Excellent location with wonderful landscape. It's a bit expensive, but it's worth the price. Service is perfect.
I suggest breakfast on the terrace.
I don't suggest the hotel for business men and perhaps it is also too formal for families, but perfect if you are solo or for couples

This was the first Hotel I stayed in in Sicily and was so impressed! The hotel used to be a monastery, so it is this beautiful building with the most amazing views of the sea, the Etna volcano and the Greek Theater. The rooms are HUGE, with equally nice and spacious restrooms (with Molton Brown toiletries). My only negative comment is that on a luxury hotel like this you should not have to pay for wi-fi as you have to do (but this is quite common in Italy unfortunately). Be sure to visit the gardens which are by far one of the highlights of this Hotel. 100% recommended

I've been fortunate enough to stay in many places with "Palace" in the title. However this really did have a palatial feel. From the moment you read the "no visitors allowed" sign, somewhat snottily placed at the entrance, you are aware that there is a definite attempt to cult an air of exclusivity. I arrived on an early December night at the "height" of the low season. The walk from my room to the public areas takes you through rooms of grandeur I can only associate with a visit to Buckingham Palace, London. Was I the only person there? Perhaps not, but there was only one other table on the go at breakfast the next morning. The location is spectacular with significant views over the bay. The location reminded me somewhat of Reid's in Funchal, Madeira, but this view has the edge. The rooms are huge - or at least mine was, having been given a free upgrade. I can honestly say I have never slept in a room so large in my life. The staff were a mixed bag, although all very efficient. Some very chatty, others somewhat stiff. So what are downsides? If I am honest, I found the place a bit overpowering, because of its sheer scale. But of course that is a personal thing and not related to the hotel. Having said that, perhaps it was because I was there on my own and few others staying. Some noise from early-morning staff was experienced. In a hotel with stone floors and high (very high) ceilings someone moving a chair five rooms away makes a noise. Guests can be excused for such a misdemeanour, staff should not. The early-morning staff made noise which was audible in the rooms. Unlike "Reid's" there is a road which runs in front of the hotel (albiet a minor one). Some noise was noticeable from this, though it can hardly be described as a main road.

I spent a couple nights at this hotel. It has everything I want for a break: quiet room, good restaurants and a beautiful hotel with great view.
The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the tourists area, but far enough away from the crowd.
My room was at the end of the hallway. It was the only room without a room number at the door. I figured it out from the fire floor plan. The room was historic, but it had all the appliances expected in a modern hotel room. Many pieces of furniture in the room were probably antiques.
Dinner at the terrace of the restaurant was memorable with the full moon coming up from the sea. The food was fantastic.
Ther was some trouble when my luggage was sent to the wrong room. It was found in a couple hours.