Judging from the reviews of this hotel we fully expected to find a charming boutique hotel..... well finding it was the first problem - there was no signage so after driving around the marina several times we happened to find it by accident.

The hotel is clean, very functional and completely devoid of charm. There is no artwork, no warm furnishings, no atmosphere whatsoever. It is not the sort of place where you would happily spend an evening drinking at the bar.

The pool looks great from the photos but what the pictures don't tell is that its directly on the main road and there is the constant noise of passing traffic - thank heavens for Ipods and headphones. They could do with investing in some decent loungers rather than the plastic variety with plastic mattresses - this was rather cheap and nasty and not what is expected from a 4 star establishment.

The hotel only serves breakfast, which to be fair, is a reasonable repast. However lunch and dinner will require a walk down to the marina (10 minutes) on the main road (with no pavements). In hot weather this is quite tedious especially the walk back which is uphill.

Our room was fine, although lacking in charm. The bed was large and very hard. TV had over 100 channels - not one in English!

The bathroom well appointed although for some reason the shower was hand held. Towels were very thin but adequate and the hotel provided all the essentials such as toothpaste, shavers etc.

The hotel is clearly trying hard but at this stage it falls well short of a good 4 star hotel in terms of ambience and service. The staff were especially nice and always trying to be helpful but I'm not sure that the hotel management have really understood the concept of top quality service. They could do with injecting some atmosphere, provide some lunch (especially poolside), have someone come round offering drinks by the pool rather than the guest having to walk dripping wet into the bar to order.

Having said that the little port is great, we were probably the only English people in town and it was a true Italian experience, including the nightly promenade down the the waterfront. Some good restaurants and some very average ones.

Would I visit again - definitely. Would I stay at this hotel again - very unlikely unless they upped their game and understood the difference between functionality and provision of an 'experience'.

Great location, friendly and helpful staff, excellent breakfast and an all round friendly place to staff. Both the hotel staff and guests were entertaining and interested in our baby girl which she loved all the attention. I would definitely stay here again

Just had a wonderful 10 days at the Il Magnifico. This was our first proper holiday without kids! and could not have been better. The staff are very helpful and pleasent without being intrusive. Rooms are very spacious and comfortable.Lovely pool and setting,always plenty of sunbeds,in fact a lot of the time we had the pool to our selves .Only about a 5 minute walk to the Marina where there are lovely shops and resturants. We booked half board but as the hotel was quiet they arranged for us to eat at the restuarant Zorba which was a lovely location and looking over the sea, at no extra charge. I would say its perfect for couples. Our only problem was our flight was delayed and we missed our ferry. The ferry company Moby changed to a later one with no problem, but this meant we arrived in Elba in the dark, we found our way to Marciana Marina quite easily, but with a lot of narrow and winding roads not easy in the dark, We could not find hotel as there was no name until you go through the gates, so if you go it is next door to Hotel Gabriano Auzura.
The island is very pretty and unspoilt and found enough to do. I would reccomend a car but there are buses to get round. we do not usually go back to the same place but would consider this.

perfect for our week end in italy.
Excellent staff and helpfull !!!
Fantastic pool for our relax.
we stay in Italy for 3 week and this is one of the most beautiful places where we stayed.
we will suggest to our friends this hotels for any trip in elba island.
Thanks for all an see you next time