Il Pellicano

Facilities: The saltwater pool, private beach club, retro grass tennis court, luxurious gym, and spa were highly praised for their quality and maintenance. The gym, in particular, was called one of the best among Mediterranean hotels.

The hotel is aesthetically pleasing; however, the service provided is merely average and the costs are exorbitantly high. The shuttle service to a nearby village, located just 15 minutes from the hotel, is priced at 120 euros, which is quite unreasonable. Spa treatments exceed 300 euros and do not offer anything extraordinary. I have experienced superior spa hotels worldwide, none of which were as costly as this one. Moreover, the presence of bees poses a significant inconvenience, as they prevent guests from enjoying breakfast or lunch at certain times. The bathroom is excessively humid and lacks proper ventilation, resulting in it becoming drenched after showering. Furthermore, the beds emit a damp odor. Given the premium pricing, the margin for error should be nonexistent; unfortunately, this standard is not met.

Before arrival, check-in was postponed from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., but fortunately the room was ready on time. For such a legendary hotel, a refresh is overdue. The suite had a breathtaking view, but felt dated — lighting, décor, minibar, and amenities all need modernisation. Other Italian properties manage to retain charm while upgrading; here, everything seems frozen in time. Dining Night 1: Excellent Michelin-starred dinner. Night 2: Grill restaurant — good but far from exceptional for this category. Organisation “Club Med” approach: first come, first served for sunbeds or prime tables. Guests stake out spots at 7 a.m., leaving areas half-empty for hours. True dolce farniente is hard to enjoy when you’re racing for the best locations. Terraced sunbeds require walking to the bar to order drinks — a simple call button (as at Eden Roc) would be more fitting. Positives • Boutique with refined, fashion-forward items (though parasols shown online weren’t available on-site). • Superb tennis court. • Simple but efficient gym, too small at peak times. Areas for improvement • Room not up to luxury standards or the claimed authenticity. • Aperitif bar plagued by burnt coffee smell used to repel insects — less intrusive options exist. • Very limited non-alcoholic drink choice. • Pianist plays indoors by the toilets while guests sit outside; a portable piano outdoors (as Belmond does) would create better atmosphere. • General modernisation needed: furniture, outdoor seating, corridor carpets, bathroom amenities, minibar, welcome gifts, and aperitif tapas (currently large salami/parmesan chunks and uncovered burrata attracting bees). • Spa waxing treatment was meticulous, but lacked proper lighting, ambiance, and audio system — plain décor, music via Bose speaker with “low battery” warning. Other notes Similar lack of modernity observed at sister property La Posta Vecchia two years ago — austere room, abandoned feel, though excellent fine dining. On multiple occasions, non-hotel guests set up fishing rods and coolers right in front of us on the beach — surprising for a luxury property. In summary Il Pellicano has undeniable charm and an exceptional location, but an upgrade is essential to meet today’s international standards. Authenticity can be preserved while offering more comfort and service. Social media paints a dream, but the reality falls short.