Hotel Il Vulcano

The music was really loud and made the place unenjoyable.

We were supposed to stay four nights, but left after paying for one. The property needs modernization in several ways, and I don't recommend it. The bathroom in the room we were given bore no resemblance to the website photos: there was no shower tray or tub, just a wall-mounted showerhead and a floor drain. When we asked about it, the person who greeted us told us to speak to management the next morning. The owner said a couple had extended their holiday and were in the room we'd originally booked, but offered no apology. He offered to move us, which we declined because the situation felt inconsistent and unserious, and the price didn't match the service. One of us had to stand in water to use the bathroom in the middle of the night after someone had showered before bed. We offered to pay less, but they refused, so we paid the full amount for the single night and left.

The reception staff were always helpful and friendly, and having a restaurant on site was convenient, especially for anyone without a car since the hotel is a little outside Tropea's center. We stayed two nights, and the three-star rating seems to match the experience. The style is dated, like the early 2000s, but it has the essentials: AC, refrigerator, hairdryer, TV, and desk. The bathroom was the main drawback, with no shower stall, so water spread everywhere and made it impractical. Breakfast disappointed us too. Most items were packaged industrial snacks, savory choices were limited, and there was little for vegetarians. We expected espresso from a proper machine, but it came from a small vending machine. Soft drinks, juices, and yogurt were available. The two-night stay was still quite expensive for the overall quality, even allowing for high season.

We had a lovely dinner with friends at this simple, charming place with a terrace. The pizza was very good, and the local Fileja pasta was excellent, both with seafood and with eggplant and melted cheese. The service earned the fifth star: polite, attentive, and available without being intrusive. That courtesy should be normal, but it isn't always, and you notice the difference here. I recommend it to everyone.