Province of Messina Hotels with Bars

Hotel Giardini Naxos Beach The all-inclusive package here is more limited than we’re used to, for example, cocktails are not included. Snacks are hardly offered in the afternoons and evenings, which is standard in other all-inclusive hotels we’ve visited, and there’s nothing available to buy. Room We stayed in premium room 260, and everything was fine. The air conditioning worked well, and the bed was very spacious and comfortable—the best hotel bed we’ve ever had. However, the faucets throughout the building are worn out and look unattractive, including in our room. Restaurant Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were okay, with enough variety. The dessert buffet was extensive, but the overall quality of the food was mediocre, major downside was that most vegetables were served cold every day, which wasn’t enjoyable. Keeping the food warm seems to be too much effort here. There was little variation in the menu, and no themed dinners. If you have a dairy allergy, unfortunately, this hotel doesn’t offer many options. At breakfast, there are Schär products, but during dinner, there’s no suitable dessert. Sometimes ice cream is available, but there’s no dairy-free sorbet. What really bothered us was the restaurant chairs. They are made of solid wood and become uncomfortable after a short time, making it feel like they want you to leave quickly. Entertainment The animation team was fun and spontaneous, but the evening music was always performed by the same band or artist, which became predictable after a few days. On Tuesday evenings, there was no music at all, as the performers had their day off. We enjoyed the fitness area, which was well-equipped—something you don’t often see. We used it often, although some equipment could use a fresh coat of paint. Surroundings The hotel is located right by the beach, and everything is well-maintained. There’s also a beautiful park where you can enjoy a drink. Unfortunately, many of the benches at the Olympus Bar outside are uncomfortable as they are too deep. The hotel has a shuttle bus to the stunning town of Taormina, which takes 20 minutes and costs €5 per person. Renting a car for a week costs around €350 and is recommended if you want to explore more of the island. Final Verdict Overall, we had a nice vacation, mainly due to the beautiful surroundings. However, we found the hotel overpriced for what you get in return. The all-inclusive package is a stripped-down version of what is standard elsewhere. The food was mediocre, especially having to eat cold vegetables every day. We heard many complaints from other guests. Unfortunately, there were hardly any accommodations for my dairy allergy. Our final rating is a 7. Sicily is definitely worth visiting, but we wouldn’t choose this hotel again.

oh my oh my where to start? we were holidaying in early August and cancelled Cefalu as we do not like to be with hordes of people - Tusa got recommended and we are so glad we found this hotel. Make sure you pay extra for a sea view room they are totally worth it. Breakfast is on the top floor and also worth paying extra for. And we had the best dinner in Tusa in the hotel. For us it was the perfect choice. The room is big, clean, has everything that we need - the only thing that was not perfect is the fridge that was not cold enough. I cannot wait to return!!

Nice room next to the supermarket

Top!!!I have been visiting Sicily for over a decade every year.. and stayed in many different Agriturismo..this is by far the best yet. We stayed for a total of 5 nights and we were 14 in total and we could not have asked for a better holiday. They also catered for coeliacs and also sourced specific products like gluten free and other hard to find ingredients as one of the guests was highly intolerant to Gluten, cow's milk dairy and also all Knight shade items. We were planning to stay for lunch twice, but ended up eating there 4 times.......their food was one of the best we had from the entire region, which says a lot given that we went to some really great Sicilian eateries!!! The crew under the watchful eye of Antonio are impeccable, Simone and all the rest! Always there when you need them. The location is absolutely breathtaking.....as soon as we arrived to the main reception....I was immediately reminded of the green mountains surrounding island of Capri...... unbelievable location! I cannot fault anything really. Even the rooms and their construction where full of character, very clean and with a view to die for. We will be back again....as I doubt we will find anything better next year. P.S. we barely found booking......4 months in advance but its understandable.

Looking at the stats on Trip Advisor it would appear that 75% of nearly 2000 reviews score highly, this review is in line with those. I cannot abide negativity and its repercussions. Just spent a hugely relaxing and warm 2 weeks at Caesar Palace. It is an older hotel and it has the character and quirkiness to go with it, so much better than many modern hotels without soul. Our room was on 3rd floor overlooking pool, excellent,  aircon was not noisy, room was not drab, bed linen was fine. Room always cleaned to good standard and left smelling fresh. We found food to be very good, amazing variety of fish,  pasta and risotto dishes,carpaccio,sundried tomatoes, marinated olives, Arancini and many Sicilian vegetable dishes. In 2 weeks we never queued for food even when busy, which was normally at 8pm, we eat at 7pm. Always found something nice to eat. Staff were very attentive, wine in Restaurant was freely available and we have no complaints. As for comments about feeding at trough,  that says more about the users than the providers. To the Bar, where we were brilliantly served by, Katerina, Serafina,Paolo and Rafaelo  amazing range of top shelf world renowned Italian liqueurs, and others, plus Absolut,Gordon's,Bacardi,Ballantines. Bottled red and white wine which was available in local Supermarket at €5-6 a bottle, bit more expensive than vinegar and a better taste by far , Prosecco and of course Moretti beer. We had a great time working out different drinks, some of which were new to the staff. We made use of the Sun Deck on 3rd floor of main block, nice and private with amazing views of Etna. The courtesy transport to beach has set timings and signs showing those are in numerous locations around hotel, not too hard to find. I have never seen,or heard, any advice that says beach is only a few minutes walk, research!! Most surprising for me is reading and laughing at negative comments and their origins. Here is a tip when reading reviews, never read the negative stuff if it is well in the minority, because that is what it is ‘ Minority’ Overall a very positive stay, enjoyed at all times, would stay again without question.

This is not a package holiday destination however if you want traditional Sicily and are prepared to hire a car like we did it’s magical. The breakfast was ample and fresh coffee was made each day for us. The pool was cleaned and the area spotless. The rooms are a bit run down and the balconies close together but the atmosphere of relaxation and rustic are in abundance. There is a fridge in the room and the room is cleaned daily. We learnt from previous reviews and brought a travel kettle and supplies so we didn’t eat in the hotel although this was an option. We had the place to ourselves nearly. It’s a good walk to any restaurants or shop but with a car it was easy to get to the supermarket for supplies and to explore the neighbouring villages and get to the train station. The water is crystals clear but rocky so sea shoes are needed. There was no rubbish anywhere that we saw. Everywhere does shut for siesta so it forces you to relax. Staff were friendly and we got by with little Italian although I learnt the basics before we came out. My tip - hire a car, get supplies but enjoy the rustic charm this place had to offer.