Lets be clear I'm no travel writer. My dear husband says I know nothing, but forgets I knew enough to marry him! So, here goes in condensed wording. There is no need to book 5* this trip - trust me. This delightful hotel is homely & quirky, all the Martorana family run the hotel efficiently and their night-porter of 32 years service, Biagio makes fabulous Campari orange - my must-have 2012 summer drink – and the charming Mr Martorana is often found sitting quietly in the lounge keeping a watchful eye, making us feel part of their family. The stunning view at breakfast can almost make you forget to eat. The rooms are very clean, with fluffy towels, good quality, crisp bedlinen, inexpensive 24 hr room service – and you really don't need a room safe, because everything IS safe! We arrived in darkness on 26 April, and stayed in this perfect room, with thousands of lights twinkling below us. The morning view simply took our breath away – truly spectacular - cross my heart. And, Taormina will seduce you! Hopefully, I have convinced you to come to this island, to this town, to this hotel and to stay in this room. God knows, you need the break. But what do I know? I'm not Judith Chalmers!