Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Carasco on the Island of Lipari (Sicily)? I would appreciate hearing of any experiences there.

I had planned on staying there -- still haven't booked where to stay 4 nights next summer -- but decided against it when I found out you can't really walk from there to town -- or at least at night. I didn't want to have to take a taxi back from dinner every night or wait for a shuttle to take us back and forth to the other boats and into town during the day. It does look nice and if you were just going to stay and also take your meals at the hotel, I think it would be very nice.

From one of the photographs on the hotel's web site, I would estimate the property to be at least 20 minutes by foot from the Marina Corta area of Lipari, in a secluded area right along the water's edge. The views from there must be gorgeous, day and night. I agree with you that the walk is impractical at night (as well as by day under the relentlessly hot rays of the summer sun: I learned this the hard way in Alghero!). Also, the hotel has no a/c -- but it looks very tempting for a May or early October trip!!!

According to the hotel management, the property is a mere 10 minutes by foot from the center of town: I estimate double this figure to be conservative!

WARNING about the Hotel Carasco in Lipari: once you arrive there, you won't want to leave ... I stayed six nights at the Carasco in late May 2002, which greatly exceeded my expectations in every respect. It has without any doubt the most spectacular view over the fortress ("Castello") of Lipari and surrounding sea. It has a stupendous swimming pool and deck area right on the seafront edge. You could spend your entire vacation right at poolside, although this would be a grave mistake, as Lipari and the other Aeolian Islands have very much to offer. The hotel has a marvelous restaurant and covered veranda with full view of the sea and the Castello area. A plentiful buffet breakfast is served on the veranda. Most rooms, which are surprising large and tastefully appointed, face the sea. Many have beautiful balconies. A word about proximity to the center of town: it took me exactly 10 minutes on foot, by taking the direct route crossing the small Porto delle Genti beach. This, however, entails some steep climbing up and down, so persons with physical limitations will have to rely on the complimentary shuttle service, which leaves hourly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, and goes to Marina Corta and Marina Lunga. Otherwise, taxis are plentiful, and take about 5 minutes (going though a maze of country and side alleys). The Carasco is located at the southernmost edge of town, near the hospital, and directly overlooking the spectacularly beautiful sea. While officially a three-star property, it is really a four-star in disguise, with a six-star panorama. It is open from Easter through October, although late spring and early autumn is the best time of year to go, when the Island is not overrun with tourists, and has a leisurely pace-of-life and moderate weather. Prices are also much lower otuside of July and August. Dinner is not mandatory, although one would be stark raving mad not to savor a meal and the exquisite panorama at dusk which the restaurant enjoys. Much of the success of the Carasco is directly due to the meticulous oversight and hard work of the Del Bono family, which own and operate it with tremendous love and concern.

I concur with the last posting - we had our 10 year old son and the walk was easy - even at night - We had reservations for 2 nights and extended for two more - great views - we were there in July. even with no a/c we were still comfortable - rent mopeds for a trip around the island; take the boat trip the hotel arranges to explore the coast (GREAT lunch on this beachside restaurant, but do not get into a drinking contest with the locals! - you will happily lose) _ It was a great trip and a wonderful place to spend time.

That sounds incredible! You have just made my decision a lot easier... I'll be going there in September. Also, thanks for the hydrofoil schedule update.<BR><BR>Would you post a trip report, or at least highlight some of the things that you did? Truly can't wait to get there...

This place sounds fantastic and very tempting for my next trip. What are the rates? and is it hard to get to. How long would you recommend as a good stay there.

Check rates at website www.carasco.it Rates are double during August.<BR>Hotel has a complimentary shuttle service hourly between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., going to Marina Corta (hydrofoil dock) and Marina Lunga (car ferry dock). Extremely agreeable location, with fantastic views of the Castello of Lipari. Ten minutes on foot from Marina Corta. As the Aeolian Islands are somewhat remote from Rome and Northern Italy, I personally recommend a stay of at least four nights, and preferably one week, to give enough time to take day trips to the other lovely islands of the archipelago. Lower rates are offered at the Carasco for a stay of at least seven days (essentally one night free). Wife of hotel proprietor is native-born English, and reception staff are all fluent in English. Read my other postings "Aeolian Islands Report" (6/21/2002) and "Sleeping on the Lipari Ferry" (6/20/2002).