LABRANDA Rocca Nettuno Tropea

The hotel's entrance sprawls out like a conference center across the grounds, and the low-slung facade, edged by a small pool, ushers guests into an expansive modern lobby with generous amounts of dark-brown and cream wicker seating. However, elements like sandy pink columns and glossy surfaces are beginning to look a little dated, which is echoed in the rooms. But, grounds are lovely and the provide views over the private beach and sea. Given the all-inclusive options and array of activities offered here, a lot of the tourists who come here are families, many from Germany. 

Located on a side street off of a busier road, Rocca Nettuno Tropea is located a four-minute walk from the ocean, including a stretch of land reserved just for hotel guests. Since the hotel is located on the outskirts of town, there's not much to do in the immediate area; all that surrounds it is a Brazilian restaurant, service station, and a few tour operators. That being said, a taxi ride to the historic center will have you there in about five minutes, or it's a 15-minute walk. Unfortunately, there's no public transit available. Given that the hotel is resort-style, though, many guests -- especially those on the all-inclusive package -- might not need to leave the grounds often enough for this to be an inconvenience. Tropea's train station is about a six-minute drive away (although taxis aren't always waiting and available). The closest airport, Lamezia Terme International Airport, is about an hour and 40 minutes by train, or an hour by car. 

The hotel is actually split into several buildings, and its 264 rooms are located throughout the main building and the annex. Some complain that the quality of the rooms doesn't match the hotel's price tag: They're growing dated with polka dot-patterned coverlets and peachy pastel walls blending into the light-wood furniture and bare tile floors. That being said, rooms are generally very clean, with towels replaced daily and sheets changed twice a week. Guests should also be aware that Single Rooms are located in the hotel's basement and have a small window, but no terrace or balcony. All of the other rooms have furnished outdoor seating areas, and a spectacular sea view is definitely worth the upgrade. Additionally, the Double Room Deluxe Gardenside have hot tubs and loungers on their terraces. Bathrooms are adequately sized with stall showers and ocean blue tile accents. Hotel-brand toiletries and an old-fashioned hose hairdryer are provided. Standard amenities include a mini-fridge with bottled water, desk, air-conditioning, and a small flat-screen TV with some international channels. Higher-category rooms add tea- and coffee-making facilities. Safes are only free for guests on the "all-inclusive plus" package; other guests can use them for a small per-day cost; strangely, they aren't included in the regular all-inclusive package. Infant cribs come at a per-day cost.  

The hotel's standout feature is its private section of the gorgeous beach, accessed by an elevator. It has a non-smoking section, as well as a bar and other dining options. Loungers and umbrellas are free, though guests will need to surrender a deposit for towels. The resort-style outdoor pool, which is surrounded by palm trees and curves through the grounds, is lovely and filled with freshwater. A shallow section for kids is also provided. Loungers are first-come, first-served, and, unfortunately, often "reserved" with towels, despite hotel policy. Daytime and evening entertainment from the animation receives positive reviews, and a kids' club for ages 4 to 12 is free.Five restaurants are located on-site, most of them drawing upon regional and Italian dishes. Casual options include two pizzerias and a beachside restaurant. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Food is generally not up to par for a hotel at this price point. Some guests opt to walk into Tropea to dine instead. Those on the all-inclusive packages have all meals, local alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and ice cream as part of their plan.Some of the main features of the property, at least when it comes to recreation, are only free with an all-inclusive package. These include a small gym, a wellness center with aqua gymnastics, bocce, a sauna, and a hammam, and tennis and volleyball courts. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and it works great. There's a free public parking lot next to the hotel that guests can use.