We just returned from an absolutely wonderful week at La Rosa Sul Mare. Having booked with insicily.com under the name "The Reef Hotel", I was very surprised to receive my voucher and see a different hotel name. I was even more astounded to see the two bad Trip Advisor reviews, and contacted the insicily.com company to find out about these "extras".

I was assured that the package we had booked included everything, breakfast, kitchen, air conditioning, pool and seaside use. The only thing it didn't include was parking inside the gate, but we were able to park just outside for free. After rechecking the hotel website and noticing that the extra tariffs were listed at the top of the prices, and that the management of the hotel had responded, logically, to the bad reviews, we decided to go ahead with our booking.

We are so glad we did! Upon our arrival and check-in by a very nice gentleman we were shown through the beautiful grounds to our apartment. We found a lovely bouquet, welcome champagne and a breakfast basket (including pastries, cereal, milk, juice, coffee and assorted crackers - the fresh fruit was in the fridge.) We enjoyed having breakfast in the privacy of our own apartment.

We actually stayed in the same apartment shown in the "7th Circle" review. That reviewer neglects to mention that there are TWO terraces. One is narrow and smaller, but opens from the living room and table through double doors to a glorious view of the sea. It has a chair and also room for and includes a convenient drying rack for beach towels.

The other terrace is in the main bedroom, and is located up three steps and through a double window, so you do need to be able to climb through it, but people should have no problem. Once there, it is a long (6+ X 2 meters, 20+ X 6 ft) terrace with two folding lounges and a table with two chairs. You feel as though you are on a ship looking out in all directions to the sea. The sunsets, stars and moon were fantastic. This was definitely our favorite perch during our stay, when we weren’t below at the pool, sundeck or in the water.

We had planned to save a bit by booking the 1 bedroom apartment with sofa bed (for our 15 year old son), and so were surprised to find an additional single daybed, giant armoire, 2 chairs and small table inside the entry to the apartment. Although you did have to walk through it and down a hallway to the bath, main room/kitchen and other bedroom, I find it strange that the other reviewer didn’t mention what was, essentially, another bedroom. This was an unexpected pleasure, as my son did sleep in the main room, but was afforded a private changing area and place to keep his things. The apartment was not fancy, but was simply and tastefully furnished, and much larger than expected.

We enjoyed the lovely pool and spent several days just lounging by the sea. As the waters all around the point are designated a marine park, the snorkeling was excellent (do bring your own snorkel gear and beach towels as well). Many dive and snorkel boats came to the area on the weekend, but there were only locals during the week. We would also recommend water shoes for getting in and out of the sea as there is lava rock all around, although the surface was smoothed at the hotels seaside.

Both the seaside and pool have outdoor showers, very nice after the saltwater. The view from the top is fantastic, but results in steep stairs down to the pool and the sea. We didn't have any problems, but you should be aware if you have difficulty with stairs or very small children. We also found the other guests to be polite and from many different countries. Everyone was using the pool and seaside, but we never had a problem having lounges and umbrellas when we wanted them.

We found the owner and the staff to be exceptional. In addition to the welcoming gifts, they found out it was my birthday and a new bouquet, balloons, more champagne and a Happy Birthday sign was put in our apartment. Another time, the owner brought his wife's chilled Homemade Almond Milk out to the pool for us to try. As the almonds are famous locally, it was a real treat.

With regard to the air conditioning, we didn't read our Guest Directory carefully enough and when we asked why the air didn't work the first night, we were immediately told that all of the doors and windows must be closed in order for the air conditioning to function. Although you have to turn on the two units, by remote control, each time you leave and return to the apartment, we found this to be a smart, environmentally sound setup. Although it wasn’t too hot the week we were there, this made our sleep much better and did keep out the mosquitoes. (The windows do have nice, heavy wood shutters – and plug in, nightlight sized units with insect repellent.) But do pack bug spray for eating dinner outside in the evenings. We had no problems during the day, however.

As far as restaurants go, we were provided with a map showing restaurants in the area surrounding the hotel (the town of Siracusa is about 7 km or 10-15 minutes away). We tried several different restaurants, and while casual, they were very good. We also frequented a fruit and sandwich stand nearby, and had sandwiches made on most days to take to the beach or on our excursions. We had brought a soft cooler - and refreezable ice blocks - and this was very convenient. Just past the sandwich place, was a great little bar and mini grocery, with takeaway roast chicken, breads, pastas etc. and wonderful pizza in the evening.

