Escape to Paradise: Hotel Levante Fossacesia, Italy Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Levante Fossacesia - Or Was It? (A Review, Rambles, and Reality Check)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your average, polished hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered takeaway from a week spent at the Hotel Levante in Fossacesia, Italy, and let me tell you, "escape to paradise" is a bold claim. We're diving deep, folks, so grab a strong coffee (or a limoncello, if you're feeling brave) because we’re gonna unpack this thing together.
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First Impressions: The Good, The Slightly Less Good, and the "Wait, What?"
The drive down to Fossacesia was gorgeous. Winding coastal roads, the scent of the sea… the build-up to paradise was chef's kiss. Pulling up to the Hotel Levante, it definitely had curb appeal. Clean lines, modern design, a promise of sun-drenched relaxation. The elevator, thankfully, was a lifesaver, because my suitcase seems to be getting heavier with each trip. Accessibility: Honestly, they've made a decent effort. Wheelchair accessible ramps and walkways were present, and I noticed a few rooms specifically designed with accessibility in mind. Kudos for that, seriously. However, navigating around the pool area felt a little…challenging. More on that later.
The Room: Promises Kept (Mostly)
The non-smoking room was, blessedly, non-smoking. Air conditioning kicked in like a champ the second we entered (a life-saver!), and the air conditioning in public areas was also a bonus, considering how hot and sticky it got. Free Wi-Fi in the room? Yep. In-room safe box? Check. Mini-bar stocked with…well, mini-bar stuff. Basically, the basics were covered. But let’s be honest, I was more interested in the coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea. Ah, the simple pleasures. The bathroom was modern, the shower was decent, and the provision of slippers was a lovely touch. However, the window that opens didn't offer the vista i was hoping for, and the soundproofing could have been better. I swear I could hear the seagulls plotting world domination.
Food Glorious Food (and Occasional Mishaps)
Let's talk sustenance, am I right? The restaurants themselves are promising, with a lot of different cuisines, however, the execution occasionally left a little to be desired. Breakfast [buffet] had a solid spread. I took advantage of the Asian breakfast, and the Western breakfast. The fresh croissants were heavenly. The coffee, however, ranged from "meh" to "battery acid". The happy hour at the poolside bar was a highlight, though. Their Aperol Spritz? Perfection.
The restaurants offered both a la carte, and buffet options, which was great depending on your mood, including Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant and a Vegetarian restaurant. My partner and I often had a late-night snack from the Snack bar, to feed the cravings. I'd give the food a solid B+ - enough variety to keep things interesting, but don't expect Michelin-star experiences. The coffee shop was a great place to relax.
One evening though, we ordered room service. And… well, let's just say it took a while. And when the food finally arrived, it wasn't quite what we expected. "Alternative meal arrangement" indeed! It felt more like a "mystery ingredient" situation. (A minor letdown, but it’s part of the fun, right?) They definitely offer room service [24-hour], so it could be that this was a rare occurrence and the food was still tasty.
Spa, Swim, and Serenity (Maybe)
Okay, the spa was what really drew me in. The promise of a dreamy retreat. The spa/sauna, the steamroom, the body wrap… I was ready to be pampered. And to be fair, it was lovely. The pool with a view was stunning, offering the relaxation I craved. I especially liked the foot bath, and the sauna. I enjoyed a massage and a body scrub as well, but if I'm really honest, I've had better.
The fitness center was small but well-equipped, but the treadmill reminded me of a hamster wheel.
The “Things To Do” Situation, or, Finding Your Zen (If You Can)
Beyond the hotel, there wasn't a ton happening directly on the doorstep. The hotel does offer airport transfer if you're coming from the airport, which makes things so much easier. The beach was a manageable walk away. And oh, the beach! Glorious, shimmering sand. I have to admit I spend a lot of my time there.
The Elephant in the Room: COVID-19 and the Hygiene Hustle
Let’s address the elephant, shall we? The pandemic. The hotel certainly made a concerted effort to be safe, as advertised. They provided numerous hand sanitizers. There was daily disinfection in common areas. They included individually-wrapped food options, and staff all wore masks. They even did a room sanitization between stays and all the staff are trained to adhere to the guidelines.
There were, of course, the usual adjustments. Contactless check-in/out, (easy enough) and the safe dining setup (tables spaced apart). The hygiene certification was reassuring. But honestly, I'm a bit of a worrier. The whole sanitised kitchen and tableware items thing? It felt slightly clinical, a constant, low hum of anxiety that, for me, slightly diminished the relaxation.
