What I had intended to be a sparkling 4star capstone to a 3wk vacation ended up being a 2star experience at best.

On the positive side: The property itself has true natural beauty (lovely cliff and island views). The pool was very nice with a great view. Our standard room was of decent size with a modern bath. The hotel also offered an evening linen change (in addition to morning) which was great after a day at the beach or pool.

However, the negatives from minor to major, did add up and, in my opinion, sullied the stay. To provide some examples:
1) We dined at the hotel restaurant-- our meals (beef) were served cold. The waitstaff appeared overwhelmed and forgot our wine order (as well as to bring salt and pepper, after we asked).
2) Our room had a terrible odor. Also, I noticed cigarette burns on two pieces of furniture.
3) The pool/hotel did not provide beach towels (for the pool).
4) The maid knocked despite our posting of the Do Not Disturb sign (admittedly, not the end of the world, but it was rather embarrassing)

Note for pet-owners, while the hotel is pet-friendly, the rules appear to be selectively enforced. A 50lb chow was allowed at the pool, but a 30lb setter was not. Fine either way, but it's very odd to me that some dogs are allowed full access and others are not (although there were no barking or socialization issues).

Finally, I think the following exchange is the perfect illustration of my feelings on the hotel. At check-out, the hotel manager was standing at the front desk. Before writing/posting negative reviews, as a personal policy, I like to at least express my concerns to management and give them an opportunity to react. I told the manager, "Our stay was very disappointing". Her response, "I don't know why; all the other guests are happy. I don't know why you wouldn't be."
No inquiry as to why, no empathy. Essentially suggesting I'm 'wrong'.

Even assuming that I am wrong and the place is paradise on earth, is that really appropriate customer service for a "luxury hotel"?

We had booked three nights at the hotel. Our first impression was nice hotel, fantastic view, and ok rooms. The hotel is so remote that you "have" to eat at the hotel restaurant. It looks nice and have a great view towards Giglio and the sunset. But the food was not good and very expencive, in addition the waiters was inexperienced and the service lousy.
When we checked out from the hotel we informed the management of our experiences in a friendly way. The response was arrogant and they did not even say goodbye when we left. Other guests had the same reaction and experiences as us. Our recomendation is to stay away from this hotel if you are looking for something more than just a nice view.

Fabulous location if you get a room overlooking the sea, as we did. Two gripes.

The advertised 'private beach' gives the impression that it will be for hotel guests only and therefore quiet. It is charming, but very busy indeed, and costs 25 euros.

The restaurant is ridiculously expensive - a small scoop of ice cream comes in a ten euros. And the main courses arrive with practically no vegetables or salad, nor are there any on the menu as extras, so you assume they'll come automatically, especially at those prices. Ther is something a bit depressing about eating a chunk of grilled tuna with nothing to vary the taste or texture.

And if you want to eat out it's about fifteen minutes to drive to Porto San Stephano, and then it's very hard to park.

As reviewed by literally everybody here the location itself is worth a visit. The views to Giglio are magnificient and the sunset couldnt be better on earth. The hotel is situated on a cliff top in a private area called Calla Piccola roughly 800m to the beach (be prepared if you would like to walk). Both our rooms have been recently refurbished and are up to modern standards. All have stone floors and are functional in a rather slim way and have had fantastic views towards the beach club and the sea. Maid service is twice a day and cleanliness is very good. The area is normally very quite as long as there isnt a party in one of the private villas close by or a wedding in the hotel. The hotel restaurant is superb. Whilst it is not cheap, the value is excellent aswell as the choice. The wine list is "cheap" as in many good italian restaurants with a large selection of bottle in the 20-25 euro zone. I cant share some of the earlief comments who have described this as expensive. This is a high class italian kitchen and main courses are around 20-30 Euros (we should not make the mistake and compare this to any pizzeria). Whilst lunch and dinner are fabulous i must admit that breakfast is the opposite. Its served in a closed room without any view (i dont understand management why the dont use their magnificient terrace) and choice is very much limited. Some services like fresh orange juice are even charged in addition. On top the breakfast crew could sometimes be more friendly and helpful, which is also in strong contrast to the very friendly and helpful reception (always a smile on the face) and other areas. The pool is small but nice even if the lifeguard was sometimes to restrictive for the kids and stopped any fun activity like jumping (even when there is nobody in or around the pool area). So overall its a nice place with some minor mistakes which we would definitly recommend also with children.