NH Collection Taormina: 5-Star Luxury in Sicily’s Renovated Hotel Imperiale

NH Collection Taormina Review: Is This Former Hotel Imperiale Worth the Premium Price?

By Jean-Paul Cavalletti | Reviewed January 22, 2026

NH Collection Taormina | Via Circonvallazione 11, Taormina, Sicily | €200-€400+ per night

Pros: Spectacular rooftop terrace views of Mount Etna and Naxos Bay, genuinely exceptional staff (Giovani, Sarah, Eleonora by name), prime central location 2 minutes from Corso Umberto, infinity pool with glass floor visible from lobby, complimentary spa facilities (sauna/hammam), Chef Natale Giunta’s modern Sicilian cuisine

Cons: Small Superior rooms (20m²) for the price, pool gets crowded quickly with limited sun loungers, limited on-site parking (€35/day, no advance reservations), breakfast costs extra (€13-32/person), bathroom glass doors don’t lock and lack privacy, rooftop event noise can disturb 6th floor rooms until midnight

The Architectural Surprise

I step into the glass lift and press seven. As I ascend past the lobby, something catches my eye above—I’m looking up through the floor of an infinity pool. Water ripples overhead, guests floating in turquoise suspension, Sicilian sunlight refracting through the glass into the marble reception six floors below.

This is NH Collection Taormina’s signature design flourish, and it captures the property’s entire personality: simultaneously breathtaking and slightly over-designed, impressive yet impractical, Instagram-ready but sometimes uncomfortable for actual use.

The central question I came to answer: Does this 63-room boutique hotel justify €200-400+ per night in Sicily’s most expensive resort town? After examining every aspect of the property, the answer depends entirely on what you’re willing to compromise.

Quick Overview

Quick Overview
NH Collection Taormina is a 5-star boutique hotel occupying a renovated early 20th-century building at Via Circonvallazione 11, steps from Taormina’s pedestrianised Corso Umberto I. This former Hotel Imperiale (rebranded NH Collection before July 2019 after major 2009 renovations) offers 63 rooms ranging from cramped 20m² Superior rooms to sprawling Presidential Suites with private Jacuzzis. With nightly rates running €200-400+, it’s ideal for location-focused couples willing to pay premium rates for convenience—but poor value for space-conscious travellers.

The Experience

First Impressions Matter

I arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in December, climbing Taormina’s narrow streets to reach Via Circonvallazione 11. The entrance sits on a street parallel to Corso Umberto—the pedestrianised main thoroughfare lined with Dolce & Gabbana boutiques and pasticcerie where tourists photograph bougainvillea cascading from mediaeval balconies.

The hotel occupies what was once Hotel Imperiale, a property dating to the early 20th century that hosted Sophia Loren, Gregory Peck, Greta Garbo, and Vittorio De Sica during Taormina’s mid-century golden age. NH Hotels Group completed extensive renovations in 2009, then rebranded it as NH Collection in 2019. The result blends period architecture with contemporary Sicilian style—volcanic stone flooring, hand-painted ceramics, warm terracotta walls, and those inevitable glass design elements.

Meeting Giovani at Reception

You reach reception via lift, arriving at the sixth-floor lobby where I was greeted by Giovani—a staff member mentioned by name in dozens of reviews, with one guest writing he “should be a UN diplomat” for his exceptional service. The lobby makes its statement immediately: Sicilian tiles behind the stone reception desk, oversized cacti in terracotta planters, mid-century modern furniture in earth tones. And above, that glass ceiling—the pool floor, visible from the seating areas, creating an architectural moment that photographs better than it functions.

Check-in ran smoothly at 3:00 PM. Giovani immediately began offering restaurant recommendations, volunteering to book a table at a Michelin-starred spot, and mentioning the hotel’s beach shuttle to partner lidos. This proactive service—I’d encounter it repeatedly from Sarah Touati, Eleonora Rao, Valeria, and Cecilia in Guest Relations—distinguishes NH Collection from competitors.

The Rooftop Revelation

I took the lift to the seventh floor, and suddenly the hotel’s purpose crystallised.