Accessibility: The Fine Print
I mentioned the accessibility. While I give them credit for the ramps and accessible rooms, navigating the pool area was tricky. The chairs were close together. The ground was uneven in some spots. It’s worth checking with the hotel specifically about your needs before you book. The facilities for disabled guests and elevator was a plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why?"
Okay, the Concierge was helpful with recommendations for day trips (and places to eat, outside of the hotel). The luggage storage was handy, the daily housekeeping was great, and a welcome site. The doorman was courteous. However, the convenience store was more of a "high-end souvenir shop". The dry cleaning and laundry service was extremely convenient and useful. What was missing? Well, a real sense of local knowledge. I wanted insider tips, not just generic tourist information.
For the Kids: Family Zone?
I didn't have any kids in tow, but the hotel seemed to cater to families. There's a babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal. This gives you the assurance that it’s family friendly.
Getting Around: The Struggle is Real (Sometimes)
Car park [free of charge]. Thank you, Lord! Car park [on-site]. More thank you's!
The Verdict: Escape to Paradise? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
So, would I recommend the Hotel Levante? It depends. If you're after a modern, clean, reasonably convenient base to explore the Abruzzo coast, with good facilities, then yes. If you are looking for a truly immersive, authentic Italian experience, with exceptional food and that "wow" factor… maybe lower your expectations a tad. Be prepared for a mixed bag, some slightly wonky service, and a few minor imperfections along the way. Embrace the imperfections, and you'll likely have a perfectly pleasant stay. Don't expect paradise, but you might just find a little slice of heaven, tucked away in Fossacesia.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. (Could be 4 with a few tweaks!)
Unbelievable Kanchanaburi Getaway: Baan Ma Feung Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Italian adventure at Hotel Levante in Fossacesia. Forget the bullet points, here's the messy, glorious truth of it all:
Fossacesia Fiasco: A Week of Sun, Sea, and Questionable Decisions
Day 1: Arrival of the "Disorganized Tourist" (That's Me!)
- Morning: Arrived in Pescara airport, looking slightly less glamorous than I'd imagined. The baggage carousel was a slow-motion drama, and my suitcase looked as if it had fought a small war. Found a hilariously grumpy taxi driver who seemed personally offended by my broken Italian. "Levante! You go now, yes?" he grumbled. Bless him. Finally got to the hotel, and the view from the balcony nearly made me weep. Nearly. Don't get me wrong, I loved the view, but I'd been up since 4 AM, and the first thing that crossed my mind was, "Where's the coffee?"
- Afternoon: Hotel Levante. Clean, charming, and apparently the only place in a 50km radius where the staff speaks fluent English. Thank goodness. I also discovered a hidden gem—the hotel restaurant. Their pasta carbonara? Oh. My. God. I ate it twice. No regrets. Seriously, I was so jetlagged, I was halfway through the second plate before I realized.
- Evening: Wandered into Fossacesia town centre. This is where the wheels fell off. I tried to order a gelato. Tried. I pointed, I made noises, I even attempted a dramatic interpretive dance. Finally, I got served. It was the wrong flavour. I was mortified, but so determined, I ate it anyway. It was strawberry. I hate strawberry. (But I'm not one that likes wasting food, so I finished it.)
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a Near-Disaster)
- Morning: Beach time! Hotel Levante has a private beach access. The sand was the colour of warm honey, the sea was a ridiculously vibrant turquoise, and I decided to be incredibly brave and attempt swimming. I went in, and the water was freezing. I squealed like a banshee and nearly drowned myself in about a foot of water. Recovered quickly, but the initial shock put me off for a bit.
- Afternoon: After recovering from the cold, I decided to try and relax with a book. I picked up that book, and then promptly fell asleep and got a seriously nasty sunburn. Apparently, my idea of "sunscreen" was more "thinking about sunscreen." Ouch.
- Evening: The hotel restaurant again, obviously. I tried the local fish. It was delicious. I’m fairly certain I moaned audibly with each bite. Possibly I also scared the waiter.
Day 3: Monastery Musings (and More Pasta)
- Morning: Risky business: hiking! I decided to try a "moderate" walk to the San Giovanni in Venere monastery. The walk itself was a killer, but the views were worth the sweat, sunburn, and near-heatstroke. Inside the monastery, I found a beautiful moment, and also got to contemplate my entire existence, from my questionable life choices to my love of carbs.
