Castello Normanno-Svevo di Cosenza

The front desk on arriving was not super friendly, probably because we had two service dogs with us. They tried to charge us for the service dogs, though that is both against Hotels.com policy and Italian law. The room was OK, large, with a nice balcony. The shower, though, had mold on the showerhead nozzles. Breakfast was OK, but limited selection, and again originally an issue with the service dogs being allowed with us into the restaurant. They want us to sit outside! Fortunately, the manager/owner intervened and our service dogs and we were seated. The private beach is across the street, but easily walkable, and the dogs had a great time running on the sand. If you do NOT have a SERVICE dog, you’ll probably be treated well (or, better than we were).

Beautiful and clean property. We only stayed one night in during off season, so we couldn't enjoy the pool or the beach access, but we'll definitely return in the summer to do so! Dinner at the restaurant was excellent.

Its a mystery that this is a 5 star Hotel. It’s a resort&spa - without a spa.. The 5 star criteria say that it should have a restaurant and a bar. They have a collaboration with a restaurant in town. No free shuttle. You get a free glass of prosecco but you are a regular guest at a restaurant in town. If you want to eat home you have to go over the main road to a pizzeria in another 3 star Hotel. No bar, just a pool bar that closes at 19.30. A bottle of wine on your own terrace is strictly forbidden. Because you can just drink what’s in the minibar with no wine. No lounge area. No room service. No ironing service. No play area, tennis, paddle etc Very limited shuttle service. Lovely breakfast and a hardworking poolbar operator. All by himself by the pool… In my opinion it’s a high end Bed & Breakfast.