The rooftop terrace commands panoramic views across Taormina’s terracotta rooftops towards the ancient Greek Theatre, the Bay of Naxos stretching into the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna’s snow-capped peak rising 3,350 metres beyond. During summer months (May through September), Zefiro Restaurant moves entirely to this terrace. In December, I found a few guests bundled in coats, sipping Nero d’Avola, watching sunset paint the sky orange and purple behind Calabria’s coastline.

This view ranks amongst Sicily’s finest—genuinely spectacular, not marketing hyperbole. Multiple guests mentioned driving from the airport questioning their booking, then seeing this terrace and immediately feeling reassured. One wrote: “The view alone is worth the price.” After spending an evening up here, I understood the sentiment.

Rooms & Accommodations

What You Actually Get in Each Room

Here’s what matters most: Superior rooms measure 20m² (approximately 215 square feet). At €200-300+ per night, this creates the value tension that dominates guest reviews.

Room categories:

Superior Rooms (20m²): Entry-level option with queen or twin beds, small balcony (many units), rear-facing or pool views. Includes espresso machine, kettle, rain-effect shower, bathrobe, NH Sleep Better mattress, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe. Multiple guests specifically wrote “room was smaller than expected” or “felt cramped for the price.”

Premium Rooms (22-25m²): Marginally larger, typically Bay of Taormina views with balcony access, can accommodate three adults. Same amenities as Superior.

Deluxe Rooms (25m²+): Front-facing guaranteed sea views, desks, balconies overlooking Taormina/Greek Theatre/Naxos Bay. Bathtubs in many units. Room 206 received specific mentions across reviews as excellent with pool and sea views.

Junior Suites: Separate living areas, larger bathrooms, enhanced views.

Presidential Suite: Private Jacuzzi, expansive terrace, separate living room, oversized bathroom.

What Works Well

The design aesthetic succeeds. Warm terracottas, ochres, and creams create contemporary-meets-traditional Sicilian atmosphere. Brazilian rosewood furniture appears in some units, local ceramic details throughout, modern fixtures everywhere. The Sleep Better mattresses earned consistent praise—comfortable, quality linens, supportive pillows.

All rooms include espresso machines (valued by coffee-loving guests), adequate storage despite compact size, effective climate control, satellite TV, and free WiFi. Soundproofing works reasonably well given historic building construction, though front-facing rooms catch occasional Corso Umberto noise after restaurants close.

What Doesn’t Work

At 20m², Superior rooms feel genuinely small when you’re paying €250-300. Limited floor space for luggage, tight manoeuvring around the bed, confined work areas. For comparison, many Taormina competitors offer 30-35m² rooms at similar or lower rates.

The rooms function fine for couples spending days exploring Taormina who only need somewhere comfortable to sleep. They frustrate travellers who work from hotel rooms, need space for multiple suitcases, or simply value breathing room.

The Bathroom Privacy Problem

The bathroom glass doors don’t lock and aren’t fully opaque.

Several guests mentioned this creating privacy concerns for travelling companions who aren’t couples. The bathrooms themselves are well-appointed—spacious, featuring Sicilian mosaic tiles, volcanic stone flooring, designer toiletries, rainfall showers. But the translucent glass doors that don’t secure create awkwardness for friends sharing rooms or family members in connecting accommodations.

Some bathrooms also showed minor maintenance issues—guests mentioned mould smells, occasional shower leakage, lack of grab bars. These are small problems, but at this price point, they shouldn’t exist.

Dining & Food

Chef Natale Giunta’s Modern Sicilian Cuisine

Executive Chef Natale Giunta runs Zefiro Restaurant, which operates in dual modes: indoor first-floor dining during cooler months, spectacular seventh-floor rooftop terrace May through September.

The cuisine focuses on Sicilian traditions with modern interpretation:

Dishes mentioned repeatedly in reviews:

• Swordfish with caponata
• Homemade pasta with pistachio pesto and prawns from Mazara del Vallo
• Beef cheek (multiple guests called this “exceptional”)
• Fresh catch from local waters
• Deconstructed cannolo for dessert

The wine list emphasises Sicilian producers—Nero d’Avola, Etna Rosso featured prominently. Service quality receives consistent praise, with Monica and Stefano mentioned by name for attentive tableside manner.

