Castiglione Village Spa

Several Mediterranean-style buildings make up the Hotel Castiglione, and the property has a relaxed atmosphere throughout. Red bench seating pops against light tile in the hotel's bright, homey lobby, with artwork from various genres on the walls. Red and yellow tablecloths as well as landscape art adorn the restaurant, while the bar is more like a convenience store with cheap seating. Everything in the bar area is decked in a shade of green, though there is an outdoor terrace attached to the bar that has terra cotta tiles and white plastic furniture -- it's a far brighter place for a drink on a warm day, and views of the sea and hills can be lovely. Most of the hotel, including the dreary spa, has a dated style or appears quite run down. Gardens surround the property with plenty of flowers and trees, and there are metal chairs and tables in shaded areas. Guests here are predominantly couples and families looking for bargain rates in an ideal location, with access to pools on site.

The Hotel Castiglione is in a quiet, peaceful area of southern Ischia Island, on a narrow, steep street surrounded by other hotels. The area is ideally situated for reaching Sorgeto Bay, a scenic spot where Ischia's thermal springs meet the sea that's a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There are also a few bars and restaurants within a 10-minute walk inland. The picturesque town of Sant'Angelo is about 12 minutes away by car and has several cafes and restaurants. Citara Beach is a 15-minute drive from the hotel while San Montano Bay and Negombo Thermal Park are a 20-minute drive. The island has no airport, and the closest is in Naples, on the Italian mainland, an hour and 40 minute ferry ride from Ischia (though ferries depart on the north side of the island). 

These are basic rooms through and through. Floors are tiled, some with attractive classically patterned tiles, and simple wood furniture shows a bit of wear and tear. All beds have bed spreads that look several decades old and rooms are outfitted with a combination of earth tones, greens, and blues throughout. All rooms are air-conditioned and some have flat-screen TVs, though others have tube-style TVs. Minibars are available by request for a fee and some rooms have balconies or terraces with seating and sea views. Other rooms only have tiny windows and can feel especially spartan, with just one small framed piece of art work tucked into a random spot. Bathrooms are similarly bland, with tile from floor to ceiling and white pedestal sinks plus stand-up showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. It's also worth noting that guests have complained about noise and cleanliness issues, and housekeeping is not offered daily.

The outdoor pool offers nice hillside views and has a fountain flowing into it, plus potted flowers and trees, though the wildly phallic sculpture that sits poolside is an odd choice for decor. There are also two small outdoor kids' pools, though neither have particularly child-friendly features beyond their shallow depth, plus an indoor thermal pool. The hotel offers various organized activities in high season. Cocktails, beer, and Mediterranean cuisine are offered at the on-site restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner, while the included continental breakfast has cakes, bread, meats, cheeses, cereal, and coffee. The bleak spa has a thermal steam sauna in addition to massages and spa treatments. The front desk is staffed 24/7 and can provide concierge services and the hotel offers live entertainment several days per week. Wi-Fi is only free for a limited amount of time and then subject to fees, though it's not always reliable.