Hotel Tonnara

We couldn't get any rest with a party and live music going on past midnight right above our room. We were there with an eight-week-old baby. Reception's answer was, “it’s a party, the music will go until late,” and nobody tried to help. The attitude throughout felt dismissive, so I can't recommend this hotel for families with children. We'd taken an early flight and asked where we could get lunch, but were told everything was closed, with no suggestions. The restaurant stayed closed during our visit, which made meals difficult. On arrival, reception also said they had no record of our confirmed booking until we showed the email chain. They seemed more focused on appearances at the desk than helping with practical problems.

We chose Tonnara a year in advance and signed a contract covering the wedding arrangements, including a carpeted dance floor and its layout. On the wedding day, the contractor and crew began setting it up, but the manager, whose name I don't know, came from the cabin near reception and threw a tantrum, saying it would ruin the grass. Even after we showed her the contract, she insisted carpet could go down but no wooden support underneath. The contractor explained that carpet laid directly on grass would be a trip hazard. She wouldn't accept that interpretation, and I had to pay the contractor 2500 Euros for the transport and crew he'd already hired. This ruined my daughter's wedding, a day that mattered enormously to us. Raimondo at the front desk is a lovely, helpful gentleman, but he has no authority to fix things. The other front office staff were helpful too. The hotel manager, though, was unpleasant and unreasonable. There were 200 guests staying at the hotel, but breakfast was a fiasco. Despite our request, no toaster was provided. One small panini maker took 3-4 minutes per slice, leaving a terrible queue and most people without hot toast. Some toilet pots had repulsive yellow stains. I've attached a photo. When my daughter had her makeup artist, the manager wouldn't let her do the makeup in the room and demanded extra money for a separate makeup room. I don't understand why the hotel needed to control what the bride did in her room. The hotel mainly caters to wedding guests, yet has no ironing facility. Its laundry couldn't handle 10-15 requests a day. When we asked for a couple of irons and an ironing board at reception, we were told that wasn't good for the hotel's image. They did agree to an ironing room with two irons, but demanded 500 Euros. I questioned how that made sense when a room was 140 Euros a day; they said it was to cover electricity and air conditioning. Ridiculous, and daylight robbery. I regret choosing this hotel and strongly urge people not to deal with a place that doesn't honor its contract and takes advantage of the situation. The wedding was ruined, something I'll never forget. When I said I'd post about it on social media, the manager arrogantly replied that I was welcome to. During the final invoice settlement, the manager intimidated my daughter so much that she had to call the police. They wouldn't let me into the room where the discussion was happening, so my daughter had to face them alone.

We had some excellent pasta at the restaurant, a good option if you don't feel like going out. The outdoor space is beautiful, and a sea view is a bonus, though I wouldn't bother booking a suite. I was first given a very old room on the lower level, but they handled our request to move promptly. Pool hours are a shame, since it closes from 1-3pm. The girl and man at the pool bar were the most helpful staff; reception service wasn't something I could praise. Keep all arrangements in email to avoid misunderstandings. There weren't any taxis around, but the train to Palermo or Cefalù is easy. A nice man with a tuk tuk outside the hotel will take you to central Trabia for €10. It's only a 10-minute uphill walk, and we had a laugh. The Monday street market is worth a visit, and there's an excellent bakery across from the hotel, up the stairs towards Trabia.

The internet was the one letdown, since it mostly didn't work, so I took a star off the service. Otherwise, I really enjoyed staying at Hotel Tonnara for three nights while maintenance was being done on my boat. Having read the bad reviews, I was pleasantly surprised. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the old building, which I think used to be a tuna factory, seems well kept and updated, with a comfortable mix of history and modern amenities. Common areas were spacious, tidy, and clean. The hotel is by the sea, with a lovely garden and outdoor area between it and the beach. Breakfast was nice, Italian-style with sweets, plus some options more familiar to a northern European. Lunch and dinner at the restaurant were both very good. My room was fine, faced the beach, and had a nice firm bed. It's also a short walk into the city center, which is nice to look around.