Hotel Relais delle Picchiaie - Portoferraio

Liked the view from the garden and pool a lot - like a hotel brochures dream come true. Also want to positively mention the staff - one of them (maybe the owner?) even spoke German and has a very warm and friendly way. They even heated the Sauna in afterhours for us. We felt like a guest and not just "customers" - which is rarely the case in most hotels nowadays. But one special thing to be beared in mind: the hotel is located outside of Portoferraio, so a car is absolutly necessary to get to and from the hotel.

Beautiful place.

The web pages photograph are less although reality.

This hotel is "nice" but very stuffy. If hotels are going to be this stuffy they need to deliver on food and service...this one does not, so it just becomes uncomfortable. The food is not great,the menus are about 10-15 years out of date - lots of sauces!!. With such bountiful local produce it should be clean and simple. The rooms are big and clean, with great airconditioning. The biggest draw back is that transport is a must. It really is in the back of beyond, but does have lovely views. There were never enough sunbeds. I would strongly recommend not going half/full board. Lots of great places to eat in Portaferria, look out for the ones that do the menu of the day. they may not look like much, but by 9-930 they will be stuffed with locals. Would definatley go back to Elba, but not to this hotel.