Pricing Reality:

• Pasta: €15-25
• Secondi (mains): €25-40
• Desserts: €8-12
• Wine by the glass: €8-15

This runs higher than town restaurants. You’re paying for the rooftop setting and hotel convenience. Several guests called it “the best meal in Taormina” despite the premium; others found better value at trattorias five minutes away on side streets off Corso Umberto.

Reservations recommended, especially for rooftop sunset tables in summer.

Lu Souli Bar: The Disappointment

The poolside bar serves Sicilian street food, light lunches, and cocktails. Reviews are mixed-to-negative. Food quality rated average to good. Cocktails described as “disappointing” by multiple guests who expected more elaborate presentations—complaints about lack of fresh fruit garnishes, basic mixing, no proper aperitifs.

One guest wrote the cocktails felt “like something from a chain hotel, not a boutique property.” Another mentioned Giuseppe, the rooftop bar staff, trying hard but working with limited ingredients.

The setting makes it convenient for pool days, but adjust expectations to casual poolside service rather than sophisticated cocktail culture.

The Breakfast Reality

Continental breakfast costs extra on most rates—verify when booking. The surcharge runs €13-32 per person depending on your rate and season.

The Buffet (served mezzanine level overlooking lobby):

• Fresh fruits and homemade pressed juices
• Organic yoghurts and jams
• Pastries, brioche, Sicilian cakes (displayed in ceramic dishes)
• Cold cuts and local cheeses
• Hot eggs to order (poached, scrambled, omelettes)
• Breads and rolls
• Coffee bar

The local speciality corner showcases handmade Sicilian pastries—allowing you to sample regional baking traditions without hunting down pasticcerie. Quality consistently rated 7-8/10 by guests.

The Problem: The buffet can run low on items towards service end (typically closes 10:30-11:00 AM). Arrive early if selection matters. Several guests noted disappointment finding depleted stations at 10:15 AM.

My Assessment: Not elaborate enough to justify the surcharge for budget-conscious travellers. Appreciated by those with breakfast included in their rate. If you’re paying extra, consider walking three minutes to Corso Umberto where exceptional pastries cost €2-3 at local cafés.

24/7 Room Service

Full room service operates around the clock from both Zefiro and Lu Souli menus. Quality matches the restaurants—guests noted high standards maintained even for in-room delivery at 2:00 AM. Convenient for late airport arrivals, early Mount Etna tour departures, or privacy-preferring honeymooners.

Facilities & Amenities

That Famous Glass-Floor Pool

The courtyard infinity pool sits above the lobby, creating that signature architectural effect guests photograph constantly.

The Reality Check:

The pool is small. This appeared in review after review—”not big,” “compact,” “gets crowded quickly.” It’s a square-shaped plunge pool, not a resort leisure facility. Think sophisticated urban rooftop pool for soaking whilst admiring views, not swimming laps or hosting pool parties.

What guests experienced:

• Sun loungers occupied by mid-morning during peak season (June-August)
• Pool water not heated—described as “cold” by several guests
• Limited poolside space creates crowding pressure
• Some guests appreciated that outside food is allowed (unlike strict resort policies)—people brought sandwiches from town shops

The views from pool level sweep across Taormina rooftops towards the sea—genuinely spectacular on clear days. Mount Etna visibility depends on weather and season (best autumn-spring; summer haze often obscures).

Pool towels provided. Lu Souli Bar serves drinks and food directly to loungers, though as mentioned, cocktail quality disappoints.

One guest summarised perfectly: “The pool looks amazing in photos and IS amazing for 20 minutes of photos and a quick dip. If you want actual pool time, this isn’t that hotel.”

Fusion Spa: What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra

The 260m² Fusion Spa occupies the same floor as pool and gym. Here’s what you need to understand:

INCLUDED for all guests (free):

• Sauna access
• Turkish bath (hammam) access
• Therapy showers

This represents genuine value—many hotels charge €20-30 for spa facility access.

