Il Pellicano
One Michelin Key
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Expert Review: Il Pellicano
Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, Italy, stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and understated luxury on the Tuscan coast. This Michelin Key One-Key property consistently garners high praise for its breathtaking setting, exceptional service, and refined atmosphere.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Il Pellicano consistently receives exceptional guest ratings, with an impressive overall rating of 9.4 on some platforms, demonstrating its ability to exceed expectations. Guests frequently describe it as "heaven on earth" and "pure magic," highlighting its luxurious and unforgettable experience. The prevailing sentiment is one of a sophisticated and romantic hideaway that embodies "La Dolce Vita."
2. Key Highlights
Guests are particularly enchanted by several aspects of Il Pellicano:
- Location & Views: Dramatically perched on a cliff top overlooking a private cove and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the hotel offers stunning, picturesque views. The terraced gardens leading down to the sea further enhance this idyllic setting.
- Impeccable Service: The staff performance is often rated perfectly (10.0 on some platforms), known for their warmth, professionalism, attentiveness, and personalized approach, often remembering guest preferences.
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes "timeless elegance" with a classic Tuscan vibe, described as stepping into a Slim Aarons photograph. The property integrates seamlessly with nature, featuring bougainvillea and chic suites.
- Dining Excellence: The presence of a Michelin-starred restaurant is a significant draw, alongside a more casual but equally praised Tuscan grill.
- Pool & Beach Club: The heated seawater swimming pool, with its cliffside perch and dramatic views, and the private rocky beach area, are highly cherished amenities.
3. Room Quality
Il Pellicano offers 50 spacious rooms and suites, some located in the main building and others in detached cottages scattered around the gardens. The rooms feature an understated contemporary decor with classic Tuscan undertones, incorporating natural wood furniture, unfinished tile floors, and terracotta potted plants. Key features include large beds, big windows, and private outdoor spaces (balconies or terraces), with many offering breathtaking sea views. Bathrooms are equipped with heated towel racks, marble countertops, and dual sinks. Minibars are often complimentary with high-quality soft drinks and snacks, replenished daily.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel boasts two primary dining options:
- Ristorante Il Pellicano: This gourmet restaurant holds one Michelin star (maintained since 2018 under Chef Michelino Gioia). It's celebrated for its gourmet dishes that blend French and Italian flavors, utilizing Tuscany's finest ingredients. Guests praise the perfect cooking and innovative presentations.
- Pelligrill Restaurant: Offering a more informal, alfresco dining experience, Pelligrill serves fresh fish, local seafood, Chianina steak, and homemade pasta with sea views. It's a favorite for sunset dinners and delivers on flavor and variety.
- Breakfast: Described as a "feast," the buffet-style breakfast includes variations of eggs, Tuscan cheeses, cured meats, tarts, yogurts, and fruit cakes, enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Il Pellicano is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Staff are described as super friendly, well-trained, attentive, and proactive. From seamless check-ins to remembering guest preferences, the team goes above and beyond to provide a personalized experience. Housekeeping is noted for its quality and thoroughness, with towels and amenities replaced twice daily.
6. Location & Accessibility
Il Pellicano is located on a cliff top in Porto Ercole, on the Monte Argentario Peninsula in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany. This area is known for its rugged beauty, lush landscapes, and relative remoteness, offering a sense of privacy. While offering a tranquil escape, it's about a two-hour drive from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport. The hotel offers easy access to its private rocky beach and a heated seawater pool. Day trips to the Maremma coast and inland Tuscan hill towns are also possible. However, with many steps and steep pathways, the hotel may not be ideal for guests with limited mobility or wheelchairs.
7. Value & Pricing
Il Pellicano is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. With an average room price around $651, it's higher than the average in Porto Ercole (around $440). However, many guests consider the unparalleled experience to be "worth every penny," offering "exceptional value for money" for a luxury hotel. Some reviews mention rates around €790 per night in high season for standard rooms, and splurging on sea view rooms can push prices higher, potentially around $1,500.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- Room Noise & Privacy: Some guests have noted that the artisan tile floors in the main building can create noise for lower units. There have also been isolated complaints about a lack of privacy between rooms, particularly in older reviews, with limited separation between balconies.
- Bathroom Design: An older review mentioned small, narrow bathrooms in some cottages with showers lacking proper glass doors or curtains, leading to water on the floor.
- Beach/Pool Service Proactivity: One guest mentioned that service at the pool/beach could be more proactive, requiring guests to approach the bar or lifeguard staff to order.
- Gym Limitations: The gym, while well-equipped with TechnoGym equipment, is described as being on the smaller side, and there may be restrictions on usage hours to avoid disturbing other guests.
- High Prices for Extras: While the overall value is appreciated, specific items like a pizza margherita priced at 60 euros have been noted as a "stretch." Also, some past services, like hairdressing, were considered overpriced.
- Room Decor (Subjective): A very critical review described some rooms as "plain," "out-of-date," or "depressing," resembling abandoned storage lockers, though this view contrasts sharply with the majority of feedback.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- •Bathroom Design:** An older review mentioned small, narrow bathrooms in some cottages with showers lacking proper glass doors or curtains, leading to water on the floor.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
