Hotel Smy Civico Zero

The room’s cleanliness was a terrible disappointment. The bed was bent, the edge was dirty, and there seemed to be dirt from more than one guest, perhaps built up over a few years. At breakfast, a woman interrupted me while I was eating to ask for my room number because she couldn’t find my name on the list. The beach was another letdown, with dark sand and a lot of rubbish. I’ll never return to this place or hotel. It was a nightmare. I can compare it with other hotels in Italy, as I’m currently travelling through the country from north to south and east to west by motorcycle.

The location is great for peace and quiet, though not so much for pubs or clubs if you want to party. Tarquinia is a 10-minute drive away. I had an amazing stay at Smy Civico Zero, and the staff made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Check-in was smooth, and they went out of their way to help with my special requests. My sea-view room was spacious, spotless, and nicely decorated, with a bed that felt like a cloud. The view was breathtaking at sunset, and housekeeping refreshed everything daily. The pool was luxurious, and the on-site restaurant served some of the best traditional meals I’ve had while travelling. The staff there were attentive without hovering. For comfort, relaxation, and impeccable service, I’d definitely come back.

The restaurant was AMAZING, with a chef worth complimenting and outdoor tables overlooking the sea. Breakfast was complimentary, with a superb setup and range of options. The pool was amazing too, and there was a live guitarist and saxophone player. It’s a very family-friendly resort, and we had such a good stay that we’ll definitely return and hope to stay longer. The welcome was lovely. At check-in, they gave the kids activities, then put their drawings up at the front desk, which made them feel excited and happy. The spacious rooms were very clean and well kept, with classy, modern minimalist beach decor and a nice balcony with chairs. They also brought us a baby crib and extra linens for the children. Stefano at the front desk was super friendly at checkout and gave us great advice. Thanks, Civico Zero Resort!

The pool is nice, but the pool bar was disappointing. There wasn’t anything decent to eat at any time of day, and the young man working there seemed more interested in the girl hanging around him than in serving customers. They only had beer, served in a plastic cup, with no cocktails or mixed drinks. Not very stylish. The resort also has no dedicated space on the black sand beach, so guests have to pay to use another property’s umbrellas and sun loungers. From the sea-view room, you can also see all the rubbish in front. The restaurant was nice, but the staff seemed tired and angry and offered only the bare minimum, with no smiles or conversation. It was near the end of summer, but our holiday was just starting. The sheer curtain across the large window had two thicker side curtains that wouldn’t close. We only found the automatic blind the next morning, so we had to wake at sunrise. This place calls itself a resort but didn’t deliver that kind of experience. People giving it high reviews must have been paid or never travelled enough to compare. There’s much more I could say, but if you want a lovely beach resort stay, this isn’t it. A resounding no from me.