Casthotels Nausicaa Palace

A lovely outdoor terrace at the entrance has seating as well as a shrub wall for privacy, and leads into the simple, comfortable lobby. Tan armchairs match the patterned light-tiled floors while floor-to-ceiling windows add natural light near the front desk. In the back of the lobby, the Lobby Bar feels a bit cave like and the immediate impression is spare and outdated, a theme that runs throughout much of this hotel. The hotel's restaurant is equally simple, with green curtains, yellow and red tablecloths, and green chairs arranged across tiled floors with outdated print on the walls. While the on-site spa is part of the appeal here, the blue tiles and small windows create a sterile, hospital-like environment and some of the equipment is rusted. Guests here are often older group tours and couples, and the atmosphere is decidedly low key. 

The Thermal Park Nausicaa Palace Hotel is outside of Casamicciola Terme, a town on Ischia's north coast, with the sea, shops, and restaurants a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Guests can also drive into town in less than five minutes, though there is no on-site parking at the hotel and street parking in the area is difficult. The charming seaside town of Lacco Ameno and Negombo Thermal Park are within a 10-minute drive of the hotel while Ischia Port, Citara Beach, and Cava dell’Isola Beach are around 15 minutes away by car. The Poseidon Thermal Gardens, Maronti Beach, and iconic Aragonese Castle -- a Medieval castle on a volcanic rock jutting out of the sea -- all take around 20 minutes to reach by car. The closest airport is Naples International Airport, and the Italian mainland can take up to an hour and 40 minutes to reach by ferry.

Rooms here have a basic and dated style, with floral or blue tile flooring, yellow-and-green striped comforters on beds, and blonde wood furniture lifted from a long-gone decade. Air-conditioning is provided along with safes and mini-fridges, and most rooms have terraces with seating or balconies. Tube-style TVs don't do anything to modernize the spaces, neither does the token piece of Van Gogh-inspired wall art hanging on the deliberately antiqued white walls. We also spotted tiles missing around the floors in some rooms. Blue tile bathrooms follow the same dated style as the bedrooms, with pedestal sinks plus hairdryers, generic bar soap, and tile stand-up showers that show a good deal of water stains and dirty grout. 

Trees and shrubs dot the outdoor thermal park -- the most attractive feature at this hotel --  which has blue lounge seating surrounding several small pools that are heated by the island's hot springs. One pool has a fountain feature while others are jetted and in the shade. Several outdoor hot tubs reside underneath tents, and there is a Kneipp pool with hot and cold sides. There is also an indoor thermal pool, though it has a fairly staid ambiance. Mud baths, massages, and thermal therapies are offered at the austere spa, which also includes a fitness center with cardio machines and a steam bath. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine as well as the included continental breakfast are served at the on-site restaurant, though reviews aren't stellar. Cocktails and beer are available at the Lobby Bar. Free Wi-Fi is offered in the lobby, but guests complain the signal is weak. There is also no on-site parking and street parking in the area isn't easy. The hotel does allow small pets, though there are restrictions.