Where do we start, firstly don’t go here if you’re British. They don’t like us, totally ignore you, very rude, ignorant, don’t smile. Very serious, apart from reception staff and 2 waitresses in our restaurant we had for 6 days, as a premium or superior room you can use the separate restaurant which was nice, then it just closed without any communication whatsoever, so we were then put in with the rest of the hotel at the buffet restaurant, fighting for a coffee in the morning, etc, running out of food constantly, asking to replenish and being looked at as if i am an alien! Drinks machines constantly running out of Pepsi, 7up, etc.
Pizzeria closed the day we arrived, such a shame as pizza in main restaurant is like school dinner pizza.
Room, although premium was basic, leaking shower, changed linen once in 9 days. Towels were regularly changed, so a plus. Room attendants looked at you as if you had two heads, even though we tried to correspond and say good morning.
Food was cold, plates were cold. Only one bar opens at a time, unusual for a large complex, they would run out of spirit drinks, didn’t replenish. Surely must have had spare bottles out the back. I wouldn’t go to the bar at the pool because i felt uncomfortable every time i tried. Lady was rude to me twice, and made me feel uncomfortable. Ignored me over Italians at bar. Young girl with long dark hair and glasses. Lots of throw away small plastic cups and paper cups, not washable ones, like most all inclusives. This is not very environmentally friendly. Prosecco not included. No alcohol free beer either. For a very large hotel it is surprising.
My husband works in hospitality and we have visited many hotels around Europe and Italy and never have we been treated with such hostility. Where are the managers, keeping an eye on the staff and the holidaymakers.
Music in the evenings was ok, struggled for a chair on the upper terrace.
Pools were lovely, but no markings of depth and only one set of steps, no steps in the kids pool.
Sometimes the lifeguard, a young boy, was never around the pool, just at the bar, talking to the bar staff, on his phone and smoking, older lady and guy were very attentive. We witnessed a guy fall in the pool as the steps aren’t clearly marked and luckily someone saw and helped him, while the lifeboy was at the bar chatting with his back to the pool.
Beach was also lovely, can walk or get the train, it is a pleasant sandy beach with facilities and restaurant, ice cream, pizzeria, which is paying, a small sacrifice for the beach. Weather was lovely, thankfully.
Location is miles from anywhere, Syracuse is 12 km away, getting out and about is highly recommended if you do chose to stay here as a base. Shuttle goes twice daily to Syracuse for 5 euros. Other tours can be arranged through the hotel or hire a car if you dare want to drive in Sicily.
Animation team
They are friendly and attentive, and make you laugh. Great for aqua gym, Pilates and stretching, etc. All stopped on 30th September. Little Sicilian coffee shop was nice, although paying, worth visiting as you get treated with respect and not too expensive, and you’ll get served.
CH