Mangia’s Brucoli, Sicily, Autograph Collection

Really nice, and you have everything in the resort.

Hotel stay in itself was amazing, I won’t say I had an awful time because I really didn’t. Staff were friendly enough, resort is beautiful, the food was great and rooms were stunning and very very clean. On arrival they even upgraded us free of charge without us asking - our room ended up being beautiful. My only comments for those looking to book to see Sicily - it’s very in the middle of nowhere, it’s difficult to go anywhere from here and it’s a bit isolated. Taxi anywhere even remotely out of the town is over €50 minimum for what is a 10 minute journey. The woman at the excursion desk wanted to charge us €200+ for a taxi for two people to go to visit a town 40 minutes away which you can get to by train but she told us not to get a train- but we got a local taxi company to take us to the train station for €25 and then the train cost us €8 so it was a no brainer. We had a great day out, not sure why she advised us otherwise. They also say they will call you to answer your question but then don’t call you - so if you need something sorted you do need to go back to reception and chase this. Also someone knocked on our door at early hours of the morning, and then very late at night another day - at almost midnight. We do not know if this was staff or not but we asked reception and they seemed confused. Staff seem to be either very new, or untrained. Although very friendly they were often confused and would rather ignore some guests than seek an answer. But generally it was a good trip, a hotel that would more suit a 4 star though.

Unfortunately our flights were changed by Jet2 meaning we arrived after midnight at the hotel and left very late on the day of the departure. The reception staff that greeted us were very efficient and polite and ensured we had food waiting for us in our room and bags were carried. On departure although the hotel was extremely busy the staff were able to find us a courtesy room so that we could shower after making use of the pool facilities through the day. Reading some of the other recent reviews we were a little worried but we needn't have been. Overall we had a lovely special stay at the hotel, one minor issue with the air con was resolved. The food was lovely, the room was spotlessly cleaned every day and very comfortable and the staff couldnt do enough to please us. I would highly recommend a stay here.

We just concluded a 4 night stay at the start of June. Like many of you, I saw that Bonvoy had just opened a “new five star renovated Autograph Collection property” and the rates were eye-poppingly good. Our plan was to make Mangia’s our base camp while we drove a rental car up and down the east coast of Sicily (Taormina, Noto, Siracusa, Marzimemi). The photos and few videos I could find all looked amazing so I went for it. The lack of reviews at the start of the year made me a little nervous but I figured what the heck. While I have Ritz/Four Seasons tastes, I can be ok with a new spot working out some kinks. Then the reviews started showing up in March. And to say the reviews are mixed is an understatement—people either love or hate this place. Well here’s my verdict: the reviews are ALL correct—the good and the bad. When you see my photos (I’m a blogger by the way, follow me at @bitesnsites) you’ll probably think “wow, this place looks incredible.” Parts of it are! Just know what you’re getting into. Let’s start with the bad: first, this should NEVER be considered a 5-star property. Really not a 4-star even. It’s maybe a 3.5 star. For sure it should NOT be an Autograph collection either. Even a calling this a Marriott is a stretch. If you know you must have a Ritz/Four Seasons experience just don’t come here. The property is old (like from the 1970’s) with a new coat of paint and marginally refreshed rooms. The room towels are old and scratchy. The layout of the property is confusing and the signage is wonky. You have to use towel cards at the pool which is annoying. There are numerous staff issues and restaurants are inconsistent at best. Breakfast is super lame. I could go on but I won’t. Just read the bad reviews and know very likely they are likely true and not exaggerated. But here are the good things: The piece of land is amazing. The flora and fauna are fantastic. There’s no sand beach but the ocean is right there with fascinating volcanic pools and there are views that are really special. The main pool is wonderful and the pool chairs are just fine (just know there’s no service at the pool you have to get your own F&B). The cocktails and food at the pool restaurant are good. We met a number of great staff members who earnestly cared. We booked 2 superior rooms and once we sorted out an AC issue, the rooms were good enough to freshen up and get some rest. The beds were actually good. So in the end, because we got off the property so much, especially for the price, Mangia’s was good for us. We got up, ate whatever we could find on the breakfast buffet that decent, and took off for the day. When we got back, we sat by the pool and relaxed and then got some rest before the next day. One thing for sure if you go—find Jianna, the hotel manager. She’s great and she’s a fixer. On day 1 when the AC was broken and the room smelled musty and the front desk was gaslighting us that we were imagining it,

The positives: Majority of the staff are friendly and polite especially the hotel manager. The negatives: extremely incompetent, slow service at every restaurant. Day 1- We were suggested to go to the new Grill restaurant to which we did. It took 1.5 hours for a salad and pasta. Capacity: less than 40% at time of dining. Day 2 Dinner at the main restaurant. Brochure says it opens at 7 so we came at 7:22. “The manager” told us to come back later because he has no staff. No apologies not even offering is a seat or water. As we wait a couple of birds flew inside the restaurant flying and stepping on the rice bar. It took a couple of staff to drive the birds out of the restaurant. The food was left as is. Day 3 breakfast- food is cold, no food available at the egg section because the chef is alone and overworked. Capacity of restaurant was around 50% but all tables are dirty. Some plates have been removed but the woman wiping the table and putting the utensils is alone, tired and irritable. It took us 15 minutes to find a seat. Day 4 dinner at the Sicilian Bistro. Donna Floriana The Asian receptionist greeted us with no pleasantries but a very rude “do you have a reservation” we waited 20 minutes to be offered bread and water and when we asked to order 3 staff came every 5 minutes because they don’t speak English. There were 7 staff standing around with 9 tables occupied. The buildings are old, extremely small beware the photos are misleading. We booked a Sea view suite but we got a room by the walkway with no view of the sea and was very small. The BonVoy app does not work in this establishment. Over all a disappointing experience. A 3 star hotel posing as 5 star. Never again. Don’t waste your money.

We had an amazing time staying at this hotel and wish we could stay for longer. It's in a paradise setting overlooking the sea, all of the staff are lovely and helpful and the hotel has a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The pool and bar area overlooking the sea are delightful and perfect for drinks at sunset! We did some water sports, yoga, tennis, had a great shiatsu massage and a delicious fish lunch at the grill bar- all highlights. Some nice local restaurants in Brucoli too. Overall, a fantastic 4 days in Sicily and we hope to return. Thank you