Odd as it may be, it was our experience that all of the reviews posted, both good and bad, are true. Hotel Elimo is a unique blend of charming and brusque. The drawbacks: There were a few problems with our inside suite (the odor, dampness mentioned in other reviews, plus a few ants), but the cleaning staff was very responsive and fixed everything immediately, such that we had no further problems the rest of our stay. There are some acceptable choices on the breakfast cold buffet, but it isn't note-worthy. The owner was unsympathetic toward logistical questions or issues with our trip, but anything related to the hotel was resolved to our satisfaction.
The positives: The owner sat and talked with members of our family for hours, which added a treasured personal touch to our stay. Perfect location, right on a main street of the town, very close to the parking. A second room, overlooking the quaint main street, was large and absolutely charming (reminded me of the view from a castle in a fairy tale!). The street was very nosy all night long with late-night tourists, but the windows and shutters provided excellent sound-proofing. So we could choose to open the windows and watch the fun, or close the windows and retire for the evening. The suite for the rest of our family was much larger than we expected. In sharp contract to the breakfasts, the dinners are exceptional. The owner, a recognized gourmet chef, is genuinely thrilled to prepare unique plates every day. These dinners are worthy of special celebrations, and I recommend going out your way to experience them. They were among the best meals we have had, ever, anywhere. So, a very mixed experience, but as long as you are patient with the drawbacks and take then in stride, the positives far outweighed the negatives.
A HUGE point about getting to the hotel- make sure to look at the hotel's web site or write to the hotel to get driving directions to Erice. Do NOT go on the road suggested by GPS or Google maps. They take you on the old, switchback, mountain road, which is a nightmare. The new highway is dramatically better. Also, do not try to drive to the address of the hotel. The roads of Erice are not meant to be driven on by tourists. Park in the public parking lots, which are easily accessed and within walking distance to the hotel.

Eriche is a local tourist attraction on the top of a mountain and arriving on a Saturday night made for a parking nightmare with the tiny streets. Hotel very attractive and comfortable once we moved to a room with aircon working.

I received a room with a clear bad smell. In the bathroom the smell was even stronger. I asked for the change of room but I was denied. So I stayed only one night. The owner is rude and arrogant. It seems he is doing always a favor to you and he is bored about that. We tried two more times to have lunch there but the experience was not better, each time. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

Town is great but all walking but the hotel is actually only a short walk from the public car park so convenient (and they have a elevator so inside it's easy to get along).
The owner is a great person, he checked us in and later was the main waiter in the restaurant (that has an amazing view over the area) where his theatrical way of serving is refreshing.
Why not 4 stars? The room was ok but the bathroom a bit odd. The shower on the small side but squeezed against the toilet in an otherwise ok size bathroom. It's all workable but just not 5 star. Don't let this put you off, it's not bad value.
They have a nice area to sit downstairs with in the winter I presume the fire place.