My plane landed late at night and although the 457 bus was still running I failed to find the bus stop at the airport and so took a taxi. Quoted about 20 euros but the meter read 30 euros after a circuitous journey. Typical!. The 457 bus to the airport and station comes down Via Etnea and there is a bus stop only a few metres from the hotel. The service runs every 20 minutes.
I was made welcome at the hotel although not all the staff speak English. My single room was adequate and the bed comfortable. However the furnitutre and wallpaper looked a little dated.It took me quite a time to find the main switch for the air conditioner but then the air conditioner worked fine. There was also a fridge which I found rather hoisy and a safe which had no instructions is any language. The shower was excellent and hot at all times of day and night.
Breakfast was a croisant, a glass of juice and a yoghurt but they did refill my coffee cup on request.
If you walk out of the reception area onto the balcony you can see the summit of Mount Etna. It was not erupting but was steaming profusely. There was no wi-fi but several excellent and reasonably priced internet cafés nearby. If you arrive late at night then you may find that Via Pacini looks a little daunting but there is no cause for alarm. After about nine o clock they close the main outer wooden door but you only have to press a communication button as the reception desk is staffed for 24 hours a day. There are several pastry shops in the area and plenty of restaurants.
I had booked in for four nights but stayed another two. The cost was 45 euros per night and I would stay there again.