Delfini Strand Hotel Terme

Nightmarish stay! Very old structure, badly maintained. Inadequate staff, poor food, low quality. The poor breakfast with tables not set and dirty, like everything else. Neglected outdoor spaces very disaster and especially populated by bees 🐝. For three nights I paid a bang in a structure that is not to be redone but is to be closed. Highly discouraged there is much better nearby.

Recently spent 11 nights at the hotel with TUI. On arrival at the hotel at 2pm there were 45 steps to reception, this was not mentioned in the TUI brochure. We found out when we left the hotel that there is a lift that can be used for luggage. There are also many steps down to the sea. This was also not mentioned in the brochure, not an issue for us but people with mobility issues may struggle with the steps. However, the views of the hotel pool areas and the sea and Ischia Ponte and Castle in the background were amazing. The views this hotel has to offer were fabulous, it is worth the long journey from Naples to reach the Hotel for the views. There is no beach at the hotel that we found, as mentioned in the TUI brochure, access to the sea is via steps from the terrace. The terrace down by the sea had limited sunbeds and a snack bar, where young Italian males worked who were friendly and prepared delicious Zingaras which were 12 euros each. The hotel next door also did and charged 7 euros, also offered draft beer and again fantastic views. The pool area offered many sun lounges and in peak season we had no problem in getting one. They came with a mattress and a roof to provide shade which was a great idea. On arrival at reception we were advised that the room was not ready and that we would be offered a welcome drink. This took 20 minutes to arrive after I had returned to reception to enquire. We were told by people sat on the next table that the service is slow as there was only 1 member of staff on at that time. The lady behind reception was very helpful and friendly and gave us lots of information as there was no Welcome Meeting from TUI. The male waiters at breakfast were not. Most days we weren't spoken to at breakfast by the hotel staff, although Victoria did speak sometimes. Breakfast was simple, but adequate. Major issue with eating outside on the terrace due to wasps. The walk to Ischia Ponte was uphill and downhill, took 20 minutes partly along a busy road. A further 25 minutes would take you into Ischia Port, along the coast, a lovely walk. The Port is very busy as you would expect, lots of lovely boutiques if you enjoy shopping, bars and restaurants. An excellent pizza cost as from 5 euros otherwise a typical pasta dish was 18 euros. The hotel is located at the end of a road from Ponte or Port. A 7 day bus pass cost 15 euros and can be bought at the bus station at the port. I'd recommend no 12 bus from the Ponte or Port to the hotel as this doesn't go around the houses or number 13. You can get the 12 or 13 from the hotel, I'd recommend the 13 as this is more direct. Hotel reception have the timetables. Taxis are 20 euros from the Port and 15 euros from Ponte. Rooms were spacious and clean. Maid service was daily and towels changed most days. Plenty of places to visit on Ischia, we took a taxi to Saint Angelo which took 45 minutes. This is a lovely town, with a harbour and beaches, plenty of bars and more expensive boutiques. Beware, there is a public beach which is free, otherwise the other beaches are 50 euros per day for a sunbed and parasol. Overall, a great holiday just a shame that the hotel staff were not more friendly towards the Brits. The Italians had their coffees brought to them at breakfast, we didn't, not really a problem just an observation! Would recommend the hotel, but not if you want a good choice of bars and restaurants on your doorsteps as there are none, except the hotel next door.

Potentially perfect structure, with a wonderful view of the Aragonese Castle and the rocks of Sant’Anna, unfortunately badly maintained: old taps, inadequate hygiene (very small), poor quality and variety breakfast, non-blackout curtains. Superb staff in the restaurant (Rocco in particular, Vittoria and Michele are very kind and always available) and the bar (both the hotel and the beach). The dinner kitchen was really good and varied (half board added after booking at a great price). Negative note is the cost of the rooms that is variable (perhaps based on requests) and does not correspond to the services offered, except for the panoramic position of the hotel and the descent to the sea (platform, not beach - as mentioned by phone). The upgrade of the room (deluxe) that they would have “offered” us was basically corresponding to what we paid (350€/night room with breakfast). The indoor thermal bath is very small and has a cold temperature of about 18 degrees, so it is not usable. The outdoor pool is almost always full of children, among other things without staff control, so it is not usable for chaos. Getting to the center (closest point Ischia Ponte) is not easy on foot, so you have to take a bus (the stop is right outside the hotel and runs about every hour). Excessive prices at the bar: a 75 cl bottle of water costs €4. Overall it is not a “4 star L”. I would highly recommend waiting for offers and not staying on the weekend, as it is too crowded. To the structure I would recommend first of all maintenance, greater care at the reception for guests, and to reserve in platform umbrella and sunbeds for each room with assigned seat.

Property that enjoys excellent views but the rooms are bad. We had booked a Deluxe triple room with sea view and after changing the first room (very small ) we accepted the second room that had the bidet leaking water while the taps were old (with traces of limestone green ) and the ceramics that had detached from the bathtub was glued at best. To open the balcony window, which had the track blocked, it took, literally three people (the thing was reported at reception but nothing done). The customer is left to fend for himself, in three days we have never been able to stand on the wooden platform overlooking the sea because the structure also accepts people from outside not giving a minimum of priority to hotel guests. Not to mention the suitcases that we had to carry on arrival and departure by taking a path of stairs leading to the entrance, very steep. It is the most beautiful thing that what just said happens even with very old people. So what about, compared to the 4 stars indicated, I would certainly remove some. Much to redo! The only positive note is the sympathy and helpfulness of the waiter Rocco.