Ercosan
September 18, 2024
Great past: The Pitrizza is one of the grande dames of the Costa Smeralda. Built in the 1960s by the late Prince Aga Khan, it was ahead of its time in sustainable design concepts. Its various buildings, constructed from natural local materials, blend harmoniously with the beautiful rocky coastline and the emerald sea. The rooms are dated, both in amenities and design, creating a retro atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era—almost like searching for lost time. With its intimate size of 65 rooms and suites, it could easily be a 5-star luxury retreat. Mixed present: Just as a successful company cannot thrive on outdated products, a hotel with a great past must continuously reinvent itself and perfect its service. This is exactly where today’s Pitrizza falls short, delivering a mixed experience. The general manager was either not present or disengaged, and you could feel the absence of a guiding spirit. Many of the original, skilled staff have been replaced by less qualified personnel, leaving the team overwhelmed and, at times, helpless. The quality of the food—one of the main reasons to vacation in Italy—was inconsistent, especially considering the extremely high prices. Promising future? We learned that a new proprietor is set to take over next year, which is an urgently needed step to reverse the decline we witnessed during our stay. Good luck, Pitrizza!