Aragona Palace Hotel & Spa

We stayed here for 4 nights. I let them know it was a special anniversary trip and asked for a nice room. Our room 104 was on the first floor facing the street and bar. It smelled like smoke. I was not pleased especially since I am an asthmatic, so I went to the front desk and the young woman offered me 111, which was not great either with a queen and one twin. She then offered me a category with a terrace on the 4th floor. That room was lovely but 50 euros per night more. I mentioned I was a travel agent if they could give me a better rate. She spoke to the manager, and this was the best they could offer. We settled on 111. The curtain was broken. The sheets, blankets, towels, and bedspread were old, dirty and tattered. The bathroom had rust all over, and water stains on the counter. Looked like it had not been painted in 15 years. It's a very noisy area near our room we hardly slept. The next morning, I took a shower, and the drain was so clogged it flooded the entire room! I immediately called to have it mopped up and spoke to the manager about changing the room. He was very defensive, cut me off, and said all the rooms are the same. I was so frustrated, but clearly, they didn't know anything about customer service. The breakfast left nothing to be desired with just oversized pastries, cakes, and cold eggs. We visited the thermal pool, which was somewhat relaxing but a danger zone with loose railings and missing tiles that were corroded by decades of old chlorine, the same as the vents. This hotel claims to be a 4 star but more like 2.5 to 3. Perhaps in its hay day 30 years ago, they could have gotten away as 4 stars. The only positive thing I can say is that the 2 young women at the front desk were very helpful, it's in a good location, and the glossy blue tile floors were nice. I would never stay here again until the entire property gets a total renovation, which it desperately needs.

My travel agent and I didn't know anything about the Isle of Ischia. So we chose the Aragona Palace Hotel just by chance. I went there for a couple days between tours. The hotel is right on the port of Ischia, about 200 meters from where the ferry arrives. Because we didn't know this, we booked a transfer. The driver must have had a chuckle over this :) It's easily walkable even with a 20kg suitcase on wheels. I really liked the hotel. I was on the top floor, near the pool, which was a thermal pool. My room looked out over the port and there was always something to see. It wasn't too noisy. It's located near all the shops and other restaurants so it's easy to wander around the area. There is the Castle Aragonese not too far away. I walked it but it took about 1/2 hour at a pretty good clip. Some people may prefer a taxi or similar. There are many other thinsgs to see and do on the island. It's a lovely island. I took a local bus around the whole island. There is another popular area called Forio, located on the other side of the island. This is where many of the spa hotels are. For me, I liked the Port location. But I think 3-4 days are all you need unless you really want to use the spas. The room was comfortable but excellent. Hence my 4 star rating. Could be 4.5 if that was an option on Trip Advisor. The reception staff at the hotel were excellent. Very helpful. I hope you enjoy your stay like I did.