Contrada Mazzaforno 1, Cefalu, Italy
On a small, sunny beach
All rooms have balconies, and some include kitchens
Numerous room types can fit large groups
Plenty of outdoor activities including tennis and soccer
Large pool with an adjacent kiddie pool
Bar areas includes a stage for live music and performances
Children's club offers activities and crafts
Free breakfast buffet included in the low rates
Free shuttle into town
Free Wi-Fi is available in some public areas
Beach is narrow and crowded with lounge chairs
Rooms don't have views of the sea, unlike those at many nearby hotels
Complaints of dinner buffet closing early and being repetitive
With numerous on-site activities -- including tennis courts, a large pool, and a small beach -- this 188-room vacation village feels like spending the week at camp, making it a solid choice for families with kids and groups of friends. The bungalow-style rooms have all the essentials -- some even include kitchens -- but feature basic decor and lack ocean views. Located off a quiet, residential street, the resort is just a 12-minute drive from the nearby town of Cefalu. With freebies such as breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently low rates, it offers a good value. The Sporting Club is closed from late September to early April.
Scene
Bungalow-style rooms clustered in a village-like setting
Mediterranean-style bungalows situated on this well-manicured, grassy compound make for a casual, camp-like getaway. Between the various sports activities, themed dinners, and daily entertainment, the resort atmosphere is lively and spirited. Popular communal areas, such as the beach, tend to be crowded so you must arrive early to get a decent spot. If you're looking for a serene, relaxing vacation, one of the more luxurious hotels nearby is a better suited. However, it's hard to beat the value that can be found at Sporting Club.
Location
In a residential area, a short drive to the nearest town
This self-contained, gated resort is located off a quiet street with private residences. It's situated slightly inland compared to nearby hotels, but a short walk gets you to the narrow beach on the property. The hotel is a 12-minute drive to the nearby town of Cefalu, which has cobbled streets and a variety of restaurants and bars. It also offers a free shuttle.
Rooms
Small rooms with simple decor
Rooms are small and narrow, but can fit up to four beds and even more guests. The quaint (bordering on bland) decor provides a homey feel; picture pale-colored walls, floral bedspreads, and striped curtains. Each features a flat-screen TV, safe, and mini-fridge, and some even come with a small kitchen. Bathrooms are tiny, yet clean, but the appliances and tiling could benefit from an update. A small balcony leads off of each room, with a table and chairs overlooking the other rooms, which create a horseshoe formation around the grassy quad.
Features
Sports-oriented activites and live performances
This vacation village has a variety of activities to keep everyone busy. Between tennis courts, volleyball, ping pong, soccer, aerobics, and bowling, guests have numerous options for staying active and busy. There's the large pool and small beach, and the resort even offers canoes for those who want to venture out into the Mediterranean. Children's amenities include a separate kids' pool, a playground, and the Mini Mini Kids Club which has activities throughout the day. The buffet style restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and themed dinners, but food is only left out for a certain amount of time, so make sure to go early. The bar area, with live entertainment, can be a fun scene at night.