- Afternoon: I also found a small shop, and bought a bottle of local wine. Then, I went back to the hotel room, sat on the balcony, and finished the whole damn bottle.
- Evening: You know, the evening was the same. The hotel restaurant, the same waiter (I think he's starting to recognise the glazed look of perpetual pasta-induced happiness), and this time, I ordered the second best pasta dish: the cacio e pepe. The one that I almost killed myself for. I also made sure to leave a generous tip because I love the hotel staff. They were excellent; and I adore those who work in the hospitality industry.
Day 4: Exploring the Coast (and Losing My Way)
- Morning: Rented a car. I also failed to adequately research parking. After about an hour of circling Fossacesia, sweating, and making increasingly desperate hand gestures, I finally squeezed my tiny Fiat into a space that wasn't technically a space.
- Afternoon: Drove along the coast! The whole idea was to sightsee at the smaller villages, but I got lost. Totally, gloriously lost. Ended up in a teeny adorable fishing village where I ate the freshest seafood imaginable, and got chatted up by an old Italian fisherman who kept pinching my cheek. (He then gave me directions in rapid-fire Italian that I didn't understand at all. I just smiled and nodded. It seemed to work.)
- Evening: Back to the hotel, utterly exhausted, sunburnt, and with a slightly bruised ego (thanks, fisherman!). But the pizza at the hotel restaurant was amazing, and everything felt better.
Day 5: The Hotel Pool (and Internal Conflicts)
- Morning: Ah, the pool. Hotel Levante's pool is a beautiful, calm oasis, and I've been dodging it all week because I hate being seen in a swimsuit. Today, however? I was done with the self-loathing. I got into the pool, and I floated (and was slightly embarrassed by the floaty thing I bought for myself, but it was good).
- Afternoon: Back to the room, and another book. That book? Another nap.
- Evening: I decided to embrace the mess. I had wine every evening. And I loved it.
- Night: I actually went out dancing in town. I might have had a little too much wine again. I danced. I laughed. I tripped over my own feet. I am actually glad no one videoed my little moves, it was a total disaster, but it was also really, really fun.
Day 6: The Duomo (and a Moment of Serenity)
- Morning: Visited the Duomo. I tried to get away from the church, but I couldn't. I had to, for the sake of my soul, I had to. I sat and took it all in -- the art, the history, the quiet. And I actually found a moment of genuine peace. Turns out, even a hot mess like me can appreciate beauty.
- Afternoon: Shopping and last-minute souvenir panic! Found a ridiculous ceramic rooster (because, Italy), and a scarf that cost more than I'd planned to spend, because, well, I'm a sucker for a good scarf.
- Evening: Packing (a complete disaster), and a final, and perhaps slightly sorrowful dinner at the Hotel Levante restaurant. I ordered the carbonara. And cried. Because vacation was ending, and because the pasta was divine.
Day 7: Departure of the Un-Organized Tourist
- Morning: Woke up late, because, of course. A frantic scramble to pack, a rushed breakfast, a final longing gaze at the sea.
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbye, Italy. Goodbye, Hotel Levante. Goodbye, my sanity. You, Italy, were an absolute delight. I will return.
Final Thoughts:
Italy, and Hotel Levante specifically, wasn't perfect. I messed up, I stumbled, I embarrassed myself. But it was perfect. The food was amazing. The people were welcoming. And, in the midst of all the chaos, I had moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Would I go back? Absolutely, I would. Would I do things differently? Probably not. Because, you know, that's just me. And that's what I loved the most.
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Levante Fossacesia – FAQ (with a heavy dose of Real Life)
Okay, spill. Is this place REALLY paradise? Because, let's be honest, brochures lie.
Alright, alright, settle down. Paradise? Look, it's not ALL golden beaches and angels strumming harps. But… *pause for dramatic effect*… yeah, it's pretty darn close. Hotel Levante? Fossacesia? It punches above its weight, let me tell you. The brochure shows a flawless Italian idyll. The reality? Dusty roads, a slightly wonky air conditioner in my room (more on that later, *sigh*), and the occasional rogue seagull dive-bombing your breakfast. BUT. The views? Stunning. The food? Divine. The feeling of actually ESCAPING? Priceless. I’d go back in a heartbeat, dusty roads, seagulls, and all.
