Villafranca Tirrena Vacations from $1,049

We booked a room in June for a September 3-night stay. When we arrived at the hotel I was told there were no rooms available. I was redirected to stay at another hotel 15 minutes away. We met another couple who had the same experience. We believe they overbooked but did not tell either couple that this was the case. Very inconvenient, to say the least. The only redemption was that they offered us a free dinner and spa access after we sent a complaint to Hotels.com. They did not extend this offer to the other couple who were also sent away (probably because they hadn't booked through Hotels.com and did not send a complaint).

This is a unique property which is somewhat isolated but about 20 minutes from Syracusa and we were able to get an Uber pretty easily. We had a rental car and went to Arenella Beach which was great experience which I feel was a real authentic Sicily lido experience. We paid 5 euro for the parking 25 euro for 2 chairs. They had a man making very good pizza and a restaurant with full bar to sit in (food court set up). The pool at the hotel is very nice and huge and heated. Our room had a hot tub which was really nice. The morning breakfast is a buffet but they will make you omelets, pancakes and eggs too! This is a very relaxing place but the rooms are not luxurious but clean and adequate. The staff was very helpful.

The hotel could do with a refresh for a four star hotel. It’s a bit battered around the edges. However, it is clean and the staff were helpful. The buffet breakfast was good.