Hotel Il Pellicano

If barefoot luxury along the Italian coastline is what you’re after, then Hotel Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, Tuscany, may be just what you’re looking for. Originally opened in the 1960’s, this relaxed seaside hotel gained its eminence through hushed word-of-mouth amongst only the chicest of the chic. Today, under new management, Hotel Il Pellicano offers a more refined approach to hospitality while maintaining its insider prestige. With two restaurants, a small but well-run spa, a tennis court and its own heated seawater pool, we wouldn’t be surprised if you never left.

Top Tips

• With 34 rooms in the main building and a cluster of 16 cottages scattered around the hotel's gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice. While all the rooms and suites are equally well appointed and lushly designed, previous guests have recommended booking one of the sea view rooms. If you’re looking to be amidst the action of the hotel, we recommend requesting a room that is closer to the the pool and restaurant. But if you like more privacy (and a few golf cart rides) we recommend booking one of the garden rooms which are further away from the main building.

• It is worth noting that Hotel Il Pellicano is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible by any means. With its outside terraces on different levels connected only by steps and its sprawling and steep hotel grounds, travellers with mobility issues will find difficulty getting around. If your mobility issues are not dire however, you may have some luck with the rooms within or closer to the main building or for further rooms, you might be able to request daily golf cart transfers to and from your room.  

• For those of you travelling with children, it is worth noting that Hotel Il Pellicano is unable to house children under the age of 12. This is because the hotel is more geared towards couples and wants to preserve their romantic and intimate settings. That being said, young travellers over the age of 12 are more than welcome.

• The piece de resistance of Hotel Il Pellicano has to be their private seafront terrace beach, accessible to hotel guests by lift. What awaits you as you descend onto the sandy beaches are soft loungers, white parasols and a fleet attentive staff ready to serve. If you’re planning on spending all day on a lounger, make sure to come down early and book a lounger as they are quite limited. Pro tip: after a long day of soaking up the sun, why not head to the in-house spa that offers a wide array of pampering treatments designed to restore energy, clear the mind, rejuvenate and balance, in an environment that delights all senses and combines nature with luxury.

• If we’re looking to make the most of your trip in Porto Ercole, we recommend hiring a rental car for the duration of your stay. While the roads might be slightly bumpier than you’re used to, there isn’t really any public transport for you to rely on. Besides being able to beach hop as your heart desires, you’ll also get to admire the coastline in your own time. If driving italian roads seems too daunting for you, the reception staff of Hotel Il Pellicano will be more than happy to help you sort out transport and excursions.