Villaggio La Pizzuta

For a hotel this close to Tropea, the beach was disappointing: coarse sand and pebbles, and a sea urchin had washed ashore. Water shoes are a good idea. You can get to the beach by shuttle or elevator, though from the elevator it's another 5-10 minute walk, which could be hard for anyone with mobility problems. Tropea's center is about 2.5 km away, roughly 30 minutes on foot. The hotel has parking, but it's poorly marked. I suggest leaving the car on the street by reception when you arrive, then asking where to go after check-in. The entrance is narrow, and you have to ring reception each time you enter or leave so they can open the gate. A chip card would be better. Beach beds cost EUR 18 in the front rows and EUR 15 farther back. On arrival, staff take your luggage by golf cart to your apartment while the receptionist or manager explains the facilities and other details. Those explanations were confusing, and there was a language barrier throughout our stay. Staff didn't speak English well, and the cleaners and restaurant servers didn't speak it at all, although some knew a few German words. At first glance, the village looks like a botanical garden, with beautiful flowering plants and fruit trees. The apartments are soundproof from one another, but outside conversations and loud music can be heard inside. Two of our three nights had guest shows with loud music until nearly midnight, so bring earplugs if you usually go to bed early. The furnishings were dated, the mattress very hard, and there were only three power outlets: one in the bathroom, one behind the TV, and one awkwardly placed behind the bed. Charging phones was a hassle. On the positive side, the windows had mosquito nets, and there was a small refrigerator and air conditioning. Breakfast began quite late, around 7:30-8:00 am, and finished around 9:30-10:00. It was the same every day, with only green bananas for fruit and tomatoes and lettuce for vegetables, a very limited spread for the location. Lunch and dinner were available to order, but we didn't try them. The outdoor pool requires a swimming cap, available to buy at the bar. The staff were fairly pleasant, and the manager was especially helpful. Still, when a chair went missing from our terrace, I asked three times and only got one several hours later from a cleaner, after reminding her we were waiting. Most guests were Italian and German pensioners. Overall, this place suits easygoing guests who don't mind paying a lot for an older hotel and weaker service. Too little for too much money. I can't recommend it.