been more helpful or welcoming. We recommend the Villa Ape without hesitation and will return.

8/10

Excellent

01 Oct 2014

Iain

Nice people and easy reach central florence

Great historic building and very friendly and helpful people. Try their dinner . Really good

6/10

Pleasant

14 Sep 2014

Ash

Very residential -- there is nothing around

Great house, quiet rooms, and great hosts. The only two problem of this property is the location and there is no elevator. It was a little difficult, lugging the luggages up and down 4 floors with my pregnant wife. The bus ride to the city is pretty convenient and fairly frequent, and talked only about 15 mins to get to the main train station. But the problem is there is really nothing around. The property has huge front and backyard, but it is in a very residential neighborhood. The closest restaurant is about 15 minutes walk downhill, so you have to walk uphill going back. The restaurant recommended which I forgot the name but it is on the right side of the street when you walk downhill from the hotel, had really awesome food. Their pizza was one of the best I have ever had, and I have had a lot of good ones living working in New York City.
This place is probably great if you have a family with kids, have a car, or are in Florence for a little longer than we were there, but for us it was a little inconvenient due to its location.

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2013

Martin

Great place

Lovely breakfast in the beautiful garden. Bus stop to Florence very close by.
Highly recommended.

Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2012

Simon

A little B&B Gem!

An attractive getaway from the crowds of the city centre. Within easy reach of the old town itself via a 20 minute bus journey (Route 4, 2euro's).
Friendly helpful staff, rooms basic but functional and in keeping with the building itself. Would love to return in summer and take breakfast on the terrace.
For the business traveller, secure free parking and wifi throughout is good.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Feb 2012

Fafa

Nice place in Florence

We had a nice stay at Ape Rosa.
It offers a great breakfast, rooms are nice but slippers whould have been appreciated because the room floor was in tiling.
It is a bit far from the city center but there is the Bus 4 nearby. It is maybe worth it (we never tried a city center Hotel here) ?

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2011

Vicky

Beautiful place to stay! Highly recommend this B&B

Loved the Villa - what a gorgeous home Paulo and Elena own. The room we stayed in (No. 5) overlooked the garden at the rear of the Villa and the hills in the distance - what a view! It was on the third floor, so not for the unfit but no great climb either. The room itself was lovely with an en-suite bathroom. The only thing missing was a rack inside the shower for toiletries, but other than that, fab!
We walked into to town on a couple of occasions (about 30 mins) but mostly we got the bus which ran frequently and on time.
The breakfasts had a good choice of breads, cheeses, cereal, croissants, flans, eggs, etc. The only thing missing for me was fruit. Some days there were apples but not always. You could eat inside or outside in the gardens - a perfect start to the day.
All in all, we had a lovely stay in a lovely home. The owners were fantastic.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2026

Michael

Greit

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2025

Mathias

Generelt sett var dette en fin overnatting. Men det er flere ting som gjorde denne opplevelsen ikke så bra. Første kveld/natt var det ikke noe vann i hverken vask eller toalett. (Noe vi fikk beklagelse for dagen etter), det var problemer med låsen på døren til rommet noe som ble litt styr. Hårføneren fungerte ikke og det var nærmest umulig å dusje i badekaret når dusjhodet sprutet i alle retninger. Hotellet var koselig, det hadde en gammeldags og god vibe. Låsesystemene med app var kult (så lenge det fungerte) Frokosten er ok, lite utvalg. Vær forberedt på at man må gå litt til trikken (tung oppoverbakke)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Edith

Accommodation on Expedia but NO reply from host regarding my booking; despite a number of messages sent. Warning that driving through the entrance gate is challenging; and is only possible with a small vehicle. The villa is charming, old world with a lovely garden and nice breakfast. Spacious room and has a lovely bath tub. Good value for anyone needing to be near Careggi hospital❣️

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2025

Eugenio

A parte la mancanza dell’ascensore , normale in una villa del 600, é tranquilla e sicura, comoda ed é garantito il parcheggio interno.
Ottima colazione

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2018

Klein

Lugnt läge

Lugnt läge med bussen till centrum strax utanför.Varit här en gång tidigare och kommer säkert komma tillbaka.Mycket charmigt med trevliga ägare/personal.

