B&B Villa San Nicola

That little terrace breakfast spot is lovely, with rooftops and the sea in view. The rooms are simple, charming and useful, the beds were comfortable, and ours had air conditioning and a TV. The bathroom was rather small, though manageable. Mrs. Michela served breakfast and shared suggestions for routes for the rest of our trip. Mrs. Teresa had already made arrival easy, telling us where to park for free and how to walk to the B&B tucked into Villa San Nicola’s narrow streets. She was kind and ready to help with any issues. We were there just one night, and when a guest joined our group at the last minute, the property did all it could to fit our needs. Highly recommended.

A small suitcase is a good idea here. You can't drive right up to the B&B, so you'll carry it uphill for about five minutes, though the walk is easy enough. Once there, the friendly staff, historic-center location, pretty rooms and breakfast terrace make it a lovely base for visiting San Nicola Arcella. Breakfast comes with homemade jams, and the strawberry grape one was excellent.

We were charged the full amount before we had a chance to see the room. For €220 a night, the setup was awful: five of us, two adults and three children, sharing a room with two supposed double beds split by a crumbling cupboard. The fifth bed was a camp mattress so thin we could feel the slats. The electrical system didn't work, and every plug was on a loose power strip by the bed. The room's old furniture looked like it came from someone's former home, dating back to the 1980s. The bathroom was filthy, one of its three bulbs worked, the showerhead was rusty, and a broken plastic curtain from the 1980s covered the window. There wasn't even a glass for toothbrushes or a soap dish, and don't get me started on the mirrors. After our first day, we came back to unmade beds, unchanged towels and no basic cleaning. When we asked, they said they only do that after three days. I've never seen this level of disrepair or such a lack of respect and hospitality. Shame.

At breakfast, €5 per person got us coffee, biscuits and a croissant, but no cappuccino. Even the only way to deal with the heat in my room was a fan. I was on the first floor, in a room quite unlike the ones in the website photos: it was okay, though the glass door felt like it could give way with a shove, just like the others. The bathroom was worse, with an awkward layout and no hot water. I was also "forced" to pay as soon as I arrived. Without the staff, I don't think I'd have paid €70 for a B&B with little to offer beyond the location. At Villa Principe, €100 got me a hearty breakfast and all the comforts, including an electronic key card, a great room and bathroom, and air conditioning. I don't think I'll stay here again. Check your prices!