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Il Pellicano
After leaving Montegrotto Terme, we headed south to Porto Ercole. For years I had wanted to stay at Il Pellicano, one of the legendary classic hotels on the Italian coast.
I had decided to book the hotel quite early in 2022. When choosing a room, I was particularly attracted to the Argentario suite as it has its own pool. I like that sort of thing. At just under €2,200 per night, it wasn't cheap and was the most expensive option in the hotel, but it appealed to me too much. The surcharge for a master suite was around €600 per night. When I looked again in mid-2023 to see if there were any special offers (naive idea, I know), I saw that the prices had doubled in the meantime. During my dates (second half of October, shortly before the end of the season), the smaller suites now cost around €3000 and when they were available, the Argentario suite cost around €4000. I wouldn't have booked it for that, so I was lucky again. Even on the way, you realise that you're not going to a metropolis. Porto Ercole is located on a peninsula that is characterised by tourism. To reach the hotel itself, you have to take a narrow winding road. You ring the bell at a gate and then drive to the main building. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e938e1bfa8.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...416e5611f5.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4a98adbcbc.jpg The main house breathes the air of the past, but I mean that in a positive way. Much is dominated by the pelican. There is a lobby area on the right. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...40763e5225.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...56f09aeea3.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...75e9ced2c3.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...84d3285b64.jpg The centre is the main room with seating and a view of the terrace. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...93a8f57b3b.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ccba3305ec.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9a3368c17.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...545900b6c6.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d1306167fa.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ba81585662.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14ba38cd52.jpg Next to it is the bar area, behind it the restaurant (more on this later). https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc2affe884.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...271ae35868.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c88a92c2e1.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...66c26815ae.jpg |
Il Pellicano
I don't normally say much about welcome gifts. It's usually a bottle of wine that I don't like and regularly spoil (same goes for champagne). Here, however, the first gift (which was not an official Virtuoso inclusion) was a voucher for a boat trip, which of course I love.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ebb18d2164.jpg But there's also a lot waiting on our living room table. That's definitely above average:tu: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...78fcf7d39b.jpg |
Now compared to the company retreat hotel from the 70s, this is what I would expect when paying... how much????
The advance purchase price is about on the upper level of what I can imagine paying for a great hotel if I had the money, but damn. the other price, that's more than my montly expenses, including mortgage and a fairly nice car. |
Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
(Post 35967162)
Now compared to the company retreat hotel from the 70s, this is what I would expect when paying... how much????
The advance purchase price is about on the upper level of what I can imagine paying for a great hotel if I had the money, but damn. the other price, that's more than my montly expenses, including mortgage and a fairly nice car. In general, prices have lost all reference to reality. The fascinating thing is that the hotels are often fully booked despite prices from €2000, €4000 to €5000 for a standard or even junior suite. It's also important to remember that I travelled in October, which is the absolute low season in some of the hotels I visited, just before they close. They charge different prices in summer. To be honest, I was a bit annoyed with myself after the trip when I added everything up. A lot of money had already been spent. If you add to that the trip in February, which was still overpriced in comparison, you shouldn't even think about it. At the moment, I'm still determined not to go on such crazy trips again this year. |
958 is still too much if the hotel looks like that... even with all the service and all that.
Flex booking, but booked in advance. Anyway outside my price category, the one night is what I have budgeted for hotels for a week plus for my driving holiday this summer (not sure if realistic... revenue management in hotels has gotten a bit too good.) |
Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
(Post 35967651)
958 is still too much if the hotel looks like that... even with all the service and all that.
Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
(Post 35967651)
the one night is what I have budgeted for hotels for a week plus for my driving holiday this summer (not sure if realistic... revenue management in hotels has gotten a bit too good.)
|
Yeah, the days when I could comfortably budget 10 EUR per 100km in fuel cost are gone. But well, what can one do.
