Costa Citara

For the price, this is a very good basic hotel and a handy base for a beach and relaxing holiday in Ischia. The bus stop is right outside, with a supermarket and a good takeaway pizzeria about five minutes away. The beach and Poseidon terme are both around a ten-minute walk downhill. We were happy with the half-board meals. Nothing especially memorable, but they used fresh local ingredients, including fresh fish, and it kept us well fed. Our room faced the garden and backyard, which didn’t bother us since we weren’t planning to spend time on the balcony. The rooftop terrace has wonderful sea views. I’d stay again at these budget-friendly prices, as long as you’re not expecting luxury.

After three family holidays here about ten years ago, I came back this year with my fiancé and was just as happy with the place. The pool is lovely, and the room had what we needed. There was enough closet space for our clothes and two large suitcases without getting in the way. The air conditioning and minibar worked perfectly. We could get to Forio, the beach, a pharmacy and a minimarket on foot fairly quickly. The front desk attendant who checked us in was so welcoming, and even carried my suitcase upstairs while complimenting its color. When housekeeping missed changing our towels one day and refilling the shower gel another day, reception sorted it out quickly and pleasantly. I don’t really get the complaints about the showers. I could shower and shave comfortably for a week, and I’m not especially petite. We also liked having a balcony for the view, drying our clothes after the pool or beach, and smoking without going downstairs. The two twin beds pushed together did slide apart a little now and then, but the mattresses, pillows and sheets were very comfortable. It was absolutely worth the price, just as we expected.

We had a lovely week, and I’d return if the price was right. It’s a homely place rather than a luxurious one, and for us it worked as a base. The staff were generally very helpful and friendly, and the rooms and shared areas were clean. The coast views are lovely, though we relied on the bus to get around the island, mainly because walking didn’t feel safe. The weekly bus pass is excellent value and, in my view, essential. Food and drinks are reasonably priced. My favourite was the tomato bruschetta.

A small, cozy hotel close to the beach, with a pool. The staff cleaned our room daily, and reception was helpful, even showing us to the room. One odd thing was that the manager never spoke to us, although we greeted him each day. He only addressed us at checkout, when we paid the city tax.