This large but low-key resort with nearly 300 apartment-style units is located within a 10-minute walk (or free shuttle ride) of a private sandy beach -- though guests should note that they will have to cross a public road. The apartments are basic but cheerful, all with kitchenettes and sofa beds, though guests have complained that the housekeeping team seems understaffed, and there can be delays for fresh linens and towels. There is large outdoor pool with swim-up bar and hot tub, as well as an active entertainment staff (and an amphitheater for performances). The property is served by a market and two restaurants, and all-inclusive rates are available. The resort is oriented toward families, though some feel the mini-club for kids doesn't have adequate supervision. It may also be worth considering the similarly priced Relais Torre Marabino.
This large but low-key resort with nearly 300 apartment-style units is located within a 10-minute walk (or free shuttle ride) of a private sandy beach -- though guests should note that they will have to cross a public road. The apartments are basic but cheerful, all with kitchenettes and sofa beds, though guests have complained that the housekeeping team seems understaffed, and there can be delays for fresh linens and towels. There is large outdoor pool with swim-up bar and hot tub, as well as an active entertainment staff (and an amphitheater for performances). The property is served by a market and two restaurants, and all-inclusive rates are available. The resort is oriented toward families, though some feel the mini-club for kids doesn't have adequate supervision. It may also be worth considering the similarly priced Relais Torre Marabino.
The 24-room Marina Holiday Resort & Spa is a small boutique hotel in the port town of Balestrate, about a 30-minute drive from Palermo Airport. A petite, quiet facility with a whimsical style, the Marina Holiday attracts mostly couples and adult travelers. Balestrate itself is not incredibly active, but it does have a few restaurants and shops to explore. The Classic Double rooms at the Marina Holiday are plain, yet moderately sized. Bathrooms are generally poorly lit but clean. For more space or greater style, guests can upgrade to Comfort or Superior units.
The 24-room Marina Holiday Resort & Spa is a small boutique hotel in the port town of Balestrate, about a 30-minute drive from Palermo Airport. A petite, quiet facility with a whimsical style, the Marina Holiday attracts mostly couples and adult travelers. Balestrate itself is not incredibly active, but it does have a few restaurants and shops to explore. The Classic Double rooms at the Marina Holiday are plain, yet moderately sized. Bathrooms are generally poorly lit but clean. For more space or greater style, guests can upgrade to Comfort or Superior units.
Residence Letojanni is a collection of 80 studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. The units at the Letojanni are timeshares, part of the RCI vacation exchange, though spaces don't have much home-like character. Rooms are plain, cheaply furnished, and often strange in layout, with kitchenettes serving as pass-through spaces. High on a hillside overlooking Taormina and the Mediterranean, Residence Letojanni frequently runs shuttles to its private beach, which is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas. There's a simple, moderately priced buffet restaurant on-site, and a half-board option is available as well. A main pool area with a children's pool and whirlpool is found at the center of the complex.
Residence Letojanni is a collection of 80 studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. The units at the Letojanni are timeshares, part of the RCI vacation exchange, though spaces don't have much home-like character. Rooms are plain, cheaply furnished, and often strange in layout, with kitchenettes serving as pass-through spaces. High on a hillside overlooking Taormina and the Mediterranean, Residence Letojanni frequently runs shuttles to its private beach, which is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas. There's a simple, moderately priced buffet restaurant on-site, and a half-board option is available as well. A main pool area with a children's pool and whirlpool is found at the center of the complex.
With its own beach and plenty of entertainment and sports facilities, the Hotel Club Eloro, on Sicily's southern coast, is well-suited for budget travelers who simply want a spot to relax, swim, and sunbathe. Downsides include spotty Wi-Fi that's only available in common areas, and in-room fridges and safes requiring an extra fee. But, for a spot close to prime sandy beaches, with access to surrounding towns and plenty of on-site activities, the hotel is a solid choice. The beach and surrounding natural beauty are the real reasons to be here.
With its own beach and plenty of entertainment and sports facilities, the Hotel Club Eloro, on Sicily's southern coast, is well-suited for budget travelers who simply want a spot to relax, swim, and sunbathe. Downsides include spotty Wi-Fi that's only available in common areas, and in-room fridges and safes requiring an extra fee. But, for a spot close to prime sandy beaches, with access to surrounding towns and plenty of on-site activities, the hotel is a solid choice. The beach and surrounding natural beauty are the real reasons to be here.
The three-and-a-half pearl Residence Al Belvedere Salina is a quiet, family-run hotel overflowing with local charm and overlooking the coast of Sicily. Having just eight apartment-style rooms, the Belvedere is low-key and offers top-of-the-line personal attention. The common areas are filled with fresh plants and flowers, and the delicious, always-homemade food is organic and seasonal. The Belvedere lacks flashy amenities, but the peaceful, private feel and gorgeous sea views attract plenty of repeat visitors. Rooms are comfy and pretty, with kitchens and private balconies, though they lack free Wi-Fi. Guests may prefer having a pool at the Borgo Eolie Hotel, but the property isn't as charming.
