Residence Villa Maggiore

Lampedusa itself is a paradise out at sea, and the locals are friendly, outgoing, and hospitable. I can't say the same about the owners of this property. Here's what happened. Two other couples and I rented three accommodations there, along with three scooters. During our holiday, we also often rented their boats for independent day trips. One day my scooter broke down and wouldn't start. With help from another holidaymaker, I got to the designated location, told the owner what had happened, and gave her the location of the scooter, about 1.5 km away. She arranged a replacement so I could continue my holiday and said her staff would recover the broken scooter. I went to the man who had prepared the replacement. He insisted I go with him to retrieve the broken scooter. I explained that this didn't match what the owner had told me and asked him to check with her. He became visibly nervous and kept demanding that I come along. I was nervous too, and repeated two things clearly: the owner had told me to take the replacement and said her employees would recover the other scooter; and customers aren't required to help retrieve a broken-down vehicle, which is the responsibility of the people managing those vehicles. I again asked him to contact the owner for clarification. While this was being discussed, the owner arrived, apparently out of control and unaware of what had happened. She verbally abused me, then came threateningly close, inches from my face, one step away from physically attacking me. She demanded that I apologize to her employee, saying he was a foreigner and didn't understand our language. That wasn't my problem, since I'd already asked him to check with her to confirm her instructions. I was sure of my position and knew there were several witnesses to what happened, including how close she came to a physical attack. I asked the owner to explain to her husband what she'd told me, since his employee's demands conflicted with her instructions. The owner lowered her eyes and said nothing while her husband watched her. It brought to mind Sicily in the early 1900s. I don't want to invoke Taylor, the American theorist on work organization, but the basics of running an organized business seem to be missing. Can a customer who stayed there and rented their boats, bringing them money, really be treated in such an unspeakable and unprofessional way? The owner sided with the young man without knowing what had happened, and even after I explained it all to him, he continued to insist he was right, in front of witnesses. I don't want to get hung up on the idea that the customer is always right regardless, but in this case I was absolutely right, and their behavior left me perplexed. I won't go back, even if they were the only option on the island.

The place was clean, relaxing, and had just the right amount of space. It's a bit far from the center and port, but conveniently located for getting to different places by car or motorbike. The hosts were always available to sort out any issues. There was air conditioning, a private garden, a kitchen, a refrigerator, and more. The beds were comfortable and roomy, and there was a lovely main bathroom plus a second bathroom for guests. A great base for a visit to the island.

We had a really positive stay! Ms. Elisabetta was able to meet all our requests, and the apartment was modern, spotless, and in a great location. We also rented a scooter and a boat through her and had a wonderful time. I absolutely recommend it!

The apartment was comfortable and set up for cooking as well as making a simple breakfast. We could choose between a car and a scooter. It's 300 meters from Cala Croce, Porto N'toni, and Cala Madonna, some of the most beautiful sandy beaches, with good facilities. Thanks to Giusy at the Residence, who was always ready to help with our needs, and to Rosy and Lollò for their cooking suggestions and tips on beaches to explore.