This is a third generation family owned hotel. The owner, Riccardo, his children Gabriele, Anna Rosa, and additional hotel family Max, Ivo and Lavinia welcomed us and made us feel like a part of their family instantly. They couldn’t do enough for us. We have traveled extensively and stayed in many 5 star hotels… but none of them were as wonderful as our stay at Hotel Elios!
The rooms are not elaborate but are very well presented and all of our needs were more than well met (even the bedding was quite comfortable)! The hotel staff that took care of our rooms were friendly and super considerate – they were quietly attentive to our schedule and knew the best time to come and clean without disturbing our stay. Everything was always spotless and perfect – daily!!
And I cannot say enough about the food….3 full meals a day, included in the cost of our room. The breakfast and appetizers are served buffet style, but you get to choose your first & second courses for lunch and dinner (and also dessert), which are served at your table. And be prepared, there is no way that you will go hungry because the portions are virtually never ending. All of the food is freshly made right there, including the pastas, breads, and pizzas. We were up one night while Riccardo himself was baking bread and pizzas! The wait staff are all over the top cheerful & attentive.
The hotel has its own private beach across the street, where we had reserved sun loungers and a table with a sun umbrella, again, all included in the cost of our stay. We got to meet and interact with many of the other hotel guests, making new friends from around the world! The beach has a very large and safe lagoon bathing area which is patrolled by lifeguards, outdoor table tennis, showers, a lovely beach bar (run by Riccardo’s son, Gabriele), bocci ball areas, and even inflatables rafts and toys for the children.
The trip was a family reunion for us, which in itself was a happy and wonderfully perfect event. Riccardo and his family and staff made it all the more perfect by creating the feeling that we really were at home.
It's the friendliness and the extra thoughtfulness that puts this hotel and its people head & shoulders above the rest!! We will be back!!