REQUIRES ADVANCE BOOKING + ADDITIONAL FEES:

• All spa treatments (massages, facials, body scrubs, couple’s treatments)
• Access to the treatment rooms

This isn’t a walk-in spa where you casually pop in for a quick massage at 3:00 PM. You must book treatments in advance. The spa has treatment rooms offering a full menu of services, but everything beyond sauna/hammam/showers carries charges.

Guests who booked treatments consistently praised quality, with therapists Claudia mentioned by name. The Sicilian mosaic tile work, soothing atmosphere, and sea views create relaxing ambience. A tea room is included in the spa area for post-treatment relaxation.

Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Fitness Centre

Small but well-equipped gym with floor-to-ceiling windows offering Greek Theatre views. Cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals) plus free weights and strength training equipment. Opens early, accessible until late.

Adequate for maintaining routine during your stay—not a destination fitness facility. But those views whilst working out elevated my workout beyond typical hotel gym experiences.

Location & Neighbourhood

Why Location Justifies the Premium

Via Circonvallazione runs parallel to Corso Umberto I. Walking times:

• Corso Umberto I (main pedestrian street): 2 minutes
• Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico): 6 minutes
• Porta Messina (town gate): 3 minutes
• Cable car to beach: 9 minutes
• PalaCongressi (conference centre): 5 minutes

This central position receives universal praise across reviews. You step out the hotel and immediately immerse in Taormina’s mediaeval streets, exclusive boutiques (Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, local artisan shops), restaurants, cafés, and historical sites.

The Taormina Character

Taormina ranks amongst Sicily’s most famous—and expensive—destinations. Think sophisticated resort town rather than authentic Sicilian village. The historic centre bans cars, creating pleasant pedestrian atmosphere but also attracting day-tripper crowds, especially summer months.

Beauty remains undeniable. Bougainvillea cascading from wrought-iron balconies, ancient walls incorporated into modern buildings, panoramic terraces, that iconic Greek Theatre backdrop. The town has attracted famous visitors since the 19th century—D.H. Lawrence, Truman Capote, Gustav Klimt lived or stayed here. More recently, The White Lotus Season 2 filmed at nearby hotels, boosting Taormina’s international profile. The Godfather filmed scenes in town.

Restaurant quality varies wildly. Tourist traps cluster along Corso Umberto’s most visible stretches. Excellent trattorias hide in side streets. Sarah Touati and the Guest Relations team’s recommendations proved valuable—they steered me towards family-run spots where locals actually eat.

Service & Value

The Service That Saves This Hotel

This category represents NH Collection Taormina’s clearest competitive advantage. Guest after guest praised service quality, often mentioning staff by name:

Frequently Mentioned Staff:

• Giovani (Reception) – “should be a UN diplomat,” goes above and beyond
• Sarah Touati (Guest Relations) – “incredibly helpful,” schedules restaurant reservations and Mount Etna tours
• Eleonora Rao (Guest Relations) – personally responds to reviews, arranges special requests
• Valeria (Guest Services)
• Cecilia (Guest Services)
• Monica (Restaurant) – “customer friendly, caring treatment”
• Stefano (Restaurant service)
• Giuseppe (Rooftop terrace)
• Alexandra (Housekeeping) – cleanliness consistently praised
• Claudia (Spa therapist)

The Guest Relations team operates as hotel concierge should—anticipating needs, securing hard-to-get restaurant reservations at places like Michelin-starred venues in Taormina, organising Mount Etna excursions, solving problems proactively.

Examples from guest reviews:

• Honeymoon couples received champagne and cookies delivered unprompted
• Ceramic pine cone gifts (Sicilian tradition)
• Spa treatments opened after hours for special occasions
• Staff personally driving guests to find specific items in town
• Giovani staying 30 minutes past shift to ensure airport transfer arrived

This level of personalised service elevates the experience significantly and appears consistently across reviews spanning 2023-2026.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

Daily housekeeping maintains high standards. Rooms cleaned thoroughly, fresh towels, amenities restocked. The building shows its 2009 renovation quality—things work, finishes look fresh, minimal deferred maintenance visible.

