We met some old friends at Christmas in Garmisch and they found a really cool hotel accessible only by gondola. Now it is our turn to find a "wow" hotel for our next meeting in Sicily at Easter. We are 2 married couples with 2 kids per. Can anyone recommend a memorable hotel and throw us a link? Mid-range price preferred. Or --my wife adds over my shoulder-- any general Sicily recommendations with kids? Many thanks for your thoughts!
Posted by
Billerica, MA, USA
9 posts
Hello Thomas,
I would suggest Taromina, Sicily. Fly to Catania and drive to Taromina. It is amazing! In the shadow of Mt Etna. The city itself is beautiful.
We stayed here (in 2000) http://www.villaducale.com/en/index.htm
there are other hotels "down in the city square" but the view from Hotel villa ducale is beyond words.
We have traveled all over North America and Europe and to this day, my wife still asks about "when can we go back to Taromina?"
Happy Travels,
David
Billerica, MA USA
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Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Sicily in spring is awesome.
I am going to have a to agree with David. Taormina is a beautiful little tourist town with fantastic views. (My wife also had a great time shopping for reasonably price Italian shoes in that little hill town!)
But another thing to consider is a great Agritourisimo. They can be so much fun, if you find the correct one.
The one we loved was up in the Madronie Mtns, (Il Vecchio Frantoio) off the A19 freeway, near a wide spot in the road called Scillato. The unspoiled views, the food, the friendliness of the owners and staff....
check out this web site for more info:
http://www.highonadventure.com/Hoa03apr/Sicily/Sicily.htm
I also would post this same question on the Sicily Forum at Tripadvisor.com., (and also ask about memorable agri's)
....And check out all of the hotel recs that TA has for Taormina.
Another great place in Sicily is the Aeolian islands off the NE coast. Each island is fabulous, fun, and different. Do some reading!
Posted by
Berkeley, California, US
649 posts
The Hotel Villa Schuler in Taormina, www.VillaSchuler.com is wonderful! We have stayed there twice, second time with my husband's brother and his wife who also loved it. The Seaview rooms are spectacular, but we have had a wonderful garden view room as well. Breakfast on the patio overlooking the ocean is wonderful and included in the price. The price is right too. I can't say enough good things about it. Be sure to book a parking space when reserving your rooms, as parking can be a serious challenge. We have had wonderful meals at La Buca, which you can see from the hotel.
Posted by
OP
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
Thanks to everyone. Great ideas.
We will definitely look in the Taormina area. The Agratourismo idea was also a very good lead. We've looked at a few and are now considering an agratourismo between Taormina and Etna. Sweeter still: it is at a winery! And the price is very reasonable.
http://www.etnawineagriturismo.com/uk/description.htm
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!