Be aware that morning and evening commute time into Siracusa is crowded and plan accordingly. Also, there are several, large grocery stores on the way into Siracuse. Do have a good map of the area and of the town. We found parking on Ortigia, just after crossing the bridge both to the right at the marina, and two huge lots to the left on the other side of the Isola. It is easy walking between the two sides, as Ortigia is not large.
We had dinner several times in Siracusa, but would recommend NOT eating along the seaside walk on the marina side. The sunsets are lovely and the people-watching great, but find other food recommendations away from the tourist menus.

We also drove and looked at the beaches south, inland to the area around Palazzolo Acreide (lovely town/Greek ruins), to Noto (exceptional Baroque city and Noto Marina – sandy beaches with services), and spent a day at Taromina (which I found way too cruise-ship touristy) – but my husband and son enjoyed the drive and hike around the North side of Mt. Etna.

Mainly, we were happy to spend time outside at our seaside apartment, which felt like our own, except someone else cleaned it and replenished the breakfast supplies daily. Fresh towels are provided whenever you leave your towel on the floor and not hung up – as plainly stated in several languages in a frame in the bathroom. We also found the neighborhood to be lovely – nice, but not palatial homes along the sea. Fontane Bianche, a few minutes south, seemed to be a more upscale area. If you haven’t been to Italy before, there is sometimes garbage dumped outside the dumpsters along the roadsides, but we didn’t see this anywhere near the hotel and frankly, have to wonder if the negative reviewers would even be happy at a suite at the Ritz. (For the record, we have stayed all over the world, in 5 star hotels, including Ritz Carlton, the Grand Wailea and others.

But, I found that a 1-bedroom (not even 2 bedroom) hotel room in Taromina would have cost one third again as much and were not directly on the water. We would highly recommend this hotel to any able-bodied people who want to spend time on the sea and poolside. You are close enough to drive to the towns and sights and will be thrilled to return to your own slice of heaven –if you are actually motivated to leave it at all!

I couldnt agree more with the negative comments about the area surrounding RSM Hotel The rubbish , wild animals and general down at heel appearance of the Plemmirio area would put most people off. We nearly booked our daughter into RSM to be close by , but we left, very disenchanted by the general lack of local facilities.We were staying almost next door and hated it. Nice view, nice sunset but that soon palls when you consider that there is nothing to do in the immediate vicinity apart from a pizzeria.. My advice , go to a different part of the island.

I would like to say that I had an excellent holiday at La Rosa Sul Mare.

The ocean in front of the hotel was pristine blue, it was such a luxury that every morning wake up and jump into this ocean... (I recommend you to take snorkeling masks! )

We stayed in a room in front of the swimming pool, I think it was one of the smallest room in the hotel but I think it was a good value, with a beautiful ocean and swimming pool view just in front of the door.

The property of the hotel was very clean, well maintained with lots of exotic flowers and plants. Also, I found a very good pizzeria just 5 min. drive from the hotel...

On returning home from what I consider to be one of the most relaxing and reviltalising weeks my family has ever had (spent at La Rosa Sul Mare Hotel), I felt it would only be fair to share this marvellous experience with the rest of the world.
I entered Trip Advisor inorder to help me do so and
I must say that I was completely baffled by a couple of very scathing reviews that I have found referring to this hotel. My own very different experiences at this establishment oblige me to put the books straight and urge anybody that is looking for a wonderful hotel that can offer that something extra, then they should look no further.
On arriving at the Rosa Sul Mare we were greeted by a very helpful and friendly staff and shown to what can only be described as a superb two double bedroom suite, tastefully decorated and with all the necessary amenities in excellent condition.
When we opened the double doors that led to an enormous terrace, we gasped at the stunning panoramic view that lay before us. Contemplating the vast expanse of blue sea that occupied our vision as far as the eye could see , our gasps were replaced by huge sighs of contentment.
We had full access to a fabulous sundeck situated at the bottom of some steps leading down from the hotel that jutted out over the rocky shore and a very beautiful pool which allowed you to cool off while contemplating the privileged view.
Every morning we had breakfast on the terrace mesmerised by the sun sparkling off a multi – blue sea and every evening we were offered a spectacular sunset to signal the end of another beautiful day in paradise.
The hotel grounds full colourful and exotic flowers and trees were immaculately kept only added to the sensation of well being.
Some very good restaurants and other services were just a short drive away in Syracuse.
We booked our stay through a company that specialises in offering rented Villas and hotel accommodation in Sicily that was recommended by a friend and thus we incurred not one inconvenience as far as financial terms and conditions were concerned.
All in all we had a fantastic holiday thanks to an attentive owner and his efficient and helpful staff and the amazing and privileged location of the fantastic Rosa Sul Mare Hotel.