La Vecchia Palma is a standard hotel in Catania. It's a bit pricy - considering the location, but the rooms has a lot of atmosphere. The service differs an lot depending on who is working the reception. The AC is working all right, which is absolutly necessary during the summer in Catania. The Hotel is an alright pick, but do not expect greatness;-)

A bit out of the centre of Catania but otherwise a charming old pensione with tons of character. The rooms have high ceilings and huge windows and are full of antiques -- with an incongruous but very welcome, state-of-the-art flat-screen TV and DVD system. Everything is spotless and comfortable -- and its a very relaxing place to hang out, with big balconies if you're lucky enough to get one, and a nice terrace if you're not. It's a long, long walk up from the centre, so don't try it unless you're feeling fit and don't mind a two-mile trek uphill. But it is literally on top of a metro station, so its an easy journey to the train station -- plus there are dozens of buses running constantly up and down Via Etnea.

All of this would be fine but nothing out of the ordinary if it weren't for the amazing women who work there. Incredibly friendly and helpful, with loads of advice for getting around Catania, where to buy those essential bus tickets, good places to eat and how to get to the fish market. I arrived very late after a tiring flight and they actually phoned up a pizza delivery place and ordered one for me to be brought to my room (and it was incredible too -- seriously, the best pizza I've ever had!) Pizza and beer on the terrace to celebrate the beginning of my holiday in amazing Sicily - perfetto!

Lovely little hotel in the centre of Catania. Admittedly it was right on a main road and a little noisey, but Catania isn't the most beautiful place in the world either, so it was at times a relief to find a welcoming, clean, fresh-smelling and tidy hotel. Breakfast is basic, but nice. Rooms are very nice though. Only let down by the fact they don't do food in the evening. Desk staff spoke very good English.

Great little hotel - somewhat inconveniently located for main city sights. Good staff, excellent breakfast. Really terrific baroque-style rooms - ours was way above average size for Sicily. 20 foot ceilings with murals. Fantastic!