Questions, answered

We look for places with a genuine sense of character across every price band, from simple guesthouses to serious resorts. Reader suggestions, our own travels and tips from trusted local contacts all feed the list; we prioritise independent and owner-run properties that are hard to assess from photos alone.

No. We always pay our own way, book anonymously, and never accept payment, free nights or hosted trips in exchange for coverage. Editorial independence is the entire point of Eli the Papillon, and it is non-negotiable.

Each stay is judged across five dimensions — room, food and drink, service, sense of place, and value for money — weighted roughly equally. A high score means a place delivers on all five relative to what it charges, which is why a modest guesthouse and a grand resort can earn the same number.

The €/$ symbols indicate relative nightly cost within a destination, from budget-friendly (one symbol) to top-tier (four). We also list an indicative nightly range so you can sanity-check against your own dates, but rates change with season and demand.

Please do. Use the form on our contact page or email us directly. We read every suggestion, and while we cannot get to all of them quickly, reader tips have led to some of our favourite reviews.

Sometimes. Where we link to a booking site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That link never influences whether or how favourably we cover a place — our reviews are written before any booking link is added.

We date every review and guide, and revisit or update entries when we learn of significant changes such as new ownership or a major renovation. Always confirm current rates, opening dates and policies with the property before you book.

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