Grand Hotel Elba International

The Grand Elba, situated close to the lively port town of Capoliveri, could almost cameo in an older James Bond film; a distinctly 70s air pervades the brown, reinforced-concrete balconies overlooking the Tyrrhenian and the wall-to-wall moss-green carpeting in the hallways. In short, it's safe to say that the name references the hotel's size rather than its decor style: With 130 rooms (one more than at the Hotel Hermitage), this slightly rambling hotel is one of the largest on the island. 

A wide three-story main building overlooking the bay, it retains a slightly eclectic mix of decor, combining faux green marble wall tiling and carpeting reminiscent of aging casinos with contemporary wicker furniture in the renovated lobby and outdoor patio area. Intermittent renovations keep the property from feeling completely outdated. Because of its size and the kid-friendly offerings, the hotel is popular with families and groups, and is particularly crowded around events like the Elba Island Rallye car race. 

The hotel overlooks the Tyrhennian on a winding road that runs along the eastern coast of Elba Island. It's about seven minutes by car from Capoliveri, a beautifully preserved Etruscan town that sits inland and offers plenty of eateries and a plethora of small shops. It's theoretically possible to walk to Capoliveri in 25 minutes, and reach one of the first restaurants in the area in 15 minutes, though the route isn't pedestrian-friendly (no sidewalks or even shoulder in some places). Porto Azzurro is about the same distance away, though is additionally reachable via water taxis that depart from a terminal abutting the private lido maintained by the hotel. The main island ferry terminals of Rio Marina and Portoferraio are both approximately a 25-minute drive away.

Austere materials characterize most of the rooms here; with a few exceptions of a decoratively hand-distressed wall, all are painted in stark white, and feature ceramic tile flooring of the most common variety. Fabric accents vary though many rooms incorporate blue and brown. Bathrooms are spartan, though the combination tub and showers are furnished with real tiles rather than a pre-fab stall. All rooms feature some sort of outdoor space, most with views that are undeniably lovely, some of which are downright breathtaking, and come with a table and between two and four chairs. Family Junior suites have a couch to be used as a bed contained within the same room, and some suites have a small separate living area. All rooms have a partially stocked mini-fridge, a hairdryer, paraben-free toiletries, AC, and an LCD TV with satellite channels.

The hotel’s small trip of private beach, which can get quite crowded, is accessible via a funicular departing from the property. It's a man-made beach with white sand but a stone edge, so access to the sea is via a ladder from the deck. Both the Hotel Capo Sud and Hotel Hermitage have real beaches, though the one at the Capo Sud is pebbly. 

There are two pools on the grounds, one with a hot tub and small waterfall and a shallow end for kids. A spa area offers wet and dry saunas as well as body services. The fitness center is sparsely equipped with a few dated cardio machines. Several dining options include a beachfront cafe, a daytime lunch canteen for kids (staffed during high season), and a restaurant overlooking Porto Azzurro on the main grounds. Both breakfast and half-board rates are available.