The room was large with a high ceiling and polished floors. Looked like it had just been renovated. A little bit cool for January but would have been ideal in warmer weather. There was an air conditioner which was tricky to manage, but after we spoke to the front desk we had no further problem. Maybe some kind of eco control? Staff very friendly and helpful. I was a little worried after reading some of the other reviews regarding the number of (rowdy) students that may have been there but it was really quiet and peaceful. Breakfast, not a big variety but adequate and could sometimes the ham and cheese were not replenished unless you asked. Great position, lots of nearby eateries, close to the shopping centre and also the station and the waterfront having a short walk to the hydrofoyle where you can travel back to Regio Calabria airport for a few euro. The whole trip is about 45 mins, by hydrofoyle and connecting shuttle which is there waiting when you disembark.

I stayed here for a week while studying with my school group from Virginia Commonwealth University. This was a great hotel and all of us had a good time here. A lot of students and groups stayed here during my stay, so I had the opportunity to meet students from all over the world. Although it was a lot of students, it was not unruly or rowdy. The hotel is across the street from the waterfront and down the street from the pier. It is also located around the corner from Piazza Duomo where people hang out all night and the nightclub Dom.

Although the internet was slow, it was free, there was an internet cafe across the street that we used occasionally for $3 euros an hour. My room was nice, high ceilings, spacious bathroom, balcony, clean, and the breakfast was good. The style of the hotel is traditional so you turn in your key when you leave for the day instead of keeping it with you, which also has a 24 hour service desk. We all got to know the hotel manager, Nemo very well. He was really nice and playful, and made sure we were well taken care of during our stay. Sant'Elia has kinks but that added to the charm of the hotel. I would definitely stay here again.

relatively new upgrade (furniture,bathroom,floors ), quite ok compared with other hotels in the area. Internet supposed to be available free of charge was very poor. Breakfast quite strange for me ,with limited quantities/qualities of food. You have to wake up early to get some cheese and ham.Plenty orange juice.Sunday breakfast limited to croissant,fruit jelly,orange juice.

I stayed in this hotel for 2 weeks while studying at the University of Messina. We stayed in a beautiful room that was hand painted. THe rooms are large, and very tastefully decorated. The hotel is walking distance from the harbor and the best shopping in Messina. There is a restaurant in the hotel, and the pasta is very good, however, I would suggest eatting out....there are many restaurants in Messina,all of which are reasonably priced. The service was by far the best part about staying at this hotel. Fabio, our concierge, spoke perfect english and really helped our group with everything from boking a day trip to Mt. Etna to finding lost luggage.