Hotel Tirreno

We stayed at this delightful family run hotel for a week in Sept. It was our 4th visit in 15 years (we have not returned anywhere else abroad, we are not the sort of people who go back to the same place as there are so many wonderful places in the world). Hotel Tirreno is an exception as it is so outstanding and Tropea is a relatively unknown italian gem. There have been a few changes over the years at the hotel and more are planned, with a new building going up (no building works going on while the hotel is open). The hotel has a large pool, deep enough to swim in and a bubble area too. This is a perfect place to relax after exploring the area or just topping up your tan, there are plenty of sun beds and pool towels provided. A pool bar has snack lunches as well as an impressive drinks menu. There is also a private beach a short walk away which has the most comfortable sun beds, the life guard also looks after hotel guests really well. The sea is the brightest turquoise and there are lots of fish to see even without snorkelling. The beach has a row of pebbles at the tideline so you may want beach/water shoes if you don’t like to walk on these. There were plenty of sun beds on the beach and space to move to be in the shade if preferred. We ate dinner at the hotel twice during our stay and the a le carte menu had local dishes and plenty of choice. The prices were in line with the better restaurants in Tropea. Meals were taken on a lovely terraced garden area. I am coeliac and need to have gluten free meals and this was easily accommodated at dinner. At breakfast the staff brought me additional GF products to supplement the cereal I had brought and there was a huge range of fruit, cold meats, cheeses, scrambled eggs, tomatoes and usual breakfast goodies. Our room had a lovely sea view and was large with plenty of storage, the bed was so comfortable. The hotel has always been absolutely spotless and this was our experience again this time. There are some nice touches that have been lost at other places such as placing a sweet treat on the pillow and emptying the rubbish bin on an evening so you feel looked after. The hotel also has a free shuttle to and from the beach (the access is via quite a steep road but if you walk it helps burn off some calories from all the gelati ha ha) and in to town and return on an evening. One of the biggest attractions at the hotel is the staff (and family members who work along side the staff). Nothing is too much trouble, everyone is so friendly and professional. Some of the staff were there when we first visited which suggests the family looks after their staff as well as their guests. We were remembered by a number of the staff despite it being 5 years since our last visit and welcomed like old friends. We will return again in the future, I’m excited to see the new build.

Great location, five minutes walk to town of Parghelia, ten minutes walk to the famous Michelino beach, one of the best in the world (don't believe me, Google it). Twenty five minutes walk to the beautiful hill top town of Tropea (Calabria's jewel). Nothing else immediately outside the hotel except for a nice restaurant and other hotels. The staff are the friendliest we've ever encountered, the service is exceptional. The food for the evening meal was outstanding, restaurant quality and definitely not the usual buffet style or standard, it was far superior to anything we've had in over thirty years of going abroad. Pool was lovely with plenty of good quality sun beds with free towels, so relaxing and peaceful. Meal times again were relaxing and peaceful with waiter service in the evening, breakfast was buffet but still relaxing, no rush. Bed was comfortable, shower amazing, free safe and free aircon. First day we're shown to our room with everything explained. Parts of the grounds were boarded off for building work but no noise as work done during winter. This is rated as four star but this was better than any four star we've stayed at before. The location, food, staff, service and presentation were five star. All the staff were great but special thanks to Stephanie (manager) Leonardo and Daria.