Hot spring Hotels in Province of Messina

Myself and a friend stayed at the hotel expecting a 4 star hotel with all the amenities as listed on the website and trip advisor, however this was not the case on arrival. After a horrendously steep walk from the train station to the hotel we where able to check in ok but on arrival to the room it was very basic but thankfully clean. Unfortunately the toilet door was broken and didn’t close, the temperature of the water in the shower varied, the wifi didn’t work half the time, there was gaps in the panelling of the front door leading to the outside, the lights flickered and at times the air conditioning didn’t turn work. Breakfast was very basic and no matter what time you arrived they was never a lot of food provided and our first day there was nothing left. The provided 2 types of cereal however didn’t provide milk or bowls. Based of conversations with other guests at the hotel, the evening meal was a huge disappointment. A 3 course meal was offered however no menu and some evenings they either got a course to share or else only 2 courses despite having to pay for 3. They also ran out of towels when asked which was very frustrating despite not providing clean towels or bed linen unless asked. It appeared to be a family run hotel where staff where out sunbathing and on the beach most of the day rather than present when needed. Staff has very limited to no English which made communication very difficult for most of the guests who didn’t have Italian as a first language. Prices where made up as they went along and in the small shop on site only cash was accepted. If you required a lift to the train or the village which was a 5 minute drive, staff charged €20-€25 in cash only. The positives, it was in a stunning location which a pebble beach area easily accessible and lots of sun loungers around the pool for guests. If you want a very basic stay and like a hike up to the local village for restaurants then this is the place for you. I would say if staying in this hotel you would need to hire a car as the location is far from anywhere and staff charge a lot for transfers for such a short journey. It is also far from both airports. Overall this hotel had a lot of potential but was very run down and staff weren’t always helpful. Images shown of the hotel are very outdated and half of this complex no longer exists. I wouldn’t stay here again and I think the 4 star rating really needs to be reviewed as the hotel is far from this.