What's the best way to get there? Train? Car? Teleportation (asking for a friend...)?
Okay, let's break it down. Teleportation is still, sadly, not an option. (Though, wouldn't THAT be convenient!). Driving is an experience. The roads... Well, they're Italian roads. Scenic, occasionally narrow, and you NEED to be prepared to navigate like a local. Which means, embracing the chaos. The train is a good option, especially if you dislike road rage (me). The station's close to the hotel. But… and it's a big but… I arrived by car and nearly had a near-death experience trying to park. Parking is a *thing*. Be prepared to channel your inner Italian and, let's be real, pray a little.
The rooms... give me the lowdown. Are they as luxurious as the pictures suggest?
Ah, the rooms. Where the brochures paint a picture of opulent bliss. Let's get REAL. They're lovely. Really. Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, the usual trappings of a decent hotel. BUT… don’t expect a palace. My room? It had a balcony. A balcony with a view that made me want to cry (in a good way). The air conditioner, however, was a bit of a moody beast. It worked...sporadically. Mostly during the night, when the cool air was most needed. And when it did decide to work, it sounded like a small jet engine taking off. But hey, at least it *tried*, right? Honestly, the view from that balcony more than made up for it. So, yes, they're nice. Flawless? No. Worth it? Absolutely.
What about the food? Italian food! Is it as amazing as you hope?
Okay, hold onto your pasta forks. The food. THE. FOOD. *Chef's kiss* Delicious. Heavenly. Life-affirming. I’m not exaggerating. Breakfast was a glorious spread of pastries, fresh fruit (the peaches!), and the best cappuccino I had in my life. Seriously. The dinner menu changed daily, and it was always a culinary adventure. Now, I’m not going to lie... I'm not a seafood person. But even I had a killer plate of calamari there. Fresh, perfectly cooked. I think I nearly cried. (I told you, I’m easily moved by good food). Make sure you eat the pasta. Just… eat all the pasta.
Is there a beach? What's the deal with that?
Oh, the beach! Yes, there's a beach. It's right there, basically. You walk from the hotel, and *boom*, you're on the sand. And the water? Crystal clear. Azure blue. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, pretending you're in a movie. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available, but get there early if you want a prime spot (those Italians are early risers!). The sand is soft and sandy. It was here that I saw a couple in love having a "moment". The woman was wearing this beautiful vintage dress, and the man seemed truly smitten. Made me believe in love again, no lie. Okay, okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Bottom line: the beach is amazing. Go to the beach.
Anything to do nearby? Or are you just stuck on the beach and eating all day (which, let's be honest, doesn't sound terrible)?
Stuck on the beach and eating all day? Hey, I’m not judging! But yes, there's more to do. Fossacesia itself is charming. The old town is lovely to wander through, with its little shops and, of course, more delicious food. Day trips are easy; you can explore nearby towns and villages. There's a cute little market every Thursday. Just be prepared to haggle a bit! I almost bought a statue of a gnome riding a mushroom. Still regretting not going for it. There's also a chance to go to a nearby monastery on a hill. The views are amazing, and they have ice cream. Need I say more?
Let's get REAL real: What was the worst thing about the Hotel Levante?
Okay, this is where I get brutally honest. The worst thing? The parking situation. Seriously. I'm not kidding. It caused me so much stress on the first afternoon. Arriving, tired and excited, only to find no available parking. The panic! The circling! The feeling of impending doom as I desperately searched for a spot, hoping I wouldn't crash into a Vespa. I ended up parking a mile away and walking back in the blazing sun. And I swear I got a parking ticket! (Okay, I *think* I did. The Italian signage is… interpretive.) So yeah, the parking situation. It's a killer. But hey, that's Italy. Part of the charm (I'm trying to convince myself).
And the best? What was the one thing that made you say, "Wow, this is why I came"?
You know, I've mentioned the food, the beach, the view... but the *best* thing? The people. The staff at Hotel Levante were genuinely lovely. So friendly, always smiling, and willing to help with anything (even the parking situation, though I'm sure they secretly laughed). Their warmth was infectious. It made the whole experience feel more personal, less like a generic hotel stay and more like a genuine Italian escape. Oh, and the sunsets. Truly, madly, deeply the sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, a glass of prosecco in hand... that's when I truly felt like I'd escaped. That's the magic.
Final Verdict: Would you recommend Hotel Levante?
