Hotel Il Pellicano

Starting out in 1965 as the product of a personal love story, Il Pellicano's deep-rooted romantic vibe is still present today. The hotel's surrounding rocky cliffs, dense shrub land, and uncharted bay reminded original owners Mr. and Mrs. Graham of their first meeting, and so they were inspired to create a "secret" hillside hideaway club for exclusive guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Henry Fonda, and Roberto Sciò, who fell in love with the place and became its new owner in the late 1970s. Over the years, Sciò has given the hotel a makeover, incorporating Italian design to give the space an authentic Tuscan feel.

Il Pellicano prides itself on its blue, green, and red color scheme, reflected in the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the area’s green shrub land, and the property's red building exterior. Inside, the colors are more neutral; natural wood furniture, unfinished tile floors, and terracotta potted plants maintain a rustic vibe. While the venue may not be opulent enough to service some of the same caliber guests as in the past, the beautiful scenery and upscale comforts are bound to please most.

Il Pellicano's slightly hidden location is set among the hillside island shrubbery between Mount Argentario and the sea. The hotel is a super-short drive to the center of Porto Ercole, once a small fishing port and now a major upmarket tourist hub. There’s not much to do in the town except roam the old streets or visit the ancient fortress. Il Pellicano is more than an hour’s drive from Pitigliano and Sorano, home to ancient Etruscan ruins and a Renaissance-era fortress. The closest big city is Grosseto, nearly an hour's drive north.

Il Pellicano has 34 Double rooms and an array of suite units, with some categories offered both in the main building and detached cottages. All spaces have slightly understated contemporary decor with classic undertones: Expect large beds, wooden furniture, big windows, and private outdoor spaces, as well as bathrooms with heated towel racks, marble countertops, and dual sinks. Upgrades to Deluxe Suites bring a residential feel with finer quality linens, designer fixtures, and sea views from both the private balcony and terrace. Master Suites top the luxury bundle with a garden setting and separate rooms; one unit is a villa with a personal seawater swimming pool. While the rooms' artisan tile floors are stunning, some claim they create a lot of noise for lower units. In the same vein, the detached cottage-based rooms are much quieter than those in the main building.

Il Pellicano has a wide selection of well-thought-out and awarded features. The most notable is the one Michelin-starred Il Pellicano restaurant, where a traditional Tuscan dinner menu is curated by a renowned chef and served in an elegant but casual setting. Another dining option is the alfresco Pelligrill, serving Tuscan specialties for lunch and dinner. There are also multiple bars on-site, including an outdoor cocktail spot where guests can learn to make their new favorite drinks from the hotel mixologist. There’s no lack of things to do: Visitors can lounge around the pool, receive a barrage of spa treatments at the large wellness center, or simply explore the property's gorgeously landscaped grounds. The hotel offers free gym access, Wi-Fi, and parking, as well as an on-site boutique for shopping. Pets are accepted.