Hotel Villa Janto

Compared to so many of the drab hotels that dot this corner of Ischia, the Hotel Villa Janto has a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets it apart. Almost everywhere throughout the compact property, guests will spot lemon trees, flowering vines, and all manner of plants, and the home-like charm has an authentic Ischitan vibe. Brown wicker furniture sits on brown tile floors in the small lobby, with a piano in the corner. The rustic, cozy restaurant features antique kitchen and farm paraphernalia on the walls and wood-beam ceilings; natural light floods the space. An outdoor bar has a terrace surrounded by potted plants, with light wood furniture and a green floor. There is a solarium with green striped lounge chairs near the outdoor pool, and while the grounds aren't resort-like in scale, there is plenty to like here, and guests include couples and families on holiday.

The Hotel Villa Janto sits in a residential hillside area outside of Lacco Ameno, a vibrant village on Ischia's northwest coast. The Santa Rita Thermal Spa, heated by the island's famous hot springs, is a three-minute walk from the hotel and there are a few simple restaurants a six-minute walk further into the hills. However, walks into Lacco Ameno are long, taking up to 25 minutes and involving steep hills on the return, though the hotel does offer a scheduled free shuttle. Drives into town take five minutes. Scenic San Montano Bay and the Negombo Thermal Park take less than 10 minutes to reach by car, while Castiglione Thermal Park and Cava dell’Isola Beach are a 15-minute drive. Iconic Aragonese Castle, a Medieval structure built upon a rock jutting out of the sea, is a 20-minute drive away. There is no airport on Ischia, and the Italian mainland and Naples International Airport (the closest airport) take up to an hour and 40 minutes to reach by ferry from Casamicciola Terme. 

Simple, air-conditioned rooms have colorful floral-tile floors and pale yellow walls -- it's a classic Ischitan look, but the upkeep, cleanliness, and abundant natural light make these rooms brighter and more pleasant than rooms at other nearby competitors. Mid-tone wood furniture is arranged throughout the cozy rooms, and some rooms have red couches as well. Furniture in the first floor room we visited had more rustic charm and was of better quality than in the second floor room we saw, and wall art has classic vibes across the board. Each room has free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, safe, desk, and closet, plus many have a small balcony with a chair. Bathrooms are tiny, with floral-tile floors and narrow white-tile stand-up showers. There are stand-alone sinks with little-to-no counter space, and toiletries are provided.

A small rectangular outdoor pool is encompassed by a green painted deck and has green striped lounge chairs for seating. Below this area is the small, half-moon-shaped thermal pool with jets and a fountain. The entire pool is surrounded by fruit trees and shrubs. The hotel also offers a stone cave thermal steam room, though this isn't the most attractive feature here and looks a bit drab. Authentic Mediterranean cuisine is served three meals a day at the casual, but excellent, on-site restaurant. Breakfast features yogurt, local honey, cakes, and biscuits among other items. Many ingredients come directly from the owner’s garden, and full board options are available, though meals aren't included otherwise. Cocktails and beer are offered at the outdoor bar as well. The hotel offers a free scheduled shuttle to the beach and Lacco Ameno. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking.