First off, the good points:
- Hotel was clean and obviously fairly new. Rooms were clean and modern, and had a small outside area with seating which was nice to relax in. Room has A/C and TV, plus reasonable mini-bar.
- Small gym available (1 bike, 1 running machine, 1 weight machine), plus room with playstations for the kids.
- Small pool for cooling off in (too small for a proper swim though)
- Free internet access on a laptop in the lobby
- Transfer bus to ferry (I assume you can get a pickup as well).
Next, the not so good:
- Staff were a little cold, most don't speak english. Only one girl (Australian) spoke good english.
- Uninspiring location, though only a few minutes from Marina Corta, where you get the boat trips.
- No beach nearby. Nearest is a bus ride away.
- Breakfast buffet was basic. Be sure to ask for a Latte or Cappicino from the staff, the "Cafe Americano" from the machine was horrible.
Overall, the hotel was good for the basics, i.e. bed and breakfast, but don't expect any nice extras. Value was just OK. Saying that, probably as good as you'll get on the Aeolian islands
- Grand Hotel Lipari
