I've given this place the benefit of the doubt because my particular experience seems at odds with the general high level of praise from other contributors. In a less generous mood, I'd rate it Good (not Very Good and certainly not Excellent). What is excellent is its location - bang in the centre of Tropea, a lovely, atmospheric little town, full of charm and character and well worth a visit ('though a stay of more then a couple of days would require a rental car to get to the other accessible beaches and few places of interest). The breakfasts at Antica have been well praised - and deservedly so, because the choice is large and varied. But there, for me, the Excellent ends and the Average begins. The rooms, when you peel away some of the gimmicky decor, are basic. I stayed in one of the Suites and while it was exactly as described (simple, cosy) it was also exposed to an open courtyard (as were ALL the suites) which meant that there was almost constant pedestrian traffic and noise of other guests as they made their way to their rooms. To eliminate the noise meant shutting and shuttering your door, and that rendered your room totally dark as there was no other window in the suite. In the courtyard and around the main building, there are some interesting little nooks and crannies with seating for guests. And I'm sure this is great if the weather is dry. But alas, during my stay it rained three or four times. And because nobody ever emerged from the Hotel to save the seat cushions, they became sodden and remained so for the week I was there. In other words, there was no place to sit. Other correspondents were also lavish in their praise for the proprietors. Well, I'd love to agree but not once was I asked whether I was enjoying my stay, or whether I needed directions, or restaurant recommendations or anything. In fact, I passed Reception fourteen times to and from breakfast and not once was I accorded even a basic greeting. None of this negative stuff should, however, deter those who want an up-market Bed and Breakfast (for that's really what it is ) in a smashing location and one, to be fair, is really good value for money.

wonderful hotel. the room we stayed in had frescos on the walls. Helpful friendly staff and magnificient breakfasts (do not expect to leave the table for at least an hour as the dishes keep on coming:)). Very difficult to find, the given address is by the railway station however the hotel is located on the main street that runs down to the sea (via Pietro Ruffo di Calabria 37 and this is the second address listed on their business card). Free unlimited internet access & printer.

Although is a little bit tricky to find it because the gps went a little big crazy about the new roads is a place very charming which I certainly advice if you want to treat yourself.It was a wonderful deal because of the low season (50%off the high season price).the rooms which are fully furnished with beautiful pieces are different one form another with entrances on a courtyard or a back garden.The inside garden is delightful with benches, chairs and wifi.Some rooms have a hot-tub.they have a conservatory with the fitness room where you can run on a thread mill and look at the buganvilleas in the garden.I've never seen so many thing for breakfast.You just sit and they come with the most incredibe variety of food that you can imagine.The manager is lovely and offered to birng our suitcases to the car and really available at any time.I will go back for sure!!

I just finished a 1 month trip with the 5 days at the Villa Antica as a top highlight of a truly awesome trip overall. It is a truly charming property, with a garden sitting area right outside your room. It is centrally located in Tropea which makes it so very convenient to everything. The charm and the location would be enough to have me rate the villa highly but truly it is only the beginning of what makes this special. This is a bed and breakfast hotel. Words cannot describe the breakfast experience. Suffice it to say it is unique and you will never leave hungry. I suggest you plan to skip lunch. The famed Calabrian hospitality is everywhere. Should you want an expresso or a cappuccino sometime in the afternoon you only need to ask and it is yours minus any charge!! As one of the staff said to me "Signora we want to do anything to make you happy"! I am still stunned by what happened when I asked where I might find a shop that sold laundry detergent. One of the staff washed my clothes for me!!!
I was saddened to leave Tropea and the Villa Antica and I look forward to returning.
As an aside Americans do not tend to travel to Calabria. Put it on your list - a beautiful, charming part of Italy awaits you and you just may get to practice your Italian.
Thank you Villa Antica and Tropea - Che bella!