Review of Hotel Settebello 3*

This hotel was a delight. I stayed for a week in 2006 inOctober, just prior to the autumn break, where this relaxed hotel closes until the Christmas and New Year celebration. If I had to build a hotel without the useful demand of a useful attraction, it would be identical to this. Of course there are attractions close to the hotel. A modest bay to enjoy the sea, and a marvellous backdrop of cliffs with interesting hints of modern transport flashing into view from tiny tunnels, revealing the main road above the trainline clinging to the granite meandering artistically towards Naples. I found the Settebello by accident, after leaving Naples late one afternoon. A glimpse of a sign from the artistically draped road pointed away from the beach, and I had no indication at all of where the lane finished. The road creeped back up toward the north, and a further pull westward under the main road and a beach revealed itself. And finally the Hotel Sottebello. I imagine she was built in the optimistic sixties, and it has gently settled into her task, with a car park not overbearing the guest, but subtley invites the driver to allow his transport to rest in what could pass as a garden. When I reached the desk, the staff who welcomed me were obviously used to giving assured attention to the guests, which to an ex-hotelier translates into the language of efficient and calming professionalism, and any fear of poor service is allayed instantly. After a shower with the luggage stowed safely in the comfortable room, a casual stroll into the resteraunt, the surprise of a meal almost on the beach is another attraction. And the food, as ever in Italy, delicious, satisfying, and artistically displayed. In the summer opening, the meals can be enjoyed in a charming veranda, which although on the beach, is designed to keep the wind restrained, so the best of all worlds can be relished. Comfort and unhurried dining is again part of established Italian requirement, from both the staff and guests. To conclude, as a single man motoring across Europe, I found no embaressment in staying here alone. This is perhaps the highest praise, because single travellers can find if not insulting treatment, certainly an unappreciative staff. Should you want to rest alone on your travels en-route from Naples to Sicily, or merely enjoy a week of relaxed, battery charging rest, without feeling financially miked, stay at the Hotel Settebello in Maratea. You might choose to forget about driving in southern Italy, and just stay put. Why not?