Boutique Hotel Esplanade

We spent four days here and there was a wedding at the hotel every one of them. The noise was the worst part. The music went on loudly each evening, to the point that we could barely hear our TV, even though we’d come for a relaxing holiday. We also weren’t told when booking or checking in that weddings would affect what hotel guests could use. On wedding days, which meant all four days for us, the pool was off limits. We were asked to leave around midday and told we could use the Savoy pool or the beach club instead. That may suit some people, but I wanted to stay at the hotel we’d booked, near our room in case I needed to change or fetch something. The restaurant and room service were also unavailable, and we were sent next door to the Savoy for dinner, at Savoy prices. Guests at Esplanade felt like second-class visitors, sent back and forth for basic facilities. The staff were pleasant and tried to help, but management makes these decisions. After I emailed a complaint, the reply had no apology and simply insisted this was a luxury boutique hotel with excellent service. I’d expect better from a three-star hotel. My husband and I were extremely disappointed and shocked by how little consideration management showed its guests. As others have said, this seems to be a wedding venue first and a hotel second.

The one thing I liked was how beautiful and well kept the entrance, lobby, gardens, and pool looked. But weddings kept disrupting things, including several times when we were told to leave the pool early because an event was happening there. There are weddings here 5-6 times a week, and as a hotel guest I felt awkward and unwelcome on my own holiday. More than once, the parties in the gardens below my room kept me up past 1am. The service was poor, the rooms weren't great, one had no hairdryer, and the mini fridge in another didn't work. Milk went bad overnight and left a smell. Food and drinks were ridiculously expensive. A club sandwich cost €28, and breakfast was just okay, with fresh produce but terrible coffee and very unhelpful wait staff. Nearby, there are few restaurants, mostly run-down campsites and caravan parks. The beach is long but not very scenic, and it was pretty dirty with litter. Honestly, avoid this place. It feels like a wedding venue where guests aren't a priority. The area on the Cilento coastline was disappointing too, especially for such a hefty price tag. I'd avoid the sister hotel Savoy as well.

What made this stay so lovely was how kindly the staff treated us as an LGBTQ family. The warmth people associate with southern Italy really came through, and everyone made us feel welcome. We came as a family expecting a good mix of beach, pool, and culture, based on what I’d read online. The experience has gone well beyond that. The rooms are lovely and thoughtfully furnished, and the whole place looks like someone carefully assembled its art and collections. Breakfast was a highlight too, with wonderful yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, and local treats. I love a European breakfast, though you never quite know what you’ll get. This one was great.

The team made us feel at home throughout our stay, and that’s what I’ll remember most. Big thanks to Mario, Siham, Francesca, and Isabela at reception, and to Tatiana, Pasquale, and Franco in food and beverage. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. The beach club was spectacular, and the food at both Esplanade and its sister hotel, Savoy, was excellent. They source most ingredients from their own agricultural estate. We loved their rose wine, Vetere, so much that we brought bottles home, even if it made our luggage a little heavier. And don’t miss a wine tasting at Azienda Agricola San Salvatore. Esplanade Boutique Hotel in Paestum is beautiful and sits naturally in its peaceful surroundings. I loved the enchanting scent around the hotel, and the room was spotless. Their 24/7 cleaning service clearly keeps things in great shape. We’ve stayed in fantastic hotels around the world because of my work, and this one stood out. Leaving was hard, but we’re already counting down to another visit. Highly recommended! Bruna and Fernanda