I used to aim at 100 EUR per night average within Europe for a reasonable 4*. Yeah some places it was optimistic, but for every Paris where I paid 130 I could find a Berlin where I paid 70. Not anymore, I don't think, Looking at my plans for the summer, anything under 150 will be a big win, anything under 200 acceptable, and some places are just like forget it, this is not for you anymore (and I'm not talking south of France either) |
Il Pellicano
You can stay in the Pellicano in the main house and then in several small cottages. The latter are the most expensive options. You can get there from the main house via a small road with a footpath running alongside it.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...88dd3b194c.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d6b0bd8b2d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b7136f0a7.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44fd29b1f8.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...773cfc9098.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7affe004ce.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...76c2178be3.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3823b1aac0.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...020c64c515.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...221ad4278d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cf874844ce.jpg There is also a tennis court. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f46425d51.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...739842fc88.jpg |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 35976089)
That looks fantastic. . I’m assuming the monopoly set was a gift amenity?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...903466c94.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bc31af5a9.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...df2defa6e.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d167d645c.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0b56ac750.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2abde609c.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0643dbedb.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4dc6fd760.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0662fd793.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e3044d9c5.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0a39ffd92.jpeg |
Il Pellicano
Let's move on to the room. The suite occupies the upper floor of a small cottage.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1e1d92424f.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...94b5b2dd39.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...21d860a60c.jpg One of the advantages of the Argentario Suite is that you can park your car right outside the door. There is also a carport opposite, but they parked my car right next to the house, which I kept. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...76d9e3198c.jpg The suite has 2 bedrooms, which of course we didn't need. But then you have 2 bathrooms, which is an advantage. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5120ef386.jpg The central room is the living room. It is a nice size with a fireplace, sitting area and dining area. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a030b81cb8.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...09f38d5ad8.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b4b8300b8e.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9cfd3a3aed.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c53c2eb76b.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a920392074.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d719d9d138.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...81efb4af4b.jpg The furnishings are certainly not the latest trend, but that's part of the charm. What I liked were the many details. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b222b7957e.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ec531f7d2c.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e22eab9353.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dc27e601d6.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...41f8ec3ad3.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...db06840d19.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e294670b4d.jpg The master bedroom was reached via a few steps. A mirrored wall gave it a spacious feel. The bed was immaculate. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...781415e3eb.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...83b8b360dd.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1b85eb9012.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2d3275db16.jpg A small corridor led off the bedroom, where the wardrobes and a make-up area were located. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c52fe8989c.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bc6214ae00.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f6d58d9d7.jpg The main bathroom was also accessed from here. On the plus side, it was large, had 2 washbasins, a modern bathtub and a window. What I didn't like was the open shower area with a wooden floor. Overall, I wasn't a fan, even though there was nothing wrong with the hardware. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...69eb37de24.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...80417a8aad.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ecbd0bfaee.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c819cffef2.jpg What was less good was that I found a strange hair in the shower, for example. That could be cleaned better. Then a few words about the second sleeping area. You can get there from the living room, the bedroom and a bathroom lead off the hallway, and there is also a corridor to the lower part of the house. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...68cc89446a.jpg The bathroom was not huge, but OK for a second bathroom. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3137a0ff0e.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74dc19cb19.jpg The second bedroom was a musty room (yes, it smelled rather unpleasant), really nothing nice. I find it hard to say that this is possible for a child. Unless you want to convince your offspring to go to holiday camp next time rather than bother their parents;) I would describe it as an emergency solution. But it was fine for storing suitcases. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5695a2c191.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f862bd2bd8.jpg Incidentally, the door to the basement was open one day, housekeeping had obviously forgotten to close it again. Not really cool. I called reception and asked them to lock the door. It would be good to have a bolt to lock the door from the inside. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ddaecb88a7.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f20b821db3.jpg |
Il Pellicano
