Hotel Villa Carolina

Forio’s center is convenient, with the beach only 10 minutes away and restaurants and shops nearby, and the room was clean. But I couldn’t rest because of the music from the nearby bar. It went on until 3 or 4 a.m. every night, loud enough to make the windows rattle. At first they said they’d move us to another room. Later, they told us to let them know when the noise started and they’d deal with it. I understand the hotel staff aren’t responsible for the noise, but we paid to relax, not feel stressed. I was exhausted and couldn’t sleep because the noise kept going until 3 or 4 a.m. It really bothered me every night.

We were drawn by the great location, right across from Forio port and close to lots of restaurants, cafes and shops. There’s a small free public sandy beach opposite where you can swim, and the private beaches with umbrellas and chairs are maybe a 5-10 minute walk away. Our room was clean and, to me, quite large. The noise ruined the stay. The restaurant next door played extremely loud music until somewhere between 2 and 4 a.m. every night but Sunday. Even with our balcony door fully shut, my husband and I couldn’t fall asleep until the party ended. We raised it with reception, who already knew about the problem. I know the restaurant’s volume wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but I wish something could have been done. People say this place is very quiet, and I couldn’t disagree more. The video shows some of the milder music we heard nightly. It was mostly rap or EDM, which we found absolutely horrific. Maybe a room without a sea view would be safer, but the walls seemed paper thin. On the first night, four younger women next door were laughing and playing some kind of game, and we could hear what they were saying. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel.

We booked the only two-floor suite for four for our honeymoon, and found it immaculate. The front desk was receptive, and the hotel is right where the ferries arrive in Forio, next to the port and center. For good views, good people and a good atmosphere, this is the place. It deserves all the flowers. My wife and I aren’t rich or delusional, and for the price, anyone who says otherwise has unrealistic expectations. It was worth every euro we spent.

Booking here was a huge mistake. The standard rooms don’t even have windows, and I found mine unbearable, so I had to book another hotel. Even though I’d only been in the room for 10 minutes, they wouldn’t waive the city tax. The pool is pretty small too. Don’t be fooled by the pictures; there are plenty of decent hotels and B&Bs nearby, so book elsewhere.