The Ashbee Hotel Taormina Review (2026): An Honest Look at Luxury, Value & Michelin Stars

By Jean-Paul Cavalletti | Reviewed January 21, 2026

The Ashbee Hotel | Viale San Pancrazio 46, Taormina, Sicily | €415-€4,500+ per night (seasonal property, typically open April-November)

Searching for the ultimate Taormina luxury hotel with Michelin-star restaurant? This intimate 24-room boutique property delivers an unforgettable Sicilian experience with stunning infinity pool views of the Mediterranean and two-Michelin-starred culinary excellence, though it comes with considerations that discerning travelers should note.

Located just steps from Corso Umberto in Taormina’s historic center, this architectural gem combines heritage charm with contemporary luxury in an exclusive, adults-focused environment. The property’s jaw-dropping infinity pool has become legendary on social media, while the exceptional staff service consistently earns rave reviews from international travelers seeking personalized attention.

Pros: Stunning architectural heritage, exceptional staff service, two-Michelin-starred restaurant, infinity pool with jaw-dropping views, intimate 24-room boutique setting, prime location near Corso Umberto

Cons: Conflicting information about spa facilities, small gym with limited equipment, pool not heated, limited evening dining options beyond fine dining, bathrooms can be compact in some rooms, certain rooms affected by street noise, steep pricing for drinks and minibar, seasonal operation only

Quick Overview
The Ashbee Hotel is a 24-room boutique luxury property housed in a 1908 villa designed by British architect Charles Robert Ashbee. Perched on the quieter northern edge of Taormina with sweeping views across the Strait of Messina, it’s a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and houses St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck, which holds two Michelin stars. Rooms start around €415 per night for Classic accommodations, climbing to over €4,000 for The Ashbee Suite. This is refined, intimate luxury for travellers who value architectural heritage, exceptional service, and Michelin-starred dining over comprehensive resort amenities.

Walking Through the Iron Gates: First Impressions

The question that hangs over every luxury hotel in Taormina is simple: does the experience justify the extraordinary price? The Ashbee Hotel sits on that precipice where architecture, service, and location should combine into something transcendent. But does it?

I approached via a lushly hedged path off Viale San Pancrazio, just behind the 18th-century Chiesa di San Pancrazio. The moment I passed through the iron gates, Taormina’s tourist bustle evaporated. Luxury cars sat on wide stone pavers. The entrance revealed a lobby that felt more like an intimate country club than a hotel: white leather couches around a fireplace, a red glass chandelier overhead, fresh orchids, fine silver objects casually displayed.

Then I stepped through to the back terrace, and the view stopped me cold.

The hotel’s centenarian park cascades down terraced gardens thick with citrus trees, yucca, palms, and potted cacti. At the edge of the lawn sits a shallow fountain and the infinity pool, framed against views of the mountainous Sicilian coastline, the blue Ionian Sea, and across the Strait of Messina to Calabria on the mainland. Because the property faces north rather than west, you don’t see Mount Etna from here, but that’s a minor sacrifice for this particular panorama.

The villa itself is pure Ashbee: Arts and Crafts principles filtered through a Greco-Sicilian lens. Colonel Shaw-Hellier commissioned the architect in the early 1900s, and the building retains that eccentric British-in-Sicily character. It’s too English to feel generically Mediterranean, yet too deeply Sicilian to feel displaced. The palette throughout is cream and royal purple, with damask wallpapering in some spaces, parquet or hardwood floors, antique furnishings mixed with contemporary pieces.

This is not a flashy hotel. It’s refined, hushed, almost secretive in its luxury.

The Rooms: English Elegance in a Sicilian Villa

The Ashbee offers 24 individually designed rooms and suites across six categories: Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Sea View, Suites, SPA Suite, and The Ashbee Suite.

Room Categories & Design

Classic Rooms (from €415/night) are the entry-level option, featuring double beds, wardrobes, showers, and elegant furnishings. These are cosy rather than sprawling—some feel smaller than expected for the price point.

Superior Rooms add private terraces with garden views and more space. These strike a better balance between indoor comfort and outdoor moments, with large double beds and marble bathrooms.

Deluxe Rooms increase the luxury quotient with finer details, more spacious layouts, and upgraded amenities.

Deluxe Sea View Rooms are the sweet spot for many: you get the terrace, the comfort, and those million-euro views of the Strait of Messina and Calabrian coast framed by your private outdoor space.

Suites feature separate living areas, airy bedrooms, and marble bathrooms. They’re ideal for longer stays or for travellers who need space to spread out. Some suites include unique touches like circular windows with partial sea views.

The SPA Suite is notable for its private Turkish bath, sensory showers, and hydromassage tub. This is the closest the hotel comes to offering spa amenities, since there’s no full-service spa on property.

The Ashbee Suite is the crown jewel: entirely covered in parquet flooring, it offers a large sea-view terrace, ample wardrobes, and two bathrooms (one with a precious stone sink, bathtub, and shower).

What You’ll Find in Every Room

All rooms include air conditioning, free WiFi, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries, and 24-hour room service. Bathrooms are marble with rainfall showers; some have tubs. Views range from garden to sea to the Nebrodi Mountains, depending on category.

The Bathroom Reality

Here’s the honest part: bathrooms in many rooms are compact. I noticed that some rooms feature bathrooms with just one sink, which feels tight for couples at this price level. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if bathroom space matters to you.

The Noise Factor

Rooms near the road or poolside bar can experience noise issues. Street traffic from Viale San Pancrazio and the bar at the back can create disturbances late into the night. If you’re a light sleeper, I’d recommend requesting a room away from these areas.

What Works Beautifully

The beds are exceptionally comfortable with outstanding Italian linens. Housekeeping is immaculate—both morning cleaning and evening turndown service are impeccable. The hotel’s small size means each room feels unique rather than cookie-cutter. The mix of antique furnishings and contemporary comforts creates an atmosphere that’s elegant without being stuffy.

St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck: Two Michelin Stars

This is where The Ashbee flexes its culinary muscles.

St. George Restaurant, overseen by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck (of La Pergola in Rome fame), earned its first Michelin star in 2019 and was elevated to two stars in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. The resident chef is Salvatore Iuliano, a Calabrian whose passionate Mediterranean approach combines with Beck’s instinctive elegance and gastronomic precision.

The Setting

You can dine in the elegant indoor dining room with its classical English atmosphere, or on the breathtaking terrace adorned with palm trees, overlooking the Strait of Messina. The terrace is where romance meets culinary artistry. Sunset dining here is unforgettable.

The Food

The menu changes seasonally, emphasising fresh local products and innovative Mediterranean flavours. The tortellini I tried was perfectly executed—a standout dish. The wine list is extensive, featuring Sicilian, Italian, and international selections, with a knowledgeable sommelier to guide pairings.

The Service

Service in the restaurant is formal, attentive, and knowledgeable—precisely what you’d expect from a two-star establishment.

The Price

This is expensive, even for Michelin-starred dining. Expect to spend €200-€300+ per person for the full experience.

The Reservation Reality

The restaurant is extremely popular and books up well in advance, especially during peak season. I’d strongly recommend booking your table weeks ahead when you confirm your hotel reservation if St. George is a priority.

Other Dining Options

The Ashbee Bar serves morning drinks, light lunches, classic English afternoon tea, and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

The Roof Terrace is where breakfast is served with spectacular views. The continental breakfast is included and consistently impressive in quality and presentation.

Pool Bar operates mid-June through mid-September, serving cocktails and light bites. Ivana, often called “the Queen of Cocktails,” provides exceptional poolside drink service.

The Evening Dining Limitation

Here’s a notable consideration: after 6:00 PM, your on-site options are either St. George (€€€€) or room service. There’s no casual restaurant. For some travellers, this is fine since Taormina’s town centre is a three-minute walk with hundreds of restaurants. For others who prefer the convenience of varied on-property dining, it’s worth noting.

The Pool, Gym & Wellness Facilities

The Infinity Pool

The infinity pool is stunning. Small but lovely, it offers panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, the coastline, and Taormina itself. This is not a pool for serious lap swimming; it’s shallow and designed for lounging with a view. The surrounding terrace has loungers, and the pool bar serves drinks and snacks during warmer months.

Important note: The pool is not heated, which I found quite cold during my visit. It’s worth confirming current pool conditions when booking.

The Gym

The hotel has an outdoor gym equipped with Technogym equipment. It’s functional but limited in scope. The gym’s major selling point is the view: you work out whilst gazing across the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Taormina. For serious fitness enthusiasts, this won’t replace a full hotel gym. For travellers wanting to maintain a light routine, it’s adequate and scenic.

The Spa Situation: Conflicting Information

Here’s where things get murky. Some tour operators (notably Citalia) advertise “free access to hotel spa with sauna, steam bath and 5 treatment rooms.” However, during my investigation, I found no accessible spa facilities for general guests, and the absence of a full-service spa is a notable limitation.

The most accurate assessment: The Ashbee does not have a traditional spa facility with treatment rooms available to all guests. The SPA Suite offers private in-room wellness amenities (Turkish bath, sensory showers, hydromassage tub), but this is exclusively for guests booking that specific suite category.

If spa treatments are essential to your stay, I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly before booking to clarify current spa availability and access. The conflicting information suggests either outdated marketing materials or partnerships that may have changed.

Location: Three Minutes from Everything

The Ashbee sits at the northern edge of Taormina’s historic centre, right behind Chiesa di San Pancrazio and about 100 metres from the Greek Amphitheatre (Teatro Antico).

Walking Distances

• Porta Messina (main gate to old town): 3 minutes
• Corso Umberto I (main pedestrian street): 3 minutes
• Greek Theatre: 8 minutes
• Duomo di Taormina: 13 minutes
• Villa Comunale (hanging gardens): 11 minutes
• Taormina Cable Car (to Mazzarò beach): 10 minutes

The Location Advantage

You’re close enough to walk to everything central Taormina offers—shops, restaurants, cultural sites—yet far enough from the main pedestrian thoroughfare to enjoy peace and quiet. The hotel’s gated setting creates a genuine oasis feeling. You can see Porta Messina from the rooftop terrace, yet inside the property, you’d never know you’re in the heart of a bustling tourist town.

The Beach Situation

Taormina’s beaches (Isola Bella, Lido di Mazzarò, Letojanni, Giardini Naxos) are not walkable from the hotel. The cable car provides access to the beaches below.

The hotel partners with beach clubs, including Nuova Spiaggia Paradiso. Beach access requires advance planning and budgeting, as beach club services are not included in room rates.

Transportation

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is approximately 60km away, about a 50-60 minute drive. The hotel offers airport transfer services for a surcharge. Giardini-Taormina train station is 4km away.

Parking is available on-site for €50 per night (reservation required). Given Taormina’s pedestrian-only historic centre, you won’t need a car once you’re here.

Service & Value

Service That Anticipates Your Needs

This is where The Ashbee Hotel consistently excels.

Service quality is the hotel’s strongest asset. Staff are extremely accommodating, attentive, helpful, caring, professional, and responsive. They anticipate needs rather than waiting to be asked.

Specific Standouts

I particularly appreciated Carlos for exceptional concierge service and excursion planning, Miriam for seamless pre-arrival communication via WhatsApp and warm greetings, Ivana for poolside cocktail expertise, and the team of Irene, Serena, and Sylvia for going above and beyond daily.

The concierge arranges everything from Mount Etna tours to wine tastings, pizza lessons, and “Godfather” location tours. Communication happens via WhatsApp, making coordination effortless.

Housekeeping maintains exceptionally high standards. Rooms are spotless, and turndown service is impeccable.

The Price Reality Check

Let’s be direct: The Ashbee Hotel is expensive, even by Taormina luxury standards.

Room Category	Starting Nightly Rate
Classic Rooms