But I mentioned something about a pool, so let's take a look at the terrace.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6359ca4058.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c544b80e44.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4921a7bb88.jpg There is no pool here, but there is a beautiful view. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4558c1a1be.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b583ec135e.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23d6d222d5.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...47eca90fa2.jpg But there was still a small way to go. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0dadd16876.jpg On a second terrace, there it was: the pool. The first impression was very positive, because it really was a proper pool that would serve as the main pool in many a hotel. There was also a seating area (a little dirty), deckchairs and a shower. There was a second terrace a little higher up, but it was closed off. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...62e4fcba5c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ab0b7db46.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...50650181c7.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...464aed9df0.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d677e06432.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...afb4cd67f6.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2320f26bf0.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44d04726ca.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...806b750a88.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f005a9546.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b9e753ec4.jpg So far, so beautiful. But the joy was somewhat dampened when I put my hand in the water. The pool was unheated and therefore very cold. Of course, I used it on principle, but it wasn't really a relaxing splash. Even the massage jets didn't help. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2e8d5049e9.jpg It must also be said that the pool was already showing its age. I think the counter-current system hasn't been working for a while. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b55bbbd87.jpg The pool was very nice in the evening and I like a quick dip after dinner. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5329c036f.jpg But it was a unique experience. Let me put it this way: the local mosquitoes still talk about the fool in the pool and the feast that went with it. |
Il Pellicano
I already mentioned that we had a voucher for a boat trip. However, we were told every day that a trip was not possible due to the weather conditions. I thought it all looked normal and wondered what kind of nutshell of a boat it was. Of course, I had my snorkelling gear with me and had planned at least one snorkelling trip.
So I wanted to take a closer look at the beach, or rather the bathing area. You can go down on foot or use a lift. However, the lift only made a good impression to a limited extent. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...792b401592.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...02adb53039.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f6d9de75e8.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...88fcec8f38.jpg There were plenty of deckchairs, so the sign was rather superfluous and, in my opinion, irritating anyway. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...78a0f03c3b.jpg You can only speak of a beach to a limited extent, it is more of a bathing area with sunbathing opportunities built up in steps. Even though a few people were sunbathing in the upper rows, I realised that swimming, snorkelling or boating were not really on the cards. It may well be that my life insurance would refuse to pay out if I tried to swim. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...858519c0c7.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4251636a65.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e4e88364b4.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44bf54d4bf.jpg I also made a video. |
Il Pellicano
Time for the first dinner.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c97c5e5ab.jpg The hotel has the casual Grill and the Pellicano Restaurant, which has one star. During our stay, the grill was closed as mentioned and both menus were offered in the main restaurant. I have to be honest, I didn't like it, especially as a starred restaurant. Yes, the room has a wonderful wallpaper, but with an empty large table in the centre and a high volume, the atmosphere just wasn't right. It somehow felt a bit like half a storeroom. Perhaps OK as a casual restaurant, but not so great for a fine dining Michelin-starred restaurant. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f8512f95a4.jpg We decided to eat from the grill menu on the first evening (except for dessert). https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9e2695cd89.jpg Some of the dishes were daily specials, such as the octopus and the truffle pasta. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eaa812e7f2.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb6600cde6.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...026b601d78.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ed64a129b.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...511ca119a0.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ec669357a4.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad95bb73b2.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c9c9b3e7d.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14628df39f.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ec9f7343a.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57983f22f9.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c669f7788e.jpg The food was good, but also came with a hefty price tag. Sure, pasta with truffles is always a bit more expensive, but €90 is quite a lot. The price of the rice was a surprise, by the way - you're not told beforehand and I didn't ask. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...80e5297aa1.jpg |
Il Pellicano
Breakfast was served in the main restaurant, and the room was well suited for this.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2074c2868d.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c3d2a77b2e.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e3bf722b2f.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12a3e8063a.jpg There was a good buffet and dishes to order, but I didn't find them outstanding. Overall, however, we were satisfied. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b0acd10236.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...06566072cb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d3ab565ca9.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b02afe5390.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad362ded6e.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b6740d589a.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...81ae84a5cb.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b3f266b7da.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...724ff2de31.jpg |
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