San Montano Resort & Spa

The free shuttle to the beach was really useful, and the beach is one of the island's best. The staff were incredible, the food was sensational, especially breakfast, and it was even better with that view. The hotel has lots of classic character. I usually think I prefer smaller hotels over resorts, so I didn't expect to love this place as much as I did. It felt magical. I can't wait to come back!

The only pool that was properly warm was the main one. The cliffside pools were basically cold and empty, which was a big disappointment in the first week of October, though that might feel nice in midsummer. Everything else largely matched a five-star resort's service and price. We were upgraded to a newly renovated suite, so I can't say whether I'd feel differently about the room we originally booked. Helpful staff were everywhere, and the on-demand shuttle to the beach or town was flawless, so we used it daily. Breakfast and lunch were phenomenal, as was the sunset cocktail bar. The spa area was also very nice, even without booking a service. We ate dinner in town because the nighttime atmosphere at the resort wasn't really our thing. Food and drinks cost roughly twice what they do elsewhere on the island.

Getting to our daily activities was easy, thanks to the staff's knowledge and the convenient shuttle. They were also great at suggesting island restaurants for dinner. The location works well for visiting both Lacco Ameno and Forio. Our room was clean and comfortable, the food and drinks were delicious, and everyone on staff was incredibly helpful and nice. We loved starting every morning with breakfast. We've recommended San Montano to anyone heading to Ischia and hope to visit again soon.

I'm responding to your reply to my September 25 Trip Advisor review, which rated the stay 2 out of 5. Your answer was disappointing, tried to whitewash the situation, and in my view fudged the facts. It only made me more certain that my points were accurate. I don't accept that water entered through the balcony door. There was no water on that side of the room at first. It collected on the other side and spread. You said the balcony door had no issue, then seemed to blame us, without acknowledging that the hotel did nothing about our badly flooded room. We were also kept out of the room for over two and a half hours when checking in the previous day because we were told the floor was wet. That makes me think there was already a problem with that room. Producing steam requires very hot water. That water ran down the wall and pooled by the entrance because the drain couldn't handle it, and my wife stepped in it. That's a fact. Instead of admitting a fault, you fudged the answer and said your 'certified technician' had fixed it. Unprofessional. Your hotel is quite isolated, about 3 km from the ferry terminal, and you provide a shuttle to the nearest place for activities. For guests paying €800 a night for a 20sqm room, collecting and dropping them at the ferry would feel hospitable, instead of leaving them to the island's taxi Mafiosa! The wine wasn't measured. The waiter poured it straight from the bottle into my glass. It was local island wine, not a Super Tuscan. Your explanation about 'official Italian restaurant and bar regulations' was nonsense and another attempt to fudge things. I was charged €20 for about 50 to 60cl in a glass, and the waiter said that amount was set by the owner. A complete rip off, shockingly mean. Neither my wife nor I could find any prepared fruit for a fruit salad. We start breakfast with it at every hotel we stay in. We both looked, and didn't see anyone else with or eating fruit salad either. Your response to my 2 out of 5 rating only confirms that it was deserved.