Contrada Sovareto, Sciacca, Italy
15-minute walk from the sandy beach down a hillside; shuttle service available
Indoor and outdoor pools, the latter with an adjacent pool for children
All-inclusive option available
Kids' Club with indoor play room
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Outdoor theater
Gift shops and newsstand on-site
Ping-pong tables and tennis courts
Soundproofing could be better
Shared facilities within the complex can get crowded
Isolated in the countryside far from other activity (this might be a pro for some)
Property can feel large and industrial
This sprawling mid-range property, which has become particularly popular among French families, is part of a four-hotel complex overlooking the Mediterranean. Alicudi’s 175 rooms are situated about a 15-minute walk from the beach; the hotel runs a shuttle service to the water, as well as to the nearby medieval port town of Sciacca, known for its thermal baths. Rooms are large and clean, and the all-inclusive option generally receives positive marks. Some have remarked that the property is large, and that navigating it can become tiring, particularly for young children.
Scene
Part of a four-hotel complex that has gained popularity with French families
The property is laid out in a sort of village-like structure, with rooms situated in two-story, concrete, bunker-like buildings that form a “U” shape around a central courtyard. The interiors hark back to the 1980s, the architecture, to the 1960s. The property has a slightly industrial feel. It shares facilities with the three other hotels in the complex, all very popular with French tourists, who constitute the majority of visitors. Some guests have noted that navigating different parts of the complex involve long walks, which can be tiring.
Location
Set on a country road overlooking the sea, about seven miles from Sciacca
The property is situated on the southwestern coast of Sicily, about a 10-minute drive from the port town of Sciacca, on a country road far from other activity. The hotel runs a daytime shuttle both to the nearby sandy beach, and to the town. Many recommend having a car for getting around. The Palermo Airport is about an hour and a quarter drive.
Rooms
A strong '60s sensibility in simple rooms
Shiny plastic wall panels, recessed lighting behind white vinyl headboards, and photo wallpaper all contribute to the retro sensibility of these simple rooms. They all have air-conditioning, blackout shades, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have updated, tiled stall showers. Larger suites have a separate bedroom, which curries favor among families looking for additional space for their children, and ranch-style horizontal windows. Many guests say the rooms are large, and that daily housekeeping service keeps them well maintained.
Features
A large number of sporting options, including tennis, swimming pools, wind surfing, and canoeing
The property has a large number of rentals available, including equipment for such water sports as sailing and windsurfing, and basketball, tennis, volleyball, and ping-pong. There are two pools, indoor and outdoor; the latter has a small, adjacent children’s pool. Guests have noted there are no bathrooms near the pool. There are a few on-site amenities, such as a gift shop and a hair salon. The children’s activities are held in the large amphitheater and ballroom.