Park Hotel Napoleone

We found mouse droppings in the room during the night. When we told the staff right away, they were rude and arrogant, mocked us, and played down how serious it was. The mosquito screens were covered with pigeon feathers and droppings, and the room smelled stale, musty, and suffocating. The place looked visibly dirty and neglected, nearly unhygienic. We stayed one night at Park Hotel Napoleone – 4-Star Hotel on Elba Island (Via di S. Martino, 58, 57037 San Martino LI), and were greeted rudely and unprofessionally on arrival. This was completely unacceptable. Management seemed irresponsible, and the customer service disgraceful. A hotel like this shouldn’t even call itself a “hotel.” We’ll never return and strongly advise against staying here if you care about your health and dignity.

It’s a cozy place up in the mountains, and the chateau/mansion is big and beautiful from the outside. There’s a restaurant and bar, though the bar gave me a bit of a creepy The Shining feeling. The pool was OK for an afternoon swim, parking is free, and the staff are kind. My room was small but had what I needed. If you’ve got a car in Elba, I’d strongly recommend booking here. It isn’t by the beach. I’d like to come back next time I’m in Elba.

When I visited in 2025, Booking.com had made a mess of my reservation, but Jessica the manager and Irene at reception sorted it out quickly and efficiently. Hotel Napoleone is still my go-to on Elba, though next time I might book directly to avoid issues. I visit the island once a year for a short break, since it’s close to Lucca, and this has been my hotel of choice since I found it. The location is perfect, and the old-style service comes with a smile. It’s often fully booked for good reason. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. See you again in 2025.

The room on the fourth floor felt like a servants’ attic. The bed was just a frame and mattress, the furniture flimsy, the lighting poor, and there weren’t enough outlets to charge our devices. The air conditioner was noisy and didn’t cool the room at all. The room was old in a bad way and badly appointed. Why have a beautiful porte cochère if it’s roped off, forcing guests to carry their bags from the car all the way to reception? The lift is badly installed in an area that looks like it should only be for staff. My cappuccino was lacklustre, and breakfast was marginal at best. Such a shame, this hotel could be magnificent. Awful stay, just one night.