Hotel Spa Elia

There were lots of young children in the hotel and restaurant during our visit, which we hadn't expected at a spa hotel. I believe children were allowed into the spa too. The room had very few amenities, and we had to ask for a second chair so we could sit and enjoy the view. There's no air conditioning in the rooms in December. Opening the windows was difficult because of smoke from nearby chimneys, and the small fan they gave us wasn't enough to keep the room cool. The hotel is near town, but restaurants and shops are still about a ten-minute walk down the road. The restaurant food was okay and service was mixed. One waiter went out of his way and remembered what we liked, and the man and woman serving breakfast were very attentive. Another waiter was rude at dinner on our first night and didn't tell us that our order wasn't available until we asked about it after 40 minutes. He was better at breakfast over the next couple of days, but that first impression stuck with us. The front desk staff seemed short on enthusiasm.

The spa facilities were in good shape, but the layout could use more thought. It's large, yet there was nowhere quiet to relax after the sauna, and no relaxation area. They don't control how many people come in, so it got crowded and very noisy. Two sofa-style chairs and two regular seats just aren't enough.

I'm here for a three-week trip, and having a washer in some rooms is helpful for a longer stay. The pool is fun, breakfast is wonderful, and the service is great.

It's just a few minutes' walk to town, and parking at the hotel was easy. My room had a stunning view of the town, and I enjoyed both breakfast and dinner at the excellent restaurant. The food and service were superb. I only wish I'd stayed longer.