The three-and-a-half pearl Residence Al Belvedere Salina is a quiet, family-run hotel overflowing with local charm and overlooking the coast of Sicily. Having just eight apartment-style rooms, the Belvedere is low-key and offers top-of-the-line personal attention. The common areas are filled with fresh plants and flowers, and the delicious, always-homemade food is organic and seasonal. The Belvedere lacks flashy amenities, but the peaceful, private feel and gorgeous sea views attract plenty of repeat visitors. Rooms are comfy and pretty, with kitchens and private balconies, though they lack free Wi-Fi. Guests may prefer having a pool at the Borgo Eolie Hotel, but the property isn't as charming.
The Hotel Montemerlo is a small, family-run, eco-friendly (with awards to prove it) hotel, a five-minute walk from the famous Fetovaia Beach in Elba Island. There are 35 simple rooms spread out over four buildings as well as a casual restaurant and a beautiful garden with a variety of exotic plants. It's not on the beach, but there is a swimming pool and a whirlpool hot tub (for a fee!) on-site.
The Hotel Montemerlo is a small, family-run, eco-friendly (with awards to prove it) hotel, a five-minute walk from the famous Fetovaia Beach in Elba Island. There are 35 simple rooms spread out over four buildings as well as a casual restaurant and a beautiful garden with a variety of exotic plants. It's not on the beach, but there is a swimming pool and a whirlpool hot tub (for a fee!) on-site.
The Grand Hotel delle Terme Re Ferdinando, is a popular value option for middle-aged spa-goers. Originally built in the '60s, the hotel has 194 outdated rooms, but guests spend the majority of their time at the massive indoor and outdoor thermal pools, or at the spa for mud therapy and beauty treatments. Hibiscus Restaurant and a fitness center round out the amenities, but expect to pay extra for Wi-Fi. In more or less the same price range, the Aragona Palace Hotel, of the same local chain, offers similar services and location in a smaller structure.
The Grand Hotel delle Terme Re Ferdinando, is a popular value option for middle-aged spa-goers. Originally built in the '60s, the hotel has 194 outdated rooms, but guests spend the majority of their time at the massive indoor and outdoor thermal pools, or at the spa for mud therapy and beauty treatments. Hibiscus Restaurant and a fitness center round out the amenities, but expect to pay extra for Wi-Fi. In more or less the same price range, the Aragona Palace Hotel, of the same local chain, offers similar services and location in a smaller structure.
This small, tidy hotel sits next to the castle in the seafront area of Castellammare del Golfo and has a terrace with a lovely view of the harbor. An annexed building with additional rooms is located a short walk away. There are very few amenities on the property itself, but the staff are friendly and helpful, providing a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy this charming seaside town.
This small, tidy hotel sits next to the castle in the seafront area of Castellammare del Golfo and has a terrace with a lovely view of the harbor. An annexed building with additional rooms is located a short walk away. There are very few amenities on the property itself, but the staff are friendly and helpful, providing a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy this charming seaside town.
The small, 26-room La Battigia sits right on a sandy beach well equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas. It’s also within easy reach of Castellammare del Golfo and other coastal cities in northwest Sicily, though without a car, the property is fairly isolated. Rooms are bright and basic, and were given a refresh in 2016, with new bedspreads and artwork. It’s an affordable value for the area and for travelers looking for a beach stopover.
The small, 26-room La Battigia sits right on a sandy beach well equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas. It’s also within easy reach of Castellammare del Golfo and other coastal cities in northwest Sicily, though without a car, the property is fairly isolated. Rooms are bright and basic, and were given a refresh in 2016, with new bedspreads and artwork. It’s an affordable value for the area and for travelers looking for a beach stopover.
Monaci delle Terre Nere is an upscale boutique property on an organic farm on the slopes of Mount Etna. Many of its 28 rooms and suites are freestanding, volcanic-stone cottages scattered across the farm. Accommodations are uniquely decorated with contemporary decor and custom furnishings, and all have minibars, organic coffee, bathrobes/slippers, sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. Guests come here for the stunning farmland setting, the pretty lava-stone infinity pool, and the organic food in the restaurant. It’s a one of a kind experience for travelers who can afford it (both the rates and the two-night-minimum requirement).
Monaci delle Terre Nere is an upscale boutique property on an organic farm on the slopes of Mount Etna. Many of its 28 rooms and suites are freestanding, volcanic-stone cottages scattered across the farm. Accommodations are uniquely decorated with contemporary decor and custom furnishings, and all have minibars, organic coffee, bathrobes/slippers, sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. Guests come here for the stunning farmland setting, the pretty lava-stone infinity pool, and the organic food in the restaurant. It’s a one of a kind experience for travelers who can afford it (both the rates and the two-night-minimum requirement).