Contrada Sovareto 4, Sciacca, Italy
Large outdoor pool surrounded by plenty of loungers and a shaded patio
Beautiful view of the sea from restaurant terrace and bar
Large sandy beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas available
Water sport rentals available, including sailing and windsurfing
Resort shuttle both to the beach and to the town of Sciacca
Kids' club
Conference rooms, and an on-site theater
Mini-refrigerators in rooms
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Poor soundproofing in rooms
Outdated decor in common areas and rooms
All-inclusive option works on a card system, which some guests find cumbersome
No separate kids' pool
This large, mid-range '60s-era hotel is part of a complex of four different hotels clustered together near the sea and a 10-minute drive from Sciacca. Guests can use the facilities at different properties, but some guests complain that the huge size of the complex and the number of guests circulating around it can make their experience impersonal and a little overwhelming. The 230 rooms are slightly spartan, and could use better soundproofing, but are bright and pleasant, and generally receive high marks for cleanliness. The resort is family-friendly with many entertainment options, and guests report that they enjoy the seaside location, and the possibility to explore the surrounding area's beaches.
Scene
Part of a four-hotel complex near the sea that's popular with French tourists
Part of a four-hotel complex, this property maintains an aesthetic connection to the 1960s through its slightly institutional-looking, low-lying buildings fashioned of earth-toned stucco that are spread out over a hillside overlooking the sea. Hallways and common areas are large, plain, and outfitted with fluorescent lighting and industrial tiling. Although the hotel has a kids' club, some guests say that Torre del Barone Club offers fewer perks for children than other hotels in the complex, citing in particular the lack of a separate children’s pool.
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 commerce. The hotel runs a daytime shuttle both to the nearby sandy beach, and to the town, although a car is recommended for getting around. The Palermo Airport is about an hour and a quarter drive from the hotel.
Rooms
A few nice touches in simple rooms, including interior stone walls
Walls tiled in natural stone constitute a stand-out aesthetic feature in otherwise plain accommodations; the stone-gray wood laminate and plastic furniture hark aesthetically to the '60s origins of the property, and the overall feel of the rooms, with their gray-blue tile floors, is a bit on the institutional side. Rooms do come with mini-refrigerators, and tube TVs -- no flat-screens. Bathrooms feature a combination tub and shower. Many rooms have sea views from their balconies, which are separated from the neighbors’ by high concrete walls.
Features
Access to the amenities of neighboring properties, a large pool and some kids' play areas
There are a handful of water sports options available at the hotel, including windsurfing and sailing. The pool here is large, though there is no separate children's swimming area. Guests can walk over to one of the neighboring hotels and use their pools and facilities too. Many have noted that the grounds could use some updating, and that the on-site entertainment may be intrusive, with loud music in the afternoons and into the evening.