Piazza Bagni 4, Casamicciola Terme, Italy
Air-conditioned rooms with elegant and eclectic decor
A 10-minute walk from the town center
Multiple pools fed by thermal springs, plus gym and sauna
Rooftop pool with adjacent snack bar
Casual restaurant offers pizzas and local fare
Michelin two-star restaurant with in-kitchen dining options
Free shuttle to local beach
Dull location away from the beach
Limited shuttle service
Rooms lack coffeemakers
Some rooms are noisy
Ischia's historic four-pearl Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa dates back to 1863, when it was constructed around the Il Gurgitello hot spring that feeds its thermal pools to this day. In 2011 the hotel was thoroughly renovated and today its 58 rooms have an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary decor. There's an on-site Michelin-rated restaurant and free, though limited, shuttle to a local beach. However, the hotel is located in a congested residential area without much going on. The similarly priced Mezzatorre has a better location, in a green park with views of the sea.
Scene
Eclectic spa-hotel popular with vacationers in search of a relaxing or therapeutic holiday
Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa attracts vacationers in search of a relaxing and therapeutic spa experience. Beyond a neoclassical entrances sits the hotel's eclectically decorated lobby, featuring an eclectic mix of multicolored marble, animal sculptures, large rococo urns, venetian-style wallpapered pillars, and Murano glass chandeliers. The grassy courtyard also has an interesting decor scheme, with large romanesque statues and an arabesque layout. The entrance to the spa is on the ground floor and a tub used by Giuseppe Garibaldi, celebrated for his achievements in Italy's unification, is exhibited at the front entrance.
Location
In a residential part of Casamicciola Terme, a 10-minute walk into town
The hotel is located on a congested piazza in a residential part of the spa village of Casamicciola Terme. The neighborhood is primarily residential, but walking to the center of town and to its port takes around 10 minutes. The more lively Lacco Ameno and its beaches takes 10 minutes by car; getting to Ischia port takes about the same amount of time. The hotel has a shuttle service to a small and oftentimes crowded beach nearby, but its schedule is limited. Local taxis are available, but some past guests warn of unscrupulous drivers.
Rooms
Eclectically styled rooms and suites, all with air-conditioning
There are three types of room at Terme Manzi, each with an eclectic mix of classical decor and modern touches. Room types range from smallish Superior Rooms to spacious Prestige Rooms with desks, sitting areas, and huge bathrooms. The hotel also has Junior Suites, each with two bathrooms and a separate living room. The best room in the house is the opulent Garibaldi Suite with gold ceilings and pillars, neoclassical statues, Egyptian style elements, cream marble floors, a whirlpool tub in the all-marble main bathroom and lots of gold accents. All units have air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and satellite cable, but lack coffeemakers and tea kettles. Some rooms are noisy; those facing the interior garden fare better.
Features
Spa with thermal pools and fitness center, plus two restaurants, one Michelin-starred
The hotel’s spa is one of Manzi’s strongest points, with its thermal pool fed directly by the alkaline Gurgitello hot spring. The spa has a Roman bath as well as a sauna and a fitness center. There's also a thermal rooftop pool with lovely views and tepid water. Snacks and light lunches are available at the adjacent pool bar. More substantial dishes, including pizza, are on offer at the Gli Ulivi restaurant, with a sumptuous hall and outdoor dining. Gourmet meals are served at Mosaico, a Michelin two-starred restaurant with elegant, but minimal decor. Both restaurants have water lists along with wine lists, featuring mineral waters of various origins. Mosaico also offers in-kitchen dining, where guests can dine while the chef works.