Via P. Impastato N.41, Terrasini-Cinisi Mare, Terrasini, Italy
Adjacent to a private beach
Views of both mountains and sand
Clean rooms, some with balconies
Right next to international airport (ideal for early a.m. flights)
Lots of activities, including tennis, mini-golf, bocci, and table tennis
Water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing
Open-air disco that doubles as a performance venue
Spa with sauna and Turkish bath
Secure gated property with guard
Property housed in 17 small buildings; can be inconvenient in bad weather
No elevators
Right next to international airport (noise can be a factor at high-traffic times)
Dated room decor
Fee for Wi-Fi
The Florio Park Hotel, a 210-room property on the northwest coast of Sicily, is a solid mid-level option that would appeal to a range of travelers. An included breakfast buffet and a restaurant offer good but not particularly memorable European fare. Rooms are clean and decently sized, though basic. There are tons of features, including tennis courts and a spa, but the private beach is likely the most appealing feature.
Scene
Your standard mid-tier hotel on a pretty beach that attracts a varied clientele
At first glance, this tropically landscaped property can feel more like a compound than a resort. The security to enter and exit is tight, and the amenities and accommodations are spread out in a series of low buildings. Amenities such as the open-air Sea Club Disco (which doubles as a performance venue), a kids' club, outdoor sports offerings, bar, two pools, and 400-person conference center draw families, couples, a business crowd, and surfers depending on the time of year. French, Spanish (and, of course, Italian) is more often heard than English, thanks to the largely Mediterranean clientele.
Location
On the northwestern coast of Sicily, a little over 15 miles from Palermo, four miles from the international airport, and walking distance to Terrasini
Magaggiari Beach, a bayside stretch within sight of fishing villages and mountains, is adjacent to this property, a huge perk. It's location right next to the international airport is, not surprisingly, a blessing and a curse --it's convenient, but occasionally noisy. Terrasini Square, a popular spot for shopping, dining, and nightlife, is a 15-minute walk away, though it can be hard to get a taxi there if you don't feel like walking back at night. Other than that, the surrounding area is pretty nondescript.
Rooms
Clean, basic, and uniform
Unlike in many, there are only two room types: standard and suites. The rooms are well-kept and clean, but have only basic amenities (hair dryer, air conditioning, heat, satellite TV, clock radio). The decor is dated (especially the bedding). Of the 210 rooms here, only six are suites, and those are not as plush as some may imagine. The main difference between the standard rooms and the suites is the separate bedroom and the upgrade to a jetted tub in the bathroom. This uniformity, though, is appealing to tour groups, enabling them to all have equivalent rooms, often in the same building.
Features
A huge range of features, including a spa, conference center, restaurant, and two pools
Though advertised as a four-star hotel, going by American standards, this is more of a three-star property. Some amenities hold up: the swanky spa offering couples' massages and many high-end treatments, as well as the large no-charge parking garage. But at the same time, there are no elevators, no room service, and dated, basic rooms.
The main pool is quite large and has appealing mountain views. Parents will be happy to hear there is a kids' pool, but it is just a smaller version of the adult pool. There is also a supervised kids' club, but it's only open during the summer months. The extensive range of family-friendly outdoor activities includes tennis, mini-golf, and water sports.
Breakfast is included, but it's European-style, fine for light morning eaters, but perhaps a disappointment to those hankering for their omelette and carving stations. Lunch and dinner are buffet-style, and local wine is included with the meal.