By Jean-Paul Cavalletti
Travel & Restaurant Reviewer at DineWithJP
Independent review • Personally visited
After more than 10 years of exploring hotels and restaurants across the globe, I decided to channel my passion for exceptional experiences into honest, detailed reviews. This blog represents what I genuinely discover—the spectacular, the ordinary, and occasionally, the disappointing. For this Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay review, I’ll give you a complete, truthful picture of what to expect.
You can check current rates and availability here.
The drive from Catania Airport takes about an hour, winding through Sicily’s eastern coastline before descending toward Taormina Mare. Overlooking the Baia delle Sirene, the immediate question becomes clear: can a hotel in such a spectacular setting deliver substance beyond the view?
The Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay is part of the VRetreats collection, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and operates under the Alpitour umbrella. This isn’t a historic grand dame of Sicilian hospitality but rather a property that has evolved over the years to blend Mediterranean charm with modern luxury positioning.
Unlike some of Taormina’s century-old properties, the Atlantis Bay is a more contemporary creation that takes its name from the legendary lost city and its position on the mythical Bay of Sirens. The hotel has undergone several transformations, most recently incorporating design elements from Talenti, an Italian furniture manufacturer, which furnished the terraces with their signature pieces. The property now houses 83 rooms cascading down the cliffside, each with unobstructed Mediterranean views.
Stepping into the lobby, you’re immediately struck by the floor-to-ceiling windows framing the pool and sea beyond. A large tropical fish aquarium dominates one wall, its blues echoing the Mediterranean palette. The design employs exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and maritime touches throughout—though at times this nautical theme borders on heavy-handed rather than subtle.
The hotel descends in terraced levels from the reception down to the waterfront. This creates dramatic visual impact but also means navigating numerous staircases. For anyone with mobility concerns, this is worth considering seriously.
The Atlantis Bay offers six accommodation types, all facing the sea. I stayed in a Superior Sea View room, approximately 25 square metres with a furnished terrace. The rooms feature parquet floors, beige and gold colour schemes with marine-inspired details, and marble bathrooms equipped with either shower or bathtub, bathrobes, slippers, and Etro toiletries.
The room categories progress from Classic Sea View (around 18 square metres) through Superior, Deluxe Premium, Junior Suite (25-28 square metres with separate living area), Suite Sea View (30 square metres), Exclusive Suite (35 square metres with Jacuzzi), to the flagship Atlantide Suite at approximately 100 square metres. This top suite includes a living room, dining area, kitchenette, two bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and hammam, plus a large terrace.
My Superior room delivered on the fundamentals. The balcony, furnished with table and chairs, provided an exceptional vantage point for sunrise over the Ionian Sea. The bed was comfortable, air conditioning functioned quietly, and the minibar, safe, satellite TV, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities were all present. However, the room felt dated in places—the décor, while clean and well-maintained, lacks the contemporary refinement you might expect at this price point in 2026.
Interested in experiencing San Domenico Palace’s renowned accommodations?
The hotel’s multi-level design creates distinct zones. The upper levels house guest rooms and the Hyd’Or Wellness Centre. Mid-levels contain more accommodations and the Dioniso piano bar. The lower terraces hold the saltwater swimming pool (heated, operational approximately April through November, 9am-7pm), the Ippocampo restaurant, and finally, sea access via both a private floating platform and a small pebble beach area.
This vertical arrangement is architecturally striking but functionally challenging. Everything requires descending or ascending stairs. While staff can assist with luggage, the constant stair navigation throughout your stay is unavoidable. There is a lift, but it doesn’t service all levels comprehensively.
The Ippocampo restaurant operates for dinner service (19:30-22:00), transforming into an alfresco experience on the sea-facing terrace during summer months. The menu emphasises Sicilian regional cuisine with modern interpretations. I found the cooking competent and the presentations attractive, though execution varied between excellent and merely adequate across different dishes.
During my visit, the restaurant felt rather empty on certain evenings—a recurring theme in guest reviews. Dining alone or as a couple in a near-vacant restaurant, regardless of quality, diminishes the atmosphere considerably. The wine list focuses appropriately on Sicilian and Italian producers with reasonable markups.
Breakfast, served from 7:00-10:00am, costs approximately €40 per person and is not included in standard room rates. This buffet-style offering receives consistently high praise. Fresh fruit, various bread and pastries, eggs cooked to order, Sicilian granita, and both sweet and savoury options provide genuine variety. Service during breakfast is particularly attentive, with staff remembering guest preferences across multiple mornings.
The saltwater pool sits on a wooden deck surrounded by orange trees and bougainvillea, with loungers and Talenti outdoor furniture. The pool itself is large enough for actual swimming rather than just wading, and its position directly above the sea creates remarkable photo opportunities.
Beach access comes via two routes: a private floating pontoon allows direct swimming from a platform, while a separate area provides pebble beach access. Both require navigating down to sea level. The waters here are crystalline and inviting. Towel service is efficient, and pool bar staff are responsive for drinks and light food.
Guests can also use the beach facilities at a sister property just two minutes’ walk away, effectively doubling your options for seaside relaxation.
The spa operates daily 10:00-19:00, offering treatments from massages to Ayurveda, facial treatments, and signature experiences like Aquarelax, hot stone massage, Vichy shower, and chocolate-based treatments. Advance reservations are essential. While I didn’t personally use the spa extensively, the facility appeared well-appointed though not exceptionally large with a sauna, whirlpool, and glass-walled gym equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights. As a general guide, expect massage treatments to start from approximately €100-150 for 50-minute sessions, with specialty treatments and longer sessions running considerably higher.
Location and Views: The Baia delle Sirene is genuinely exceptional. Every room faces the water, and the property’s integration into the natural cliff creates drama that few hotels can match. You’re 300 metres from the cable car station (funivia) that whisks you up to Taormina proper in approximately five minutes for €3 per person. This positioning gives you both seaside tranquillity and easy access to one of Sicily’s most beautiful hilltop towns.
Staff Service Excellence: Across reviews and personal experience, the hotel’s team consistently earns high marks. The concierge service, with staff members like Daniele frequently mentioned by name in reviews, goes genuinely beyond standard assistance. From restaurant bookings to arranging private boat trips, Mount Etna excursions, or navigating Taormina’s cultural offerings, the concierge team demonstrates both knowledge and genuine care. General staff throughout the property maintain this standard—friendly, professional, and attentive without being intrusive.
Breakfast Quality: This deserves separate mention. The morning buffet represents the meal where the hotel most consistently delivers. Fresh Sicilian ingredients, made-to-order items, and service that remembers your coffee preference create an excellent start to each day. Multiple guests across hundreds of reviews cite breakfast as a highlight.
The Pool and Seaside Setting: The large saltwater pool, the private sea access, and the overall management of the waterfront terraces work beautifully. This is where you’ll spend considerable time, and the hotel has optimised this experience well. The ability to swim in the pool, then walk down to swim in the Mediterranean, or use the floating platform for deeper water access, provides genuine variety.
The Value Equation at Current Pricing: Room rates at the Atlantis Bay range considerably by season and booking platform, but expect to pay €400-800 per night for standard rooms, with suites reaching well over €1,000. Add €40 per person for breakfast, €35 per day for parking if needed, and €5 per person per night tourist tax (maximum 10 nights), and the costs accumulate rapidly. While the location justifies premium pricing, the actual room quality and amenities don’t fully match what you’d receive at similarly priced properties elsewhere in Europe. Several guests note this explicitly: “not a good value hotel” but “worth it for a couple of nights as a splurge.”
Dated Room Design and Maintenance Issues: Despite regular cleaning and general upkeep, many rooms show their age. The décor, while clean, lacks contemporary sophistication. Some reviews mention thin walls allowing noise from neighbouring rooms, and there are occasional mentions of maintenance issues—bathroom fixtures needing repair, minor wear and tear visible in furnishings. The hotel isn’t falling apart, but it’s not delivering the fresh, modern luxury that the pricing might suggest.
Stairs, Stairs, and More Stairs: I cannot overstate this. The property’s dramatic clifftop design means constant stair navigation. There is lift access, but it doesn’t eliminate the stairs entirely. For anyone with mobility limitations, travelling with small children, or simply not wanting to climb stairs multiple times daily, this presents a real challenge. The hotel acknowledges this through their description, but experiencing it daily is more taxing than you might anticipate.
The Train Line Proximity: Behind the hotel runs the coastal railway line between Taormina-Giardini Naxos station and other destinations. While some guests explicitly state they “are sensitive to noise and have not had any issues,” the railway’s presence means periodic train sounds, particularly for rooms on certain sides of the property. Light sleepers should specifically request rooms positioned away from the tracks and consider bringing earplugs as a precaution.
The Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay delivers a memorable experience, but it’s not without compromise. The location is genuinely spectacular—perhaps unmatched in Taormina for direct seaside access combined with views. The staff consistently exceed expectations. The pool and waterfront areas create exactly the Mediterranean escape you’re imagining.
However, at current pricing, the hotel asks you to pay premium rates for what ultimately feels like a very good four-star experience rather than a true five-star one. The rooms, while comfortable and clean with excellent views, lack the refined luxury and contemporary design that pricing suggests. The constant stair navigation will test anyone’s patience. The breakfast charge feels particularly cheeky when you’re already paying €500+ per night for a standard room.
Is it worth visiting? Yes, particularly for 2-3 nights as part of a broader Sicilian itinerary. The combination of location, views, pool access, and proximity to both the sea and Taormina town creates something special. But set your expectations appropriately: you’re paying for position and views primarily, with solid service as a strong secondary benefit. You’re not getting cutting-edge luxury accommodation or exceptional value for money.
Book the Atlantis Bay if you:
Skip this hotel if you:
Ready to Book Your Stay at San Domenico Palace?
Address: Via Nazionale 161, 98030 Mazzarò, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Best Booking Approach: Compare prices across booking platforms, as rates vary significantly. The hotel’s direct website occasionally offers package deals. Book well in advance for summer season (June-September). Consider shoulder seasons (April-May, October) for better rates and fewer crowds while still enjoying pool access.
Getting There:
What’s Included vs. Extra Costs:
Room Selection Advice: Superior Sea View or Deluxe Premium rooms offer the best value ratio. Junior Suites provide meaningful extra space if travelling as a couple wanting more room. Request specific floor and position when booking if you’re concerned about train noise—higher floors and western-facing rooms tend to be quieter. Interconnecting rooms available on request for families.
When to Visit: Peak season (July-August) brings highest prices, hottest weather (temperatures reaching 28-30°C/82-86°F), and most crowds. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer ideal weather with comfortable temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F), lower prices, and pool availability with far fewer tourists. Swimming is pleasant from May through November with sea temperatures ranging from 18°C in May to a warm 26-27°C in August. November-March sees significant price drops but limited facilities, cooler swimming conditions, and wetter weather, though winters remain mild by European standards with daytime temperatures around 13-15°C.
Length of Stay: 2-3 nights hits the sweet spot—enough time to enjoy the pool and seaside setting without the stairs becoming overly tedious. Most guests book 3-day stays on average.
No, breakfast is charged separately at approximately €40 per person. However, given the quality and variety of the buffet, many guests find it worthwhile. You can also walk to nearby cafés in Mazzarò for less expensive options.
Not very accessible. While there is a lift, the property’s terraced clifftop design means stairs are unavoidable for accessing many areas including the pool, restaurant, and beach. This is genuinely challenging for anyone with mobility limitations. Contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss specific needs.
It can work but has limitations. Children under 2 stay free in cots. Children under 12 pay 50% for extra beds, 13+ pay 70%. The hotel does offer children’s menus at the restaurant, and the pool is genuinely family-friendly—perfect for parents to sunbathe while children swim. However, the stairs and cliff setting require constant supervision of young children. Many terraces and balconies aren’t childproofed. July-August sees many Italian families visiting, while June and September are quieter. This property works best for families with older, swimming-age children who can navigate stairs safely.
This varies by room location and personal sensitivity. The coastal rail line runs behind the property at a distance. Some guests report no issues even when noise-sensitive. Others mention occasional train sounds. Request a room positioned away from the tracks if concerned, and consider bringing earplugs if you’re a very light sleeper.
No, not necessary. The cable car provides easy access to Taormina centre. Taxis and buses serve the area for wider exploration. However, a car offers flexibility for visiting nearby towns, Mount Etna, or Syracuse. If you do bring a car, parking costs €35 per day and requires advance reservation.
Superior Sea View rooms offer solid value with sea views and balconies at the lower price tier. Deluxe Premium rooms (recently renovated) provide better quality if budget allows. Junior Suites make sense for couples wanting separate living space. The Atlantide Suite is spectacular but very expensive—only worthwhile for special occasions with budget to match.
Yes, small pets up to 15kg are allowed on request with a supplement of €40 per day (excluding meals), payable on-site. Pets are permitted at the beach and in public areas but excluded from the restaurant, swimming pool, and spa. Contact the hotel when booking to confirm availability and specific policies.
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