Aeolian Islands, Sicily hotel rooms at the Independent

"Breakfast was excellent, plenty of hot water in the shower, clean towels and room cleaned every day. "

"Amazing location with superb atmosphere, food, drink, spa and options to explore outside of the hotel and across the other islands. The hotel staff especially are the most amazing team we have ever experienced. "

"Great place, a mile away from town, very walkable. Staff was fine. The only draw back was (I assume was the owner) literally had a meltdown, was screaming at the staff and at one point threw a chair across the room. "

"Staff were unfriendly and used one of the seating areas as a smoking area although my kids were sat there. I discovered this later and was very cross about this as they just smoked over my kids. Shower was very loud and faulty. The driver was fantastic who picked us up from the port and extremely kind. The pool area is very nice which was the best bit. Staff seemed to see holiday makers as an inconvenience. The photos of the hotel on the website were very flattering so I had much higher expectatations for my stay. Breakfast was pretty good. Main waiter very grumpy. Female waitress very kind.There were no snacks available during the day and mealtimes were very rigid and limited. There seemed to be an outdoor bar which was not in use. With a bit more effort and modernisation this could be a really good hotel as it had great grounds and in a quiet part of the resort but about 20 mins walk to all the bars, restaurants Vulcano is a cute place. Quiet resort with a few nice bars and restaurants and opportunity to visit the other islands. Knowing what I know now I would stay in Panarea or lipari over staying here"

"This is our third time at Mari del Sud in the past six years, and unfortunately, we’ve noticed it’s slowly declining. It’s a pity, because the resort has such great potential, so close to the sea and the beautiful Sabbie Nere beach and head a beautiful swimming pool. One major downside is the lack of a transfer service from the harbor to the hotel. We had the service during previous stays, and most hotels and resorts on the island of Vulcano still offer it. Although the receptionist said the hotel is walkable, I wouldn’t recommend it if you're traveling with elderly people, as I was. We ended up having to call a taxi for both directions, which cost €15 each way. Breakfast is good and the staff do their best, but the number of waiters is insufficient for the volume of guests. The swimming pool opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m., so if you're an early riser or looking to unwind after an excursion, it’s disappointing to find the pool closed. Housekeeping cleans the rooms daily, which is appreciated, though again the limited number of staff means your room might be serviced late in the day, often when you're back for a siesta. I really hope Mari del Sud will go back being the resort everybody used to love."

"It really was abobe and beyond my expectations. The hotel itself is beautiful and very well located. The breakfast was impeccable and the stuff was what really maked the difference. I can clearly say that they spoiled me and in a very short stay I was able to take off months of stress out. I am.very thankful. Looking forward to be back soon"

"I loved this property! Rooms were spacious and very clean. Beautiful pool area. The food at the pool bar was delicious and fresh! I wish we had eaten dinner at the hotel too. Breakfast was perfect with variety of choices. Staff were incredibly helpful and informative. I hope to return to Lipari and will stay here again for sure."