This olde worlde hotel is within easy walking distance of the town (if you are reasonably fit) but far enough out to have a lovely peaceful atmosphere with amazing outlook towards Etna and the sea. Try the once a week dinner with music as a special treat. The terraces are especially nice just to sunbathe or relax.

We were there over Christmas and wanted a place where we could just "be" - not a lot of touring while things were closed and trains were full of Sicilian travelers heading home for the holidays. This hotel was exactly what we hoped it would be. The rooms were plain and even a bit drab, but it didn't matter at all. They were clean, good showers, everything worked. We weren't there to be inside. We spent a lot of time just reading and being together on the deck and in the gardens. The view of Mt. Etna, the walk to town, the gardens, the great breakfasts right outside our room on our deck, with blood orange juice and other citrus from the garden, breads and cheeses, good coffee, charming waiter - all perfect. The place is old - and that added to the atmosphere - the views of the Ionian Sea and the volcano were perfect- the price was moderate - it felt historic, REAL, comfortable, and homey. - The walk to town was uphill, to be sure, but that built appetite and gave us good exercise - We bought some food and wine and kept it in the room so we had options if we didn't feel like walking - and cabs were available, though we never used one. The "common room" was evocative of old-time travel - it had books, games, a piano, a computer that was not always working - other guests to socialize with, nicely grouped furniture ..cozy. The garden in the back was a bit wild and overgrown - like a "Secret Garden" full of oranges and purple-flowering rosemary, thick, long green grass and wildflowers. We loved this place and would stay there again. There was no "fitness center"! - the place was historic, small and family-run. They didn't serve lunch or dinner so the daily double walks to town were our exercise and served the purpose very well.

The hotel is located on the hillside approx 10 minutes walk below the Taormina town site and a 20+ minute walk above the beach area. Most importantly this hotel is not suitable for handicapped individuals. The hotel doesn't have an elevator, it's built on 4 or 5 levels with many many steps and the access from the hotel to Taormina also requires some physical capabilities. The hotel serves a good b'fast, drinks are available but there isn't a restaurant on site so you need to walk to the village where there are tons of them. One of the cleaning staff will do small bits of laundry if you're there long enough but there is no hotel service. At the far end of the village there is a cable car that carries people down to the beach.

The hotel rooms are pretty basic for a 3 Star and they're just OK. The beds are to die for .. literally .. they're hard as rock and their pillows don't help the situation! Ask for a room with a sea view and a balcony as there are some nice gardens down slope and the sea views are stunning!

Taormina itself is a beautiful little town and well worth a visit. While we were there we caught a tour to Mt Etna which took all one day but was fun. If you go you can rent a heavy coat on the hill for 2 euros and you need one as the temperatures are surprisingly cold! The tour only went twice a week in October (Sat and ?).

A nice hotel with fantastic views.
Staff were helpful and friendly.
Good breakfast; rooms basic but clean and air conditioning superb.
Shame it doesn't have a pool - didn't like the long treck to the beach in 40 degrees - very hectic and often full (or reserved for 5* hotel guests) in high season. The service provided to the Lido is far better.
Be prepared for lots of steps when you eat out in the evening!