Taormina

Rachelle, you do understand that both of these hotels are in Taormina, which is high in the hills, and a long distance from the ocean? (But the tram/ ski lifts make that transit easy.) Have you read the reviews on Trip Advisor.com? You can also contact any of the reviewers and ask them more questions if you are concerned about the lack of AC, small rooms, cost to use recommened beach facilities, etc.

Taormina is not "high in the hills". It is hanging on a cliff where you have a wonderful view of the Straits of Messina where you can imagine Ulysses and his travails as well as many, many famous sea battles from ages past. The hotel we have stayed at often is: "Hotel BEL SOGGIORNO Address: Via L. Pirandello, 60 Phone: Phone (++39) 0942 - Fax: 011-39-0942-626298 Email: [email protected] WWW: www.itwg.com/itw12466.asp?sessionid=391716129 Price Range: 190,000L Notes: The hotel Bel Soggiorno opened in 1908 and has always been run by the same family. The hotel is situated in the "green" area of Taormina in a panoramic position, is surrounded by a large garden and has its own private car park. The town centre is within a ten-minute walk. The rooms (with bath or shower, balcony or terrace, direct-dialing) enjoy a marvelous view of the sea and Mount Etna. Some of the double-rooms are air conditioned. We invite you to pay us a visit. Breakfast is "a buffet" and can be taken on the veranda, on the terrace and also by request in your room. Twice a week a typical Sicilian candle-light supper is held on the hotel veranda with musical entertainment. The hotel is equipped with a large lounge. One can also book excursions which leave from in front of hotel."

I'd like to ask a few more questions. Does the Hotel have an elevator? How were the rooms as far as size? We're concerned about steep inclines and many steps leading into the hotels, can you tell me if the 10 minute walk is on more level ground or incline. Also, at night after a long day were you able to sit on the roof terrace and relax with a glass of wine? One last question, do the rooms have balconies? Thank you so much for all your help.

Rachelle: If you go to the website of Hotel Bel Soggiorno most of your questions will be answered, except the one about an elevator. For that you could phone the hotel or e-mail.