Casa Vacanze B&B Ucciali

The low price was the main thing that saved our stay, even though we went in early September when it was still in season. Check-in was on time, the room was near the town’s main attractions and several places to eat, and parking was easy to find before 6:00 PM. The problems were hard to overlook. Other reviews mention both a leaking water heater and very narrow stairs to the room. The stairs are structural and difficult to fix, but the heater leak has come up in other reviews too. The property manager said it was a recent problem, though we’d read about other guests having the same issue. Water leaked straight into the bathroom outlet, and after two hours with the heater on, the room flooded from the bathroom to the bed. The towels were stained with mascara. I was told to shut the heater hoses and switch it off. Breakfast at the bar across the street meant one croissant or brioche and one hot drink. Cleanliness was extremely poor, with cobwebs on the floor right above the pillows. There was no smoke detector or emergency exit sign in the room. A disappointing stay.

That week in Le Castella left us disappointed. We spent the third week of August there, and the room was in a poor state for the price: hair all over, yellowed pillows, and a shower that was hard to use. The boiler was leaking, with a bowl placed underneath it. The manager seemed indifferent. We were told the replacement boiler we had asked for would arrive the next day, but we stayed for a week and heard nothing more. With the place itself so lovely, the dirt and condition of the room made the stay unpleasant. I wouldn't recommend paying for this level of service.

From BnB Ucialì, you can walk to the center in about five minutes, and there's free parking farther along in the square. The rooms are comfortable and attractive, with air conditioning that helps during the hottest part of the day. The owner is very helpful. MIMMO and Poseidon 0 km were recommended for fresh fish at fair prices, and the beaches at Steccato di Cutro and Cinnamon are worth a visit. There are other free beaches nearby too, though they're small and get crowded. A few things could be better: room cleaning, towel and sheet changes at least every five days, and general maintenance. The drains weren't clogged. The indoor stairs are awkward if you're carrying suitcases. Even with those issues, we'd recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A practical place for a night or two, and good value. The apartment was on the first floor; the narrow stairwell was manageable, and the bed had a thick, comfortable mattress. In February, parking was easy. The location is central, and breakfast came as a voucher for a café elsewhere. We paid securely, but the agency sent the entry details only two hours before we arrived. Replies to our earlier questions had also been poor, even though they were very good on arrival day. The room lighting felt rather dull, and there was no dining table.