So, Meligunis quoted me about Euro 190.00 per night. They also recommended another property they own called Agave Residence (about Euro 130.00 per night and it looks like it's in the historic center of town). Giardino Sul Mare is completely booked. So, looks like we're not going to get resort-type accomodations. Looking for something nice with ocean views, close to the water. I've done a lot of research, but I'd love to know what else you might recommend. We'll be happy no matter where we end up, but we'd like to be able to lounge at our hotel for at least one of the days we'll be there . . . would like a place nice enough to actually want to stay in and lounge.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help!

There is one other property in Lipari town right on the waterfront: the three star Rocce Azzurre, in between the Giardino sul Mare and the Carasco. This is the first hotel to be built in Lipari with a direct sea view: indeed, I was told that it was built by the current owner of the Carasco. From the exterior, it looks somewhat drab (early 1960s construction), but many of its rooms do have direct, unobstructed views of the sea and shoreline. I can't comment on the quality of the rooms, but you can check out its websites. Before the Carasco was built, it was the hotel of choice on Lipari Island. It sits on the northern extremity of the Porto delle Genti (the Carasco is a mere 300 yards away, on the southern extremity of this small curved beach), and is 7 minutes (on foot) from Marina Corta. Prices are lower than those of the Giardino sul Mare, which is itself a mere 2-3 minutes distant (towards Marina Corta). I think you would be comfortable here (particularly with a sea view room), and close enough to walk to Marina Corta for dinner. The footpath into town has been recently repaved, is extremely clean, and very pleasant. If this property is also booked, I can direct you to other hotels (although not with views of the sea). By the way, is the annex to the Giardino sul Mare also fully booked?

Thanks so much for your assistance, GAC. I've just faxed an inquiry to Rocce Azzurre . . . I'm not aware of<BR>the "annex" to Giardino sul Mare. The hotel just faxed me back this morning to inform me that they are fully booked on the nights we'll be there.

If you look at the website for Rocce Azzurre, you'll see a color photo of the hotel taken from the south side of the Porto delle Genti, looking northwards. At the top of the photo is the "Castello" (ancient Greek Acropolis) of Lipari, with its baroque Cathedral (the Museo Archeologico is next door to the Cathedral, but can't be seen in the photo). In between is the concrete south side wall of the Hotel Giardino sul Mare. If Rocce Azzurre doesn't work out, there are at least six other places I can point out to you, all centrally located and extremely clean and tidy.

Much appreciated, GAC. Will let you know what I find out from Rocce Azzurre . . . have a great weekend.

GAC - <BR><BR>I've sent 2 faxes and 1 e-mail to Rocce Azzurre, and have yet to receive a response (it's been 6 days already). Should we definitely try and reserve a room before we arrive in Lipari on 10/20? If you think we may have luck when we arrive, then I'm willing to wait until we get there to book a room. If not, then perhaps I could use additional suggestions since Rocce Azzurre has not responded . . . <BR><BR>Thanks!

Have you tried to phone them?<BR>You shouldn't have trouble finding a room on October 20, particularly if you arrive in the morning or early afternoon. Only the Carasco, Rocce Azzurre and Giardino sul Mare have sea views. The three-star hotels La Filadelfia, Gattopardo and Oriente are inland a few blocks, facing the western side of the Castello. The three-star hotels Poseidon and Augustus are in a narrow lane 20 yards from the bus station and 100 yards from Marina Lunga, but without sea views. The affittacamere (4 furnished rooms) Enzo il Negro faces onto Via Garibaldi , 20 yards from Marina Corta. The top floor MAY have a partially obstructed view of the harbor. Another possible advantage of reserving at the last moment is that some properties (particularly the more expensive ones) deeply discount their rates in order to rent them out. You might be able to get the Villa Meligunis for less than what they quoted you by calling on them at the last moment. Check out the websites for these hotels. If you are interested in a particular property, I can give you more info. about its immediate surroundings.

Hi GAC,<BR><BR>I finally heard back from Rocce Azzurre and am happy to say they could offer a room (w/half board) for Euro 104.00 per night. I went ahead and reserved it. Seems like a fair price for its proximity to the water . . . <BR><BR>Thanks for all of your suggestions, GAC. My fiance and I really appreciate it.

You're welcome. Have fun in Lipari. And tell us about the hotel when you come back!

My fiance and I are also going to be in Sicily in October. We fly into Palermo on the 13th. We hope to visit Lipari as well. Have a wonderful time.