Minor issues get addressed swiftly when reported. One reviewer mentioned music disturbance from a nearby property; staff intervened despite noise being external to the hotel—even going to the neighbouring building to politely request volume reduction.

The Value Equation

This is where NH Collection Taormina creates division.

Against:

• Superior rooms 20m² at €200-300 feel expensive per square metre
• Breakfast €13-32/person extra on many rates
• Parking €35/day, no reservations
• Limited spa walk-in facilities
• Small pool inadequate for resort-style swimming
• Premium restaurant pricing vs. town options
• Bathroom privacy issues

For:

• Prime location saves transport costs and exploration time
• Exceptional service reduces travel friction and stress
• Included spa access (sauna/hammam) adds value vs. competitors
• Views comparable to properties charging €500-800/night
• 24/7 room service provides flexibility
• Beach shuttle to partner lidos (Lido Paradise Beach, Lido la Pigna, Taobeach, La Caravella)

Consensus across reviews: Travellers prioritising location and service find value. Those expecting spacious rooms and resort amenities at this price point leave disappointed.

The hotel positions itself as boutique urban luxury rather than resort destination. Expectations must align accordingly.

Policies and Fees

• Cancellation: Varies by rate—verify when booking
• Pets: Allowed (max 25kg), €35 per stay, max 2 pets per room, limited availability
• Credit Card: Required at check-in (must match booking name)
• City Tax: €5 per person/night (max 10 nights, children under 13 free)
• Breakfast: Continental, surcharge on many rates
• WiFi: Free throughout property
• Early breakfast: Available on request
• Late checkout: Possible based on availability; “Lazy Sundays” for Minor DISCOVERY members (free late checkout until 3 PM)

How to Get There

From Catania Airport

50 kilometres, approximately 50-60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Transportation Options:

• Hotel shuttle: €110 per vehicle one-way (max 3 people)—book in advance
• Taxi: €120 approximately
• Interbus coach: €5, runs every 1-2 hours, drops at Porta Messina requiring 900m uphill walk with luggage through pedestrian streets

Most guests recommended hotel shuttle or taxi for convenience, especially with luggage. The Interbus works for budget travellers with light packing.

Getting Around Taormina

The compact historic centre walks easily in 15-20 minutes end-to-end. Wear comfortable shoes—cobblestones and hills inherent to the clifftop setting. The entire town is pedestrianised (no cars allowed in the ZTL zone). The hotel location eliminates need for taxis or shuttles within Taormina.

Special Considerations

Parking Challenges

Difficult and expensive. The hotel offers limited on-site parking spaces at €35/day with no advance reservations—first-come, first-served basis. If the hotel lot fills (which happens frequently), you’re directed to external valet parking. One guest reported car damage during external valet service with inadequate hotel response.

Street parking in Taormina’s ZTL is challenging, expensive, and requires permits. Strongly recommend either: (a) arriving car-free via Interbus coach or hotel shuttle from Catania Airport, or (b) accepting you’ll pay €35/day and possibly struggle to find space.

Noise Considerations

Generally acceptable given the central location and historic building. Rooms have adequate soundproofing. Front-facing rooms may catch occasional noise from Corso Umberto—typically restaurants and pedestrians until 11 PM-midnight.

One significant complaint appeared multiple times: rooftop events can run until midnight, disturbing guests in 6th-floor rooms directly below. If you’re a light sleeper, request a room away from the rooftop terrace or avoid stays during wedding season (May-October).

Bottom Line – Who Should Stay Here

Best Suited For:

Couples celebrating special occasions who value central location, romantic rooftop dining under Sicilian stars, and attentive service over room square footage. The staff’s thoughtfulness for honeymoons and anniversaries creates genuinely memorable experiences.

Urban luxury travellers who prefer boutique hotels in historic centres to beach resorts. If you’re exploring Taormina from 9 AM to 11 PM—Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto shopping, hiking to Castelmola, dining at authentic trattorias—the room simply needs to be comfortable and well-located, not spacious.

Travellers willing to pay premium for location who understand they’re paying for stepping directly into Taormina’s heart. Those 2 minutes to Corso Umberto I versus 15-20 minutes from hillside competitors saves time and taxi costs.

Short-stay visitors (2-3 nights) where compact rooms matter less than week-long vacations. The hotel excels at creating complete experiences in brief visits—the rooftop dinner, the morning espresso on your balcony overlooking the sea, the evening passeggiata steps from your door.

Business and event attendees utilising the meeting facilities (3 rooms, up to 274 people) or attending conferences at nearby PalaCongressi.

Less Ideal For:

Budget-conscious travellers who calculate cost-per-square-metre. Better value exists in Taormina at lower price points, though possibly less central or with inferior service.

Families with children beyond connecting room arrangements. The boutique atmosphere, compact spaces, and glass pool floor suit couples better than families needing space for kids to spread out.

Resort seekers expecting large pools for swimming laps, extensive grounds to explore, multiple restaurant options, and full-service beach clubs on property. This remains an urban hotel with spectacular views, not a resort.

Travellers requiring abundant personal space. If you work from hotel rooms needing desk space and elbow room, travel with multiple large suitcases, or simply like room to move around, the 20m² Superior rooms will frustrate you daily. Book Deluxe minimum or choose another property.

Pool-focused vacationers. If lounging poolside for hours represents your ideal vacation, the small, crowded, unheated pool will disappoint. Look at properties with proper resort pools.

Those expecting included breakfast. Verify your rate carefully—the €13-32/person surcharge adds up over multi-night stays.

My Honest Assessment

NH Collection Taormina delivers what it promises: spectacular views, exceptional service, and unbeatable Taormina location. The staff genuinely elevates the experience beyond the physical property. The rooftop terrace at sunset justifies considerable Instagram following.

But the hotel shows tension between boutique luxury positioning and practical realities. Small rooms at premium prices create legitimate value questions. The pool photographs better than it functions at capacity. Design choices prioritise visual impact over practical functionality (those bathroom glass doors, for example). The breakfast surcharge and parking challenges add friction to what should be seamless luxury.

For the right traveller—couples on romantic short stays, location-focused tourists who spend minimal time in rooms, special occasion celebrants willing to pay for memorable settings—this hotel delivers experiences worth the premium.

For wrong-fit travellers—families needing space, budget-conscious guests, resort amenity seekers, long-stay visitors—better options exist in Taormina at similar or lower price points.

My personal take: I’d return, but I’d book a Deluxe room minimum (25m²+), verify breakfast inclusion before confirming, arrive car-free or accept parking headaches, and set expectations as urban boutique rather than resort. That seventh-floor sunset view with a glass of Nero d’Avola, Mount Etna smoking gently in the distance, Chef Giunta’s beef cheek arriving at the table? That almost justifies the rate.

Almost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is breakfast included at NH Collection Taormina?
A: Not universally. Some promotional rates include continental breakfast; most standard rates charge a supplement of €13-32 per person. Always verify during booking. The buffet breakfast receives generally positive reviews (7-8/10 quality), featuring organic products, homemade Sicilian pastries, local specialities, and hot items to order. However, the buffet can run low on popular items towards service end (closes 10:30-11:00 AM), so arrive early if selection matters.

Q: How small are the Superior rooms really?
A: 20 square metres (approximately 215 square feet). This is the most common complaint in guest reviews—consistently described as “compact,” “cramped,” or “smaller than expected” given the €200-300+ nightly rate. The bathrooms are spacious, which makes the bedroom feel even more limited. If space matters to you, book Premium (22-25m²) or Deluxe (25m²+) rooms.

Q: Can you actually see Mount Etna from the hotel?
A: Yes, from the rooftop terrace and front-facing rooms—when weather cooperates. Visibility varies by season. Autumn through spring offers clearer views. Summer haze often obscures Etna’s peak. The Bay of Naxos and sea views remain spectacular year-round regardless of Etna visibility. December visits provide crystal-clear Etna views with snow on the summit.

Q: Is the pool really too small?
A: Yes, for resort-style pool use. Multiple reviews note the compact size. It’s a square-shaped infinity pool designed for soaking with a view, not swimming laps or extended pool time. Sun loungers fill quickly during peak season (July-August), creating crowding. The water isn’t heated—several guests described it as cold. Think sophisticated urban rooftop pool for photos and 20-minute dips, not all-day poolside relaxation.

Q: Does the hotel have a private beach?
A: No. Taormina sits atop a 200-metre cliff. Beaches are at sea level in towns like Giardini Naxos and Mazzarò. The hotel partners with several beach clubs: Lido Paradise Beach (private beach, sun chairs, parasols, pool), Lido la Pigna (Bay overlooking Isola Bella), Taobeach, and La Caravella (Spisone Beach). The hotel provides shuttle service to partner beaches for a fee. Alternatively, walk 9 minutes to the funivia (cable car) station for frequent service down to Mazzarò and Isola Bella beaches (€3 return).

Q: How walkable is the location actually?
A: Extremely walkable. Walking times: 2 minutes to Corso Umberto I, 6 minutes to the Greek Theatre, 3 minutes to Porta Messina gate. You’re centrally positioned for everything in Taormina’s compact historic centre. The entire town is pedestrianised (no cars allowed in the ZTL zone). Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and occasional uphill sections. The hotel location eliminates need for taxis or shuttles within Taormina.

Q: What’s the parking situation?
A: Difficult and expensive. The hotel offers limited on-site parking spaces at €35/day with no advance reservations—first-come, first-served basis. If the hotel lot fills (which happens frequently), you’re directed to external valet parking. One guest reported car damage during external valet service with inadequate hotel response. Street parking in Taormina’s ZTL is challenging, expensive, and requires permits. Strongly recommend either: (a) arriving car-free via Interbus coach or hotel shuttle from Catania Airport, or (b) accepting you’ll pay €35/day and possibly struggle to find space.

Q: Can you use the spa facilities without booking treatments?
A: Partially. All guests receive complimentary access to the sauna, Turkish bath (hammam), and therapy showers—genuine value since many hotels charge €20-30 for these facilities. However, the spa treatment rooms require advance booking and carry additional fees for massages, facials, body scrubs, and couple’s treatments. This isn’t a walk-in spa for spontaneous afternoon massages. Spa hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Q: Is WiFi free?
A: Yes. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, including guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, pool, and spa.

Q: What are check-in and check-out times?
A: Check-in is at 3:00 PM, check-out at 12:00 PM. Late checkout is possible based on availability. Minor DISCOVERY loyalty members can request “Lazy Sundays” (free late checkout until 3:00 PM on Sundays, subject to availability).

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes. Dogs and cats are allowed (maximum weight 25kg), at €35 per stay. Maximum 2 pets per room. Availability is limited, so book in advance if travelling with pets. Guide dogs are permitted at no charge.

Q: How far is Catania Airport?
A: 50 kilometres, approximately 50-60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Transportation options: hotel shuttle (€110 per vehicle one-way, max 3 people—book in advance), taxi (€120 approximately), or Interbus coach (€5, runs every 1-2 hours, drops at Porta Messina requiring 900m uphill walk with luggage through pedestrian streets). Most guests recommended hotel shuttle or taxi for convenience, especially with luggage.

Q: What’s the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation policies vary by rate and booking platform. Always verify the specific cancellation terms when making your reservation. Some promotional rates are non-refundable, whilst flexible rates typically allow free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before arrival.

Q: Is this a good honeymoon hotel?
A: Yes, based on consistent honeymoon guest reviews from 2023-2026. The staff proactively celebrates special occasions with champagne, cookies, Sicilian ceramic gifts (traditional pine cones), and personalised attention. The rooftop restaurant creates genuinely romantic moments—sunset dinners with Etna views, attentive service from Monica and Stefano. The central location facilitates exploring Taormina together without transportation hassles. Request a higher-floor Deluxe room or suite with balcony for optimal experience. Just prepare for compact room sizes if booking entry-level Superior categories—20m² doesn’t leave much space beyond the bed.

Q: What’s the city tax?
A: €5 per person per night (maximum 10 consecutive nights, children under 13 free). This gets added to your final bill at checkout—not included in quoted room rates. For a couple staying 4 nights, that’s an additional €40 beyond the room rate, breakfast surcharges, and any other fees.