Lungomare G. Giardina, Cefalu, Italy
Modern hotel that is clean and well-maintained
Spacious rooms have balconies
Beautiful beach with views of the nearby town and cliffs
On-site pool with a whirlpool and expansive patio
Spa features tranquil indoor and outdoor spaces such as a sauna and steam room
Bathrooms have large marble vanities
Small gym includes numerous cardio machines and free weights
Several dining options offer a variety of cuisine and settings
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Beach is located across the street
No coffeemakers in the rooms
Garden View rooms overlook a parking lot
Guests are not allowed to hang bathing suits or towels on the balconies
This funky, modern seaside hotel stands out amongst its traditional Mediterranean-style competitors with clean rooms and interesting decor. Though rooms aren't particularly upscale, they are large and feature balconies. Families may enjoy the large pool and location across the street from the beach, but the Sea Palace mostly attracts couples with its on-site spa, elegant restaurants, and waterside bars.
Scene
Hip, modern and glamorous atmosphere
Modern architecture and large, expansive windows give the Cefalu Sea Palace a sleek, contemporary feel. A spiraled staircase in the lobby winds around one of two crystal chandeliers that drape from the second-floor ceiling. Elegant restaurants, like the rooftop garden, give the hotel a hip, glamorous feel. Though families may enjoy amenities such as the large pool, clientele is largely couples seeking the hotel's romantic vibe.
Location
In a residential area, not far from the main part of town
Located on a street that has multiple private residences and other hotels along the water, the Sea Palace sits across the street from the beach. A 10-minute seaside walk from the hotel gets guests to the main town of Cefalu, which has cobbled streets and lots of great restaurants and bars. The hotel is an hour and 15-minute drive to Palermo airport.
Rooms
Decor differs across room types but most are modern and spacious.
Rooms are spacious and clean, with elegantly simple wood furniture and prints of classic paintings on the walls. The suites are more luxurious, adorned with dark wood accents and sleek furniture. All 83 rooms include modern appliances, including flat screen TV's and electronically-operated curtains. Be aware that some of the beds are actually twin size beds pushed together. All the rooms include balconies and outdoor furniture, and its surprising that rooms at an upscale hotel such as this are missing coffeemakers.
The rooms with a Garden View overlook the parking lot, so many find it worth paying for the upgrade to a Seaside View. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with modern, Italian marble sinks, bidets, and glass-panel showers. Some of the rooms come with a bathtub as well, and one of the Grande Suites even has a whirlpool in the bedroom.
Features
The highlight here is the pool, but a variety of dining options is also a nice perk.
The hotel features multiple dining options, from a beach bar, to a poolside bar and snack stand, to a roof garden restaurant with gorgeous views of the sea. There is also a fitness center, which includes multiple cardio machines and weights, but the room isn't huge so it can feel a little crammed. The pool -- with a unique lima bean shape, a whirlpool, and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas to sit under -- is the highlight.
The buildings next door to the hotel expand over the hotel walls and can be seen from the pool, which interferes with the view. A sandy beach is located across the street, but it can get crowded. The on-site spa has many up-to-date features including Turkish baths, tanning booths, water beds, PODO spa pedicure chairs, and a hair salon. The hotel also includes a business center with a conference hall that can hold up to 280 people, as well as video conferencing facilities and other necessities for those traveling on business.