Villa Durrueli

Villa Durrueli's white stucco exterior is typically Mediterranean, as are the lovely gardens with bright flowers, trellises, and walking paths. The hotel's interior is designed to be relaxing and draws upon its island setting with a blue-and-white theme throughout the lobby. It's a good hotel for a quiet stay on the island and away from the bustle of Naples, plus the views of the sea and surrounding landscape from furnished public terraces and private balconies are stunning. However, that means guests will have to walk a bit to reach the main tourist attractions. The atmosphere leans toward romantic and there are no kid-centric facilities (aside from the pool), so it's best suited to couples. A large number of Italians vacation here, though it's also popular with international guests. 

Situated just off the street through a set of gates, Villa Durrueli is located next to a park in a residential area in the main town of Ischia Island. A public beach is located a quick five-minute walk away. The hotel is located between Ischia Porto (12-minute walk), known for its shopping, and Ischia Ponte (10-minute walk), which is the island's old town and draws tourists with its Aragonese castle situated on an island (about a 15-minute walk). The hotel is two hours from Naples and its airport by car (though add on another hour if you're heading to the airport via public transit). On-site parking is free. 

Attractive and contemporary rooms are decorated in the same blue-and-white scheme as the lobby. The design consists of light-blue tile floors, white furniture and walls, and blue bedspreads that math the curtains and look a little dated. As is common in Italy, beds can be hard and queen-sized beds are actually two single mattresses joined together. Superior Sea View Rooms are the highest category of the three room types and are about 32 square feet bigger than the budget Comfort Rooms; however, they're still low on frills (although there are bathrobes and slippers included), and the quality of the view depends on the specific room. Rooms with terraces are furnished and some have stunning vistas. All rooms have flat-screen satellite TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and minibars. Traditionally tiled bathrooms in light-blue and white come with stall showers, as well as upmarket Algotherm toiletries and hairdryers. 

The hotel has plenty of opportunities to get in the water. Outside, a well-maintained pool is set in a pretty terrace with plenty of loungers, two adjacent hot tubs, and a poolside bar with cheerful pastel tablecloths. There's also a peacefully low-lit spa with a indoor hydrotherapy pool, a Turkish bath, and treatment rooms for a range of services that include Ayurvedic massage. Unfortunately for some, the hotel lacks a gym and kid-centric facilities. A public beach is located a five-minute walk away. The rooftop terrace is lovely, with plenty of sun and shaded seating with views over the Gulf of Naples and pool. 

The property's has two well-reviewed on-site restaurant, one of which is more formal and has seating on a terrace that looks out over the sea and Isla Ponte's castle. The other hotel restaurant, Ristorante Aragonese, serves modern Mediterranean food. The buffet-style breakfast is free and decent, with the usual offerings of meats, cheeses, fruit, eggs, and bacon. 

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but it varies in reliability. Parking is also available for free.