SS 115 Ispica-Modica, Loc. Bugilfezza, Modica, Italy
Elegant rooms with hardwood floors and rain showers; some with whirlpool tubs
Quiet, rural location
Large outdoor pool with illuminated fountains
Modern spa with sauna and steam room
On-site Sicilian restaurant serves pizza
Massive banquet room with crystal chandeliers and marble floors
Free continental buffet breakfast
Full bar serving drinks and coffee
Free parking and shuttle to the beach
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
The grounds are a bit bare
No attractions in the immediate vicinity
Though you would never suspect it from the outside, the four-pearl Borgo Don Chisciotte is a grand property with impressive amenities, including a sleek and well-outfitted spa. Its 132 rooms are elegant and have hardwood floors and rain showers -- some also come with whirlpool tubs. The barren outside lacks the landscaping befitting of a resort, so the large outdoor pool loses some of its luxury in the daytime. Travelers not looking for a spa, and who want something that looks a little chicer, might prefer the nearby Pietre Nere Resort.
Scene
Classic hotel with sleek, modern spa popular with domestic travelers
At first glance, the Borgo Don Chisciotte looks abandoned, with its grounds landscaped with barely-grown trees. However, first impressions can be deceiving. The interiors are much more attractive, and the lobby, restaurant, and banquet rooms have a classic elegance, with patterned marble floors and red velvet fabrics. The spa is the most impressive space, and almost looks like it belongs to another hotel. It’s decorated in black and stone gray, with a massive sauna and steam room, an indoor pool, and rain showers outfitted with colorful lighting. The property is popular with Italian visitors in search of an elegant spa experience; they also host the occasional wedding.
Location
A 15-minute drive outside of Modica; not much in the immediate area
The Borgo Don Chisciotte is located on the outskirts of Modica, which is about 15 minutes away by car. Ragusa is a further 25 minutes away. There is not much immediately surrounding the hotel, though it’s well positioned for a day trip to Syracuse, which can be reached in a little under an hour by car. The Catania Fontanarossa Airport is an 80-minute drive away, barring traffic. Parking is free, and while it's a good idea to bring a car, the hotel does operate shuttles to the beach.
Rooms
Luxurious and elegant rooms and suites with rain showers
The property's 132 rooms and suites are classically decorated, with hardwood floors, rich damask fabrics, and light wood furniture with lots of storage space. The Suites and Superior Rooms are a bit more luxurious, with grander chandeliers and lighter colors. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes. The bathrooms are large and have bidets, roomy rain showers, hairdryers, and plenty of shelf space, and single sinks without much counter space. Several of the standard rooms have whirlpool hot tubs. Past guests have occasionally complained about cleanliness and maintenance.
Features
Large pool, sleek spa, free continental breakfast
The large outdoor pool is lined with columns and is illuminated at night with fountains. The David Restaurant serves Sicilian food, and a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. The star of the hotel is the spa and fitness center, a sleek space with hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna and steam room, and colored lighting in the showers. Massages and other treatments are available. There’s also a large banquet room with crystal chandeliers and marble floors. There's no gym, but there is a soccer field and a playground. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.