Ischia is considered the low-key, VIP island of the Bay of the Naples. Being myself half Neapolitan and knowing the area quite well, I can assure you that Ischia is usually mentioned as the non-tourist alternative to the Foreign Invansion which took over several islands of the Med. This island, which is located within an hour ferry ride from mainland Naples, is a beautiful hideway which captures the stereotypical Southern Italian spirit mixed with the luxury necessary to make it into a posh destination.

I confess to be a faithful user of Expedia.com, and I normally find its ratings rather reliable. The ratings given to the Miramare e Castello Hotel were rather good and becuase of my uncontrollable wish to arrive in Ischia as fast as I could, I did not continue the research much longer. I booked a seven night stay at the Miramare e Castello with breakfast included. The daily rate for the double room with sea view was 350 euros and my parents paid 530 for a suite.

The hotel also gave no assistance with luggage. I took a mental note of that while I observed the five star plaque above the reception. Finally after the check in, a single employee came to assist us with the various pieces of luggage but he was actually of little help since he had no trolley. The reception staff was extremely rude to us since they believed were not Italians (my mother is Brazilian, therefore we speak Portuguese within the family). The receptionists had absolutely no patience whilst we filled the forms. When a group of Americans came into the lobby wishing to check in, they were given no assistance and the receptionists refused to speak with them in English although the person had just spoken to us in the latter.

In contrast, the rooms were rather spacious for local standards. The decoration of the room is very simple but tasteful. The rooms seemed to exude summer. Variations of a lively yellow and sea blue prevail on the walls, some with rooms with shells glued to the paint. Thankfully the air condition does function quite well, although it is rather outdated. There is a small and standard hotel mini bar in all rooms. The television is also ridiculously small and limited to local programs. The beds are rather uncomfortable and the linen is rather poor. The bathrooms are well equipped.

The restaurants in the hotel are of exceptional quality. Breakfast is served on the Roof Garden, from where one has the remarkable view of the ancient Aragonese Castle. the Breakfast buffet includes delicacies ranging from fresh croissants to salmon and even Champagne! The waiters in the Breakfast serving were very kind and perhaps, the best of the staff. Lunch and dinner are served on the pier with the breaktaking views of the Med. Large umbrellas are set during the day and candlelight romantic dinners are usually seen at night. The menu is varried and usually contains seasonal fish options. The prices are extremely high in comparison to the rest of Ischia.