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

La location è bella un'oasi di verde in città

A due passi dal Careggi le stanze belle, la colazione da rivedere scomodo l'ingresso al parcheggio, il personale cortese da rivendere la connessione Internet lenta e poco stabile ma nel complesso buono

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2018

Marina

Buon rapporto qualità/prezzo

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

vicino al centro immerso nel verde, un sogno bello

ci sarebbe piaciuto restare molto di più...la prossima volta sicuramente

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

war toll

Eine tolle Atmosphäre mit sehr freundlichem Personal machten den Aufenthalt in diesem Hotel zu einem Erlebnis.Immer wieder gerne.

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2017

betti

Lovely old villa( old house)

Sadly we had no old room as in pics, as not in the main house..
Very small and just functional bathroom,
Bed size good but not soft enough,
Room cleaning every day was without washing or sweeping the floor,
Breakfast was all right for italian style, good products, small variety...
sadly no fresh bread from the bakery...
Parking on sight is spacious. 6 € a day!
For walking too far from town, bus is around the corner, or bike as we did...

6/10

Pleasant

21 Aug 2017

julie

Décevant

Arrivée difficile,une fois 20 h personne,Ni de réponse au téléphone,il n'y avait pas moyen de les atteindre! Heureusement un couple de François,y logeant nous ont aidé à trouver le propriétaire qui ne trouvait pas notre réservation que nous avions déjà payée ! Le lendemain rencontre avec sa femme (aucune diplomatie,pas très sympathique) en plus il y avait également des suppléments : leur parking payant ! Et pour notre chien aussi.Donc nous sommes partis déçu

Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2017

Francesco

Corto soggiorno

Soggiorno piacevole struttura che avrebbe bisogno di un po' più di cura nella parte esterna
Buona la colazione, ottima la gestione, personale disponibile.
Posizione eccellente

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Oct 2016

Dan

hôtel au calme mais facilement accessible par bus

nous avons passé 3 nuit dans cet hôtel accueillant.
pour le dernier nous avions notre avion le soir et avons pu laisser nos bagages à l'hôtel, la réception nous avait donné les codes d'entrée du portail et de l'hôtel

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

El trato personal nos gusto menos que la ubicacion

El trato personal no fue gentil. Esta muy alejado de los puntos de interes

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

Es war einmal

Die Lage des Hotels ist schön. Buslinie fast vor dem Haus. Das Haus an sich mit dem grossen Garten könnte eine Perle sein, wenn es gepflegter wäre. Die Besitzer sind nett und freundlich aber es fehlt leider das professionelle. Die Villa wurde vor Jahren renoviert. Leider unfachmännisch. Die jetzt vorhandenen Mängel unvermeidlich. Die Liste ist gross. Angefangen bei den verrosteten Gartenmmöbel, allen Böden im Haus, die zwar gesaugt werden aber schon ewig keine Reinigungsmittel mehr gesehen haben, bis hin zu Schimmel in der Dusche, durch Staub verstopfter Badlüfter, verdreckten Klimanlagen und klemmender Toilettenspülung. Die Bilder sprechen eine deutliche Sprache.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2016

Nadine

Villa meravigliosa. Vasca Idromassaggio top

Servizio top!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2016

Norbert

Schönes Haus mit Garten in ruhiger Umgebung

Schöne, ruhige Umgebung auf Anhöhe ausserhalb des Zentrums.
Leicht zu erreichen mit Bus. Haltestelle in unmittelbarer Nähe.
Schöner Garten zum Entspannen.

