Hotel Il Nido

This hotel is situated in a beautiful place , right on the beach and the swimming is excellent . It is situated near lovely family restaurant s and a quick walk into Tellaro. It is particularly good because there is ample parking which is quite rare . We were asked to pay for a second time the 5 euro local tax in the morning when we were checking out . I personally saw my husband pay it the night before in cash . We made the mistake of not obtaining a receipt for first payment and the ladies on the desk were very strident and instant on us paying a second time . Kindness and helpfulness is not sadly in abundance here

I felt compelled to write a review so that other families are not treated this way. Upon arriving I could tell the lady behind the desk was not the friendliest and immediately had us signing paperwork and paying a $200 deposit “in case we break anything”—ok… there was no welcome, no smile—we were given no information to get to our apartment but after some hunting we eventually found it. The main problem was that there was a misunderstanding about a cot I requested for my child—which they interpreted as a crib for a baby. I wasn’t thrilled with a pack and play but since my 8 year old boy is the size of a 5/6 year old he fit great and I did not complain. He slept great! The next day when we returned to the room, I found they took the pack and play. A different but similarly sour front desk lady acted like she didn’t speak English to my husband but became very proficient with me. I went downstairs to have this lady yell at me that I had asked for a crib for a baby and that they took the pack and play out because my son was 8. I explained that I never indicated I had a baby. Why didn’t they take it out the pack and play the night before if it was a problem for my son to sleep in it? Why without telling me the next day? Where is he supposed to sleep now? She could care less—“just squeeze in with the others” she said. Her mission was to make sure I was wrong about absolutely everything and that she was right no matter what instead of acknowledging a misunderstanding. A truly unhappy woman that should not deal with customers ever. I decided to forget this experience and enjoy the beach with my kids later that day—and then the other sour woman chased me down the stairs with a highlighted paper indicating the ages for cribs. Totally unhelpful as it had nothing to do with the misunderstanding—I didn’t see any request for childrens ages at booking and did not did not see any of the information she showed me online! The out of date paper she showed me indicated free breakfast too—also not the case anymore so you can see how clear their information is. I have asked for extra beds/ cots at many hotels and agriturismos and never had this problem. I couldn’t believe this lady chased me down to the beach in front of my kids (incredibly inappropriate) to try to prove something—it was pointless and I just told her I wasn’t getting into an argument with them again! I have no desire to continue arguing on what is supposed to be a vacation. The last weird thing they did was physically check the room while we were still there to get our deposit back. I have to say the only saving graces were the sweet bartender, the nice beach and kayaks and kind housekeeping. This review will surely mean nothing to them as they will continue full of tourists and I’m sure the response will be ugly as you can see in past reviews. But if you care at all about kindness, customer service, understanding or friendliness—it will not be found at this hotels front desk.

Beautiful

Hotel is split by the road from Lerici to Tellaro. Most rooms are on the opposite of the road to the main part of the hotel. Not suitable for the frail or disabled due to many steps and no lifts. Rooms are clean and nicely decorated. Superior rooms have a terrace with sea views, sun loungers and a small table. You are not allowed to keep food or drinks in the room fridge. Don't know why. Good choice of food for continental breakfast but no hot food and no self service (due to Covid rules). Nice sea views from restaurant. Breakfast is the only meal available in the hotel but there are some excellent restaurants in Tellaro (approx 1/4 mile away) and Lerici (approx 2 miles away). There are lots of steps from the rooms to the main hotel and then down to the (very small) private beach. There are several (south-facing) terraces on the way down to the beach for sitting and lounging and a small bar just above the beach for drinks and snacks.

We stayed few days in the apartment “ il polipo”. It was nice and big enough, there was even a nice terrace with the view on the sea. The Location is great, the beach is very close and you don’t need to get the car everyday if you want to go to the sea.