RG Naxos Hotel

This beachfront property is surrounded by beautiful, well-maintained gardens with tall, mature palm and other trees. Potted tropical plants line the entranceway to the hotel, setting a relaxed tone for a stay here. Inside, the lobby is grand, elegant, and colorful, with frescoes on the walls and lots of cushy red sofas and chairs for seating. While it's an old-school look, some guests will likely find it dated. Stone pathways wind through the property, and there are many places where guests can pause and take in views of the sea and Mount Etna. The setting is quiet. While the name brand does draw plenty of loyal guests, it is worth noting that fees here add up, and can be tacked on for everything from pool towels to beach chairs and parking. It attracts all sorts of travelers, including couples, families, groups, businesspeople, and individuals. 

Overlooking the Ionian Sea, this hotel is situated in a quiet residential area surrounded by other hotels, pizzerias, restaurants, bars, and small shops. There's also a pharmacy nearby. Guests can walk to the center of Giardini Naxos in about 30 minutes, for the ambitious, or get there in five minutes by car. A nearby bus station provides access to Taormina, which can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes, and other spots farther afield. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.

Rooms and suites are decorated in a classical Italian style, with elegant wood furniture, patterned wallpaper and carpeting, and traditional art on the walls. While it's an intentionally old school style, the look does come off as dated. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and kettles for tea and coffee. A fee for Wi-Fi is charged in entry-level rooms, but upgraded rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi. Family Rooms add sitting areas with sofa beds, and suites have separate living areas. Balconies are furnished, and some have beautiful views of the sea and Mount Etna. Corner rooms on higher floors have especially nice views. Bathrooms are clad in marble and granite surfaces, and equipped with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and bidets. 

As with most beachfront properties in the area, features are fairly numerous here, though fees can add up. Dining on-site is good, but can be expensive. A breakfast buffet is served in Panarea, a cafe overlooking the sea and open all day for light fare. It isn't included in all rates. Sciara serves gourmet Mediterranean fare for dinner. There's also a colorful bar in the lobby and one by the beach. Keep in mind that signs posted in rooms forbid any food or drink to be brought into the hotel from outside -- it's a stingy policy, to be sure.

In addition to massages, facials, and body treatments, the spa has a hammam, hydrotherapy tub, and heated thalassotherapy pool. There's a fee to access any spa facilities. Open around-the-clock, the small fitness center offers cardio equipment and free weights on a wood floor. There's also a large outdoor pool overlooking the sea. Sunny yellow lounge chairs and umbrellas are lined up on the deck for poolside relaxing, though there are fees for towels. Guests also can hang out on the hotel's private beach, where umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for a fee. 

The hotel's 11 flexible events spaces can accommodate gatherings of various sizes. The largest room can hold 1,000 people. Meeting planners are available to assist with details. The garden and beach also can be used for private events. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but it carries a fee in some room categories.