This hotel was perfect. The staff was patient with my poor Italian and was very accomidating. Out of 5 hotels in Sicily my family of 14 enjoyed this one the best. The breakfast is perfect and the hotel is close to 5 very good resturants the views are unbelievable and the rooms were clean and comfortable.

Having read some very positive reviews of this hotel, we were deeply disappointed with the room we were offered. On arrival, we were shown into a small dark room, with a small window facing onto a side alley. Reviews we had read all spoke about the “wonderful” views from the rooms. Complaints to the desk clerk met with no result. “Sir, this is the room which you have reserved”, he insisted. Checking my booking, it said “Standard Room” - but didn’t say “Dark Room at back facing onto alleyway”. Turns out there are three rooms at the front with a sea view, and these are at a premium price. We couldn’t upgrade, since they were fully booked. Outside, the guide book had mentioned the hotel faced onto a “small sandy beach”. A more apt description would be “dirty, litter-strewn strip of sand close to equally dirty water”. Parking outside was also a problem, since the hotel is close to a marina which generates significant local traffic. To be fair, the room itself was clean, had good air-conditioning, satellite tv and a minibar. Bathroom was small, but adequate (though the shampoo dispenser was empty). At 86 euros a night, it probably wasn’t the worst value I’ve ever had – assuming you want to visit Castellammare Del Golfo. After a day and a half there, I can’t remember why we decided to go there in the first place. Won’t be back

June 29, 2008 Reviewer : George Nice, well located hotel, close to the city center, ideal for spending days at the beach. Close to good restaurants, where you can have real Sicilian cuisine. The hotel staff is outstanding and you have a service level hard to find in these days.

Our stay at the Cala Marina was the highlight of our Sicilian trip because of it's lovely location, and also because the facilities/ service matched it. The minor niggles are mentioned below for your consideration but we felt that on the whole, everything was ideal for us, even the price which was pretty reasonable. The hotel was clean and modern but first impressions count and as we arrived, the vista included the small bay, sleepy and overlooked by old buildings clinging to the cliffsides, with a handful of fishermen mending their nets in their tiny boats. The hotel itself is right on the front overlooking the small beach, with a welcoming reception. We were hooked. Our well sized room was ready and waiting for us following the online booking, and included a cheap mini-bar, TV and balcony (didn't get the bay facing room but the side ones are almost as good). Shower and bed were both fine. Breakfast (like everywhere we stayed) was basic but had more variety and good quality meats, croissant and cheeses etc. First niggle: We were always disappointed that the orange juice was not fresh given the abundance of oranges! The rooms were not exactly soundproof either but didn't cause us major concern. They offer a 3 euro underground car park and it can be difficult to find a space if you return in the evening at the weekend, however, the steep ramp looked too daunting for us. It isn't until you explore outside the bay (up the steep alleyways into the cliffs) that you get a sense that the town is actually quite large. Although there is more to see, you can content yourself that the few restaurants and bars in the bay are good enough to keep you enchanted for 2 or 3 days if you wish. It's a great base to strike out from to visit Palermo, Scopello, the nature reserves and even Marsala or the sites of ruins - all assuming you have a car of course. The main niggle was the beach, which was filthy. A real shame. A bit of rubbish collection would have made it suitable for sunbathing etc but as it was we headed for San Vito Lo Capo (not bad in April but probably a bit package tour heaven otherwise). Finally, you may not like the fact that locals descend on the place in droves of a weekend evening. We found it made the place lively and vibrant which was perfect for an April evening. It was also fascinating to see the cars/mopeds roll in and out again. We thought thought they would be disappointed at not finding a parking space but it seems that's not the idea. Our concierge couldn't explain it but said that it's simply the local idea of a night out to promenade along in your car!