Need hotel recommendations for Syracusa, Taormina & Catania.
This site has been fantastic, as in perfect, in previous hotels & B&Bs. .
Hotel Antiche Mura in Sorrento was great!
Posted by
Reston, VA, USA
809 posts
My daughter and I had a wonderful stay at B&B Spiraglio, in Ortygia [the island that's the historical center of Siracusa]. Our room was spacious, and hostess Rita gave us a tasty breakfast each morning. We were there for 5 nights and loved the chance to wander around the old streets. Rita also drove us to the intercity bus at the end of our stay; much appreciated!
We did not visit Taormina so no recommendations there. We flew into and out of Catania but got out to the more scenic parts of the island as soon as possible; the general recommendation that I've seen is NOT to stay in Catania. Why are you looking for a hotel there?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I love, love, love La Via della Giudecca in Ortigia (Siracusa). Wonderful breakfast, big rooms, very reasonable prices. I booked there through booking.com but their website is www.laviadellagiudecca.it
I haven't stayed in Taormina for a few years, but Hotel Intercontinental was very nice, huge terrace with views of Etna and the sea (no rooms with direct views of either). Price was under 100 euro for two, including breakfast.
Posted by
Chicago
1944 posts
In October 2010, we stayed at Hotel Villa Schuler in Taormina:
http://www.hotelvillaschuler.com/?gclid=CL-whLicn8kCFdgQgQodDKYIGg
Beautiful Sicilian villa-style rooms overlooking the Ionian Sea. Best part is that almost all of Taormina is on a hill, but the Villa Schuler is on relatively flat ground a short walk off Corso Umberto, the main drag in town. Prices in the 175-250 Euro per night range, depending on season. Great staff, wonderful breakfasts.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
This Sept, I stayed in Grande Albergo Alfeo (http://www.alfeo.it/) and Porta Marina B&B (http://www.portamarinaortigia.it/) in Siracusa. Both were great value (between 70-90 Euros or so per night) because I booked early and compared different sites for prices, including www.booking.com. They are different in style (one much more modern and spacious and light than the other) but I liked both for different reasons.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Here's my review of where I stayed in Siracusa: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/siracusa-airbnb-in-ortigia
And Taormina: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/taormina-accommodation-casa-cuseni
I'd go back to both - in a heartbeat. Note that the Airbnb in Siracusa has a 3 night minimum stay.