Family

4/10

Poor

19 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Insoddisfatti

il b&b è situato in una bella zona in collina con molto verde attorno, ma troppe cose lasciano davvero senza parole:il parcheggio che doveva essere gratuito, interno alla struttura, è invece a pagamento, il bagno senza bidè (cosa davvero scomoda) ma soprattutto pieno di formiche, davvero tante. ovviamente vagano per la stanza, nel piatto doccia e in ogni dove. Davvero un cosa brutta e poco gradevole. Prezzo non conveniente per essere un B&b, ovviamente colazione non inclusa.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2016

Ana E

Hubo un problema ajeno al hotel, hormigas, en la habitacion que nos daron y el dueño nos cambio de habitacion y nos dio ina mas grande.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2016

Giulio

Consigliato per famiglie

Luogo raffinato e caratteristico, che ti fa tuffare in una Firenze settecentesca. Comodo perché a due passi dagli ospedali Meyer e Careggi. Ci ritorneremo per viaggi personali

Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2016

Tiziano

Capodanno 2016 a Firenze!

Io e mia moglie abbiamo soggiornato presso la struttura 3 giorni per capodanno 2016!
Ottima sistemazione credo migliore nei mesi non invernali,unica pecca la distanza dal centro (45' a piedi)
Ottimo servizio bus x il centro puntuale,fermata davanti alla struttura.costo ) 1,50 a biglietto

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Nov 2015

serge

Séjour tres agréable

Maison d'hôte super, j'ai fait confiance aux autres commentaire pas dessus, le bus 4 nous amène en ville sans problème. Merci

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2015

francine

Séjour romantique sur les hauteurs de Florence

Nous avons trouvé ce B&B très chaleureux, romantique, dans une demeure de caractère de 1700, avec du mobilier d'époque et des plafonds identiques aux palais florentins! Que demandez de plus, quand on vient pour un week end en amoureux, un parc fermé avec parking gratuit et sécurisé, ce qui est rare à Florence, un jardin magnifique, les cyprès italiens, le bus à 100 m qui vous amène en 20 mns au centre de Florence, un bon petit déjeuner, du personnel sympa, bref, on y reviendra c'est sur!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2015

peter

Mooie villa met goede kamers en correcte service. Goede ligging, buiten Firenze, met bushalte om de hoek. Zeker aan te bevelen voor citytrip.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2015

Marco

Ape Rosa: promossa!

Ottima soluzione per visitare Firenze . Comodo per i bus , zona tranquilla , personale gentile e disponibile, ottima colazione.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2015

Patricia

Simplement parfait.

Ape Rosa est le B&B idéal pour visiter Florence. Accueil chaleureux et familial, chambre propre et stylée dans une belle demeure du 18ème siècle campée dans un très beau jardin. Le petit déjeuner est délicieux et complet. On peut stationner en sécurité dans la propriété et rejoindre le centre de Florence en bus en 1/4 d'heure, l'arrêt est à moins de 5mn à pied. Le quartier est très calme.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2015

Verified traveler

Wohltuend ruhiges Hotel mit Garten

Ein insgesamt sehr netter Ort um Florenz zu erkunden. Ruhig, nettes Personal, familiäre Atmosphäre und sehr nette klassisch eingerichtete Räume. Einziger Minuspunkt, es gibt Zimmer (so auch meines) die zum Hof hinaus liegen und nur sehr kleine Fenster haben. Die sind dann so dunkel dass man auch am Tag Licht einschalten muss.

Florenz Zentrum ist prima per Bus zu erreichen. 5 Minuten Fußmarsch zur Haltestelle, alle 20 Minuten ein Bus. Passt !!

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2015

Gilles

Villa au calme

Dans une petite rue sur les hauteurs de Florence, nous avons découvert cette villa XVIIe, qui aurait appartenu à Joseph Bonaparte !! Havre de paix dans cette grande ville avec un jacuzzi très apprécié après les visites d'une Florence surchauffée (+ de 40°), donc à éviter en été. Très bien tenue, la villa en ravira plus d'un.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2015

Claus

Historic hotel

Very nice hotel friendly service a bit outside the center, historic hotel and nice jacuzzi in the garden

Partner