Hotel Cefalu Sea Palace

Just come back after a few days break with my friend to get the last of the sun. We did book the 4* Victoria Palace which was next door but one, it's 6 years younger but had more of a, modern feel. We were annoyed that they'd merged us into the Sea Palace without notice. The pool area beach area of the 5* sea Palace is slightly better, but there's no much in it. We liked the breakfast, felt sorry for the 1 lady who had to serve everything to everyone from the buffet as we couldn't help ourselves due to COVID rules. Rooms were imacculate (although I really do not like bed spreads) duvets are do much better! 1 pillow each is a bit stingy though and no uk tv, could be my only complaint if I was being picky. We lurrrrved the beach area, the sun loungers with the built in face shades we really appreciated. The sea was warm despite it being October. Cefalu is beautiful. Lots, still open despite Covid. The gourmet supermarket behind the hotel was a great find too. We drove from the airport, had free parking at the hotel and had a quick pitstop in Mondello for lunch and but more sun before catching the Plane Home. Palermo Airport was great and getting through security at Manchester was a breeze with the new face and digital scanner terminals. We do hope to come back soon. It really was, our fav late holiday spot.

This is not the hotel I booked or wanted to stay at. I booked a stay at Victoria Palace and with no prior notice was moved to their sister hotel Cefalu Sea Palace a one minute walk away. I booked Victoria Palace b/c the website says it's a newly built luxury hotel with modern in-style decor. Cefalu Sea Palace is the complete opposite of newly built and in no way resembles luxury. I was assured it was a 5 star and I would be upgraded for my trouble. (I wasn't) Dreary, dark, depressing and outdated describes this hotel. I'm not quite sure how this can even be called 4 star. The room was decorated entirely in dark chocolate brown and paintings on the wall were not even hanging straight. For a "4 star", there was no coffee in the room, which is a shame b/c the coffee at breakfast was undrinkable. I found the staff here to be completely indifferent to their guests - showing little to no interest or appreciation that we pay alot of money to stay at your hotel and are your guests. Only once in 4 days did someone at the front desk greet me with "hello" when I passed by. I've truly never seen such poor customer service or hotel staff that are so unwelcoming. Understanding Covid restrictions on the breakfast buffet, there are improvements that should be made. There is no order to the buffet - sometimes only one employee is out trying to serve all the food to many people lined up. The third day I was so frustrated at the chaos that after one trip to the buffet I left and went outside to a real coffee bar to eat. I did not bother going the fourth morning - the breakfast and atmosphere was not worth it. If you can avoid paying for it, I'd book without breakfast and go outside to eat. Being in Italy you would expect good coffee but they use a machine that makes fake premade coffee that basically tastes like water. Also regarding Covid - many guests were permitted to walk and sit around the lobby not wearing masks. I saw most housekepers not wearing masks, including one who came in my room to clean while I was inside. The front desk didn't always wear them or had them under their chin. There was little social distancing at the private beach - sunbeds close together with no space between people.