[Porto S. Stefano] Elegant House + Swimming Pool

Vista dal terrazzo magnifica

The apartment is wonderful, very well equipped and has a lot of character. It feels like a real home. The view is very nice. There are several air conditioning units as well as ceiling fans, nice to have the choice. The pool area is well-maintained, pleasant with plenty of sunbeds. There is a nice atmosphere. Access to the port is quick, even if steep. Some reviewers say parking is complicated, but this was not our experience. We had no issues paying in the allocated spot which was plenty big enough for our Ford Focus estate rental.

Unfortunately the property is being managed by a bunch of inexperienced youngsters who have started their own agency and given themselves big titles, only to try to cheat tourists. We had made a non-refundable reservation for a 6 night stay costing 3018 euros (not exactly cheap), 7 months in advance of our stay. Then approximately 1 month before our stay, we got a message from one of the youngsters (not from booking.com), unknown to me saying there had been an overbooking and saying we would get a different property instead. When I said I did not want any contact with them, but would instead contact booking to inform them about the issue, all of a sudden they found a solution and claimed the overbooking was due to a "technical error in the system". Interesting how the overbooking issue evaporated in the Tuscan sun as soon as I mentioned that I would contact booking. No integrity whatsoever. They had probably found someone else who was willing to book for longer. Again, the apartment is very nice but if I were the owner, I would put these cowboys on the boat and find a professional property management firm.

Good size for five adults. Large outside space with plenty of seating.

Pool closes early September. Outside space was a little dirty on arrival. Parking space isn’t obvious.

Beautiful view over the port on a HUGE terrace. Facilities were all great and beds/linens were comfortable. The hosts were lovely and VERY responsive, they even arranged a boat rental for us and gave us dinner suggestions!

It’s a bit of a walk down to the port area but if you want the view, it’s not a problem!