Hotel San Lorenzo Thermal Spa

This place is a bit of a contradiction. Whilst aspiring to be high-end with its 6 pools and thermal springs, it is in fact really dated and seems stuck in time. The management appears to have no interest in dragging this place into the 21st century. Everything is in need of updating and renovating, the pool areas, rooms, common areas, breakfast. Disappointing for a place that has so much potential and would have been fantastic in its hey day of the 1980s. We did not make use of the many pools as common areas were not comfortable, especially the indoor pool which had broken floors and was poorly lit. Our room was ok and we spent time enjoying the balcony. The bathroom seems to have been updated in recent years and was clean and functioning, however the shower was very small. Upon arrival we were given a very long letter with information, however this letter managed to provide us with little information at all. We got to know dinner timings yes, but the menu or where the dinner actually was? No. Had they offered a half/full Board package, we might have gone for that. Information such as spa treatments, tours, local things to do, foods, shuttle into town was not included. I did notice a stand at reception with some pamphlets in it, this was the extent of their efforts. Does this hotel even have spa treatments? I have no clue. We did not enjoy breakfast as the spread was basic and had little to offer us. It did not show off the regions rich food culture. We instead bought our own food from the local supermarket and enjoyed that. The manager, Camilo, is a lovely man and I do hope they have some ideas for bringing this place up to date in the near future. It does seem, like other reviews have suggested, as a place for older (eg 70+ Italians) to come and retire.

Exceptional hotel, had an accident while I was there, (not on the premises) and we were looked after so well by manager and staff. Our rooms were changed to facilitate my injury, taxis to and from the hospital, everything taken care of. The food was fresh and good quality, facilities amazing, 6 pools and all thermal so even though it's May they were warm to swim in. Definitely going back next year.

Somewhere an Italian version of Readers Digest is promoting this hotel to older adults in Italy because it feels like a cross between a retirement community and Butlins. It predominantly caters for older Italians and singles. The photographs do not reflect reality, money has been spent on glitzy promotion rather than upkeep. We stayed on a bed and breakfast basis and were only permitted to sit on our alloted table in the inside breakfast room. The day we arrived the staff were distracted so we showed ourselves around. There were some particularly depressing pictures on the communal staircases. The room was a 'classic' despite paying a premium and we had no view or balcony-we were on the ground floor behind a hedge and the carpark. It was our 10th wedding anniversary and I'd sent a message in advance requesting a balcony. Everything in the room worked well and it was clean but old and in need of an upgrade. The facilities are run down. The spa facilities need attention and upkeep and there is equipment stored in the outside showers. On a positive note the gardens are well maintained and lovely and the hotel is 7 mins walk to Lacco Ameno down a steep flight of stairs. Lacco Ameno has a good range of restaurants and a lovely harbour for evening walks. There are bus stops outside the hotel to travel around the island. All journeys are €1.50. This is a buyer beware sort of place unless you are over 70, Italian and not that fussy.