Hotel L'Oleandro — Hotel in Marciana

Originally we booked this hotel on Elba because of low price, but we did not do our research before heading off on the last ferry to Elba island. What we did not realize is that the hotel is about 25km from the ferry port of Portoferraio. When we arrived on Elba after midnight we were informed that the buses were no longer running and a taxi driver wanted ~70 euro to take us to the hotel. We called hotel O'Leandro and found out that the manager (Mario) had been waiting up well past closing for our arrival - he proceeded to say he would continue to wait but advised against spending the money on a taxi as opposed to spending less on a hotel closer to the port. We appreciated the honesty and it ultimately worked out for our favor because we extended our trip an extra day to stay the next night at hotel L'Oleandro as a result.||||The hotel at the port, however, we would not recommend to anyone with other options. Hotel Massimo charged us almost 20 euro more than there comparable booking.com rate when we walked in asking for a room. The front desk staff was abrupt and rude and the breakfast was substandard at best. The room was still around the same cost as the taxi would have been and as a result of staying in the port until the next morning, we ended up getting a rental car. The rental car allowed us to see the majority of the island and enjoy the sites in one day, at our own speed. The rental place by the port has scooters from 35 euro and convertible cars for 65 euro for 24 hour periods. Along the way to the beaches in Sant'Andrea we saw the sign for Hotel L'Oleandro and had trouble finding it on our own.||||When we checked in, the manager (Mario) was unbelievably helpful and apologized immensely for the confusion the night before. He then proceeded to give us a wonderful room with a view and great deals on their homemade restaurant services. We checked in, and then left to explore more of Marciana as the sun set, but when we came back it was the most amazing view of fireflies all along the road to the hotel.||||The next morning for breakfast I had the most amazing homemade croissant ever. It was light and a little flakey, but it absolutely melted in your mouth, and not one was overcooked or burned like some hotel breakfasts. Mario also made time to sit down and talk with each customer who came in. He had heard us talking about snorkeling and he bragged how the hotel had a private beach access that was the best on the island for snorkeling and provided us with access to it as guests.||||We are still surprised how such an inexpensive gem appears so vastly undiscovered - but we liked it that way with its hidden small-town quaint and relaxing feel. On the other hand, we also are writing this to help Mario and his hotel get more business - the only complaints I really see people putting are about only having wifi in the lobby (not the rooms), but why would you need internet if you were in this beautiful place?!? I can't imagine any other hotel on the island providing this type of feel and we can't stop raving about it (especially if you get to the island early enough to catch the bus or get a...

So much of a "secret" it won't remain for a long. Absolutely fabulous location and great personal service! Kind of a family style Italian hotel which brings back memories of the past "good old hospitality of Italy", which is so often forgotten in the big hotel resorts of today.||Even though the rooms are relatively simple, they are nice and have either balconies or terraces, all with exceptional views!||Great to relax over a "Aperol Spritz" either on your balcony or on the terrace before dinner! Dinner is prepared by a great cook who will surely satisfy your needs of Italian cuisine. ||Mario is the soul and the spirit of the hotel and restaurant; he is taking care of his guests in an extraordinary way.||Nothing is a problem for him, he will master it. ||Be prepared for a little walk down to the mini beach and to the great granite cliffs and do as the Italians do: bring beach shoes.||Be also prepared for the odd mosquito sailing through the evening sky, although due to the location of the place on a cliff there is few to be found.||More||Wonderful walks through the Mediterranean Woods along the coast can bring you within a stone's throw to a Mouflon sheep, deer and other inhabitants of the dense forests of the North shore of the island.||You will not want to get up after dinner on the terrace .. you will want to stay on .. you will want to watch the day go and the night come .. and then stay a bit longer still!||Located at the end of a dead end road, the hotel Oleandro is safe from traffic noise, mind you, when the seagulls go to sleep, there is no noise apart from nature sounds.||Do not go there if you look for common luxury as in most seaside resorts, but .. also luxury is in the eyes of the beholder!||My wife and I have stayed in the luxury hotels of the world as well as in primitive huts in the jungle. Therefore we consider ourselves Travellers who are able to judge well.||For us it is the luxury of relaxation and nature, which will make us return .. plus the friendliness of Mario...

L'Oleandro is an excellent place for Geology groups who study the geology of L'Isola d'Elba. I selected this hotel for a 1-night stay with a group of 17: 2 faculty with 15 geology students. As evidence of suitability: the upper floor of the Hotel is constructed around