This is one of those rare, delightful small hotels that combines a stunning location with exceptionally helpful and friendly staff. Some of our fellow guests were enjoying their fourth holiday there and it was easy to understand why. The hotel, 30 ish rooms, is built into a steep hillside on the edge of Lipari and the swimming pool - which is lovely in itself - has a stunning view over the bay towards the next island, Vulcano. The rooms are all individually designed and surrounded by Mediterranean gardens planted with jasmine, bougainvillea, honeysuckle, hisbiscus and plumbago. Everything is thoughtfully designed. The breakfast terrace also enjoys the view and the breakfasts were delicious and home-baked - you wake up to birdsong and the smell of fresh croissants.. The concierges could not have been more helpful and delightful - if there was a Concierge of the Year award, the judges would have to split it between them.
Things to consider - not exactly downsides but worth knowing - are that the lane up to the pool is quite steep, and the location means you have either a 10-15 minute walk into town, hiring a scooter, taking a taxi for 10Euro or the challenge of flagging down the bus. But transfers to and from the ferry and the restaurant at the sister Hotel Mea, are free.
We staying in late June, when the weather was perfect although a few boat trips were cancelled because of high winds. The hotel was completely full, and we were glad we had booked well in advance.