Tonicello Beach
Casual apartments with private beach access, dining, and a petting zoo, offering good value on the stunning Calabrian coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Amazing sunsets await
Tonicello Beach
Best Time
Amazing sunsets await
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Casual apartments with private beach access, dining, and a petting zoo, offering good value on the stunning Calabrian coast.
"Great location and nice apartments, a good value for the price with amazing sunsets."
🚗 Free Shuttle Service
Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. :bus:
🧺 Laundry Service
Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. :washing_machine:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Beach Access
Resort grounds
Enjoy direct access to a clean, soft-sand beach with dining options and shuttle service. Perfect for relaxation.
Owner's Boat Trip
Coastal tour
Explore sea caves, grottos, and stunning coastline views on this highly recommended excursion.
Spa and Wellness
Resort spa
Indulge in exquisite spa services and treatments for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Trip Early
Embrace the Italian Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Shuttle Service
Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. :bus:
🧺 Laundry Service
Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. :washing_machine:
🚤 Book Boat Trip
The owner's boat trip is a must-do! Book in advance as it's very popular. :boat:
🍽️ Restaurant Dining
Enjoy great breakfast and dining options, though the bar closes relatively early. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Shuttle Service
Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. :bus:
🧺 Laundry Service
Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. :washing_machine:
🚤 Book Boat Trip
The owner's boat trip is a must-do! Book in advance as it's very popular. :boat:
🍽️ Restaurant Dining
Enjoy great breakfast and dining options, though the bar closes relatively early. :forkandknife:
🗣️ Language Tips
While some staff speak English, knowing basic Italian phrases can greatly improve communication. :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tonicello Beach offers a great location with spacious apartments and direct beach access, often at a good value. Guests praise the spa services and the owner's boat trip. However, some visitors have encountered significant issues with service, communication, and management attitude, which can detract from the overall experience.
"This resort has a really great location and nice apartments. It's a good value for the price.
The apartments have a bit of an 80s-built-but-renovated touch that could be improved with some decorations but they are anyhow spacious and comfortable. The fridge in the room is way too small... But hey, they want you to eat in the restaurant!
The balcony night view could be improved with some nicer outdoor lighting: the present one is far too strong and ruins the atmosphere.
The pool is open late at night, don't miss it!
They have a free shuttle service for the station, though a little unreliable, as the staff is far too busy/overworked.
Great breakfast, and open until late if compared to other hotels.
....On the other hand the bar is not open late at night (22h45 was already too late for the bartender).
The owner of the resort offers a very nice boat trip (extra cost)."
Sandro Bonacini
"I would stay at this hotel again. Clean rooms, pool along with beach access. The staff is lovely. The spa services as well as the spa staff were exquisite! The spa was actually the highlight of the visit. The beach was clean and had a spot to dine for lunch along with a golf cart to bring you back and forth. We took advantage of the laundry service. It was washed, neatly folded and brought back to our room within 24hrs. Overall, I would recommend if you’re looking for a place to stay with easy access to Tropea. Along with amazing sunsets."
Chanelle Parnizari
"I do not recommend this hotel – a disappointing experience with the service
Our experience at this hotel left much to be desired. Upon arriving late at night (around 1:00 AM), we found the reception and hotel closed, despite the information stating that 24-hour check-in was available. After waiting 40 minutes, a lady, who turned out to be the hotel manager, finally showed up. This situation was especially challenging as we were traveling with small children.
Furthermore, despite providing correct information in the booking regarding the number of guests and the type of beds (e.g., two separate beds instead of one double bed), the rooms were not prepared. It took another hour before everything was sorted out – and during this time, the staff showed no sense of urgency.
Communication with the staff was extremely difficult – most of them didn’t speak English, making any arrangements nearly impossible without knowledge of Italian.
Breakfast, which was included in our stay, turned out to be another disappointment. After 9:00 AM, there was hardly any food left – no bread, tomatoes, or cheese – and restocking took up to 10 minutes. Coffee machines frequently broke down, and the staff appeared unconcerned until someone explicitly asked them to fix the issue.
Situations involving the manager/owner were particularly frustrating. For example, we asked her to arrange lunch packages from the kitchen since we couldn’t have breakfast the next day. She agreed and asked us to pick them up at 10:00 PM in the restaurant. However, when we arrived at the restaurant at the agreed time, the staff had no knowledge of this arrangement. Upon asking the manager about it, she casually admitted that she didn’t inform the kitchen and, with a dismissive tone, said the only thing she could offer us was coffee – claiming we asked “too late.” What’s worse, she had earlier assured us that the lunch packages would be ready, which turned out to be untrue.
During check-out, she offered us the option to use the pool and fresh towels free of charge after vacating our rooms. Unfortunately, after picking up the towels, we witnessed a distressing scene – the manager publicly reprimanded the staff member (who was left in tears) who gave us the towels, and then snatched the towels from our hands, insisting we had to pay for them.
The hotel itself, its location, and its standard were decent – the rooms and surroundings were nice, and the proximity to the beach was undoubtedly an advantage. However, there is practically nothing in the vicinity – the nearest shop or restaurant is 1.5 km away.
Despite the good infrastructure, the service and attitude toward guests were so poor that the entire experience became very unpleasant. The lack of competence, empathy, and professionalism from the management makes it impossible for me to recommend this hotel to anyone."
Maja Myśliwiec
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tonicello Beach is accessible by car or via the free shuttle service provided by the resort to the nearest train station. The nearest major airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), from which you can take a train or rent a car.
Yes, parking is generally available for guests at the resort. It's advisable to confirm parking arrangements with the resort directly when booking.
From Tropea, you can take a taxi or a local bus service. The resort also offers a shuttle service to the train station, which can be a convenient option.
The resort offers a shuttle service to the train station, which connects to nearby towns. Check local bus schedules for routes that might pass close to the resort.
The resort provides a shuttle service to the nearest train station, indicating it's a manageable distance. Confirm the exact location and shuttle times with the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tonicello Beach is part of the Tonicello Resort & Spa, offering private beach access to guests. Day passes or entry fees for non-guests are not typically advertised, suggesting it's primarily for resort patrons.
As a private beach associated with a resort, access is generally available during daylight hours for guests. The resort's amenities, like the pool, are open late.
Yes, Tonicello Resort & Spa offers modern and refined accommodation with panoramic views. Booking directly through their website or a reputable travel agency is recommended.
While specific package details vary, the resort often offers deals that include accommodation and access to amenities. Keep an eye on their official website for promotions.
Check-in is usually available throughout the day, but some guests have reported issues with late-night check-ins. It's best to confirm 24-hour check-in availability and inform the resort of late arrivals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include relaxing on the beach, swimming, enjoying the resort's pool (open late), and taking the owner's popular boat trip along the coast.
The beach has soft sand and is enjoyable for children. The resort also features a petting zoo, making it a family-friendly destination.
The resort offers great breakfast and has a restaurant for lunch and dinner. The bar is open until around 10:45 PM.
Yes, the spa services and staff are highly praised, offering an exquisite and relaxing experience.
Wi-Fi is typically available at the resort. It's advisable to check with the reception upon arrival for network details and any potential charges.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from your balcony with panoramic views, the soft-sand beach, and during the breathtaking sunsets. The boat trip also offers incredible coastal photo opportunities.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. Evenings are particularly magical with amazing sunsets.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local laws and resort policies before flying a drone for aerial photography.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive coastal views.
While you can photograph the general ambiance, it's respectful to avoid photographing other guests in the spa without their explicit consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the resort has many family-friendly aspects, it's worth noting that some guests have experienced communication challenges if they don't speak Italian. Planning ahead and perhaps learning a few basic Italian phrases could enhance the experience. The shuttle service, while helpful, can sometimes be unreliable, so factor in potential waiting times.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the resort itself offers dining, exploring nearby towns for more budget-friendly meal options might be considered, though the nearest shops and restaurants are about 1.5 km away. Taking advantage of the included breakfast and the resort's amenities like the pool can help manage costs.
couples
Consider booking the owner's boat trip for a memorable shared experience exploring the stunning coastline. While some reviews mention service inconsistencies, focusing on the positive aspects like the spa and the natural beauty can lead to a very enjoyable stay for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastline by Boat
Travelers rave about the beauty and the opportunity to explore sea caves and grottos. It's an experience that truly showcases the natural splendor of the region. Given its popularity, booking this trip in advance is crucial, especially during the busy summer months, to avoid disappointment.
Resort Amenities and Services
The resort also boasts a pool that is open late, providing a lovely option for evening relaxation. For those seeking pampering, the spa services are described as exquisite, with staff receiving high praise. Additionally, a laundry service is available, offering quick turnaround for washed and folded clothes within 24 hours.
While the resort aims for convenience, some guests have noted that the bar closes relatively early (around 10:45 PM), and the shuttle service can be a bit unreliable due to staff being overworked. Communication can also be a challenge if you don't speak Italian, as not all staff members are fluent in English.
Understanding the Guest Experience
However, some guests have reported disappointing experiences, particularly concerning service and communication. Issues have included late-night check-in problems, rooms not being prepared correctly, and difficulties communicating with staff who don't speak English. Breakfast service has also been criticized for slow restocking and malfunctioning coffee machines.
The management's attitude has been a point of contention in some reviews, with instances of public reprimands of staff and perceived dismissiveness towards guest concerns. Despite the good infrastructure and location, these service-related issues have significantly impacted some visitors' overall satisfaction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit