We stayed here in early September 2011, during a 12 day trip around Sicily. Cefalu was the last stop of our trip and most important to me, since my family is from Cefalu and I have never been. I grew up hearing stories about it and wanted to go there my entire life. We picked Riva Del Sole for its location across the street (10 steps) from the beach, and spent 3 nights at Riva Del Sole. After having such fabulous hospitality everywhere else we visited (Palermo, Agrigento, Taormina, Randazzo), we were a little disappointed by our initial welcome to Riva Del Sole. I went to check in and the owner was clearly not amused by my lack of perfect Italian. He at first acted like he did not understand me, (though I've read on other reviews that he understands English, which I resorted too after my broken Italian was apparently not cutting it). He seemed annoyed that we were American. We were then made to wait 40 minutes for our room, with no updates as to the status. I was then the one who was not amused. Finally he came over and showed us our room. Things did shape up from there. My husband and I both speak spanish and between my limited Italian and our spanish, with a few engligh words thrown in, we were able to communicate for the rest of the trip in a way that seemed satisfactory to the owner. He was polite and accomodating the rest of our stay. We had a sea front room on the second floor that was right next to the business office. Though the lobby and dining room of this hotel look grand, the rooms are a bit dated and could use some updating. However, the room was impeccably clean and the balcony was large with an amazing view of the beach, town, and La Rocca. The bathroom was a good size though the shower was small. The room did provide a safe and a small refridgerator. As an added bonus, I must say that this room had the best hairdryer of any hotel I've stayed in in Europe. This hotel is not only close to the beach, but a 5 minute walk into town with lots of people watching on the way. Breakfast is served outside in the garden. The dining staff was very attentive, especially the main server (I think his name was Alberto- forgive me if I got this wrong, he was a very professional and nice person and spoke multiple languages fluently- he is a true asset to this hotel). Anyways, the breakfast was decent and served in a nice setting. There is free parking on the street in front of the hotel. Once when we went for a drive (to a great local restaurant by the marina called La Tavernetta), we couldn't find a spot and the front desk staff was very helpful and parked the car for us. We left the keys with the front desk for the rest of the trip until our departure when they got the car for us. It was quote helpful to not have to worry about it. A few tips: 1) The hotel provides beach towels but they don't tell you this. You have to ask at the front desk. 2) The hotel also has a deal with one of the beach clubs for chair rentals. It brings the price down from 10 euro/person to 7 euro/person. Again they don't tell you this, but ask the front desk so they can give you a voucher to give to the attendant at the beach club. It's the one to the right, not directly in front of the hotel. I think it was the Apollo beach club- (highly recommend). 3) There is free wifi but again you have to ask at the front desk and they'll give you a code. It was fast and we were able to even upload pictures online.
I do hope that they eventually update the rooms- it would be quite nice if they would add some fresh bedding and decor in the rooms. We would stay here again and recommend it to anyone wanting the experience Cefalu and be seaside. (though I'll have my Italian in better form next time, haha)

We stayed 5N here in a sea view room with balcony. We didn't use the hotel "paying" beach but just turned right from the hotel and went 100m down the steps to the sand. The roof top terrace is a relaxing place but there could be more umbrellas provided as featured in the hotel brochure photos! The staff were helpful and friendly and could speak English. The breakfast buffet was excellent and it was good to be able to cook our own eggs with toast! The free wifi is good. It's a short walk to the historical centre. There is a supermarket to the left of the hotel and left again. Maybe a 5min walk. There is a small fridge in the room.
Would recommend this hotel as a perfect place to unwind. We have been travelling for 3 weeks in Sicily and needed some relaxation!

We stayed 1 night at this hotel, and wished we could have stayed here longer. Great Location across the street from the ocean, and a 5 minute walk to the historical town center. Very clean and friendly service. Breakfast was served outdoors in their garden. They also have a nice restaurant for lunch or dinner overlooking the ocean. Wi-fi in the room. Would definitely stay there again.

This hotel is pricey but stayed for a honeymoon (200 € per night). Room are good for a European hotel and the staff is great. Location couldn't be better right across from the beach. Free wifi is a bonus and the breakfast outside is nice. Didn't not eat in the restaurant. Would stay here again but have no knowledge of the other few hotels on the beach.