Hotel Tirreno in Parghelia

We booked the holiday through TUI as we thought it would be an ideal location to celebrate a special birthday.
The Hotel is set back nicely off a quiet road. Upon arrival we received a pleasant welcome and were shown to a Junior suite which had a nice size terrace, plenty of chairs and a view of the mountain. Room was of a good size, very simple but functional. The air-con was very effective and well received due to the current high temperature and humidity.
Lovely well kept gardens, a good size pool with its own bar facilities.
The staff were all so polite and helpful, a special recognition to the wonderful Vincenzo on reception. The room maids did an exemplary job.
The package included half board.
Breakfast was very nice and plenty of variety. However we did notice that they never replenished many of the items, quite some time before scheduled closing time.
The evening meal was ala carte. After a delayed arrival, was quite hungry and the portions were notably smaller than I would have expected. Saying that, the quality of the food was very good and a reasonable turn around of variety. The staff had an excellent knowledge of the wines to recommend. It is quiet and relaxed, no music. Both breakfast and evening meal are served in the wonderful garden. No trousers required for the gentlemen, which was nice.
The Hotel has its own beach which is just a 10 minute walk along the road. This has its own area designated for the Hotel guests. There are plenty of beds and umbrellas. Has its own lifeguard as did all the sectioned bed areas. Super beach with a lovely view of nearby Tropea. Well serviced by restaurants and bars. There is also a company that does a wonderful boat/snorkelling excursion from the beach.
Tropea is just up the road and we walked there and back twice during our weeks stay. Depending on your pace, it will take you up to 25 minutes to walk bearing in mind the temperature. Once there you can climb the first set of stairs, 199 in all to arrive at this wonderful historic town. It has the most superb beach and the clearest of water.
There are supermarkets in Parghelia within a few minutes walk.
This was a lovely holiday at the Tirreno but note some things had room for improvement.
No recognition of Birthdays or Celebrations, or so it appears despite the reception being informed.
The reception even with the best will, did get busy sometimes as its only small and invariably manned by a solitary member of staff.
The pool doesn't have sufficient umbrellas to go round and in the heat we experienced, its not really practical. Plenty of beds though. Water is very warm.
The Hotel courtesy bus is seemingly disproportionately scheduled for the beach, which is walk-able, however the town would be a better option in the day, but was only serviced in the evening during meal times.
Felt that it was frowned upon to take some water from the large container at breakfast for our small bottle.
Otherwise a more than satisfactory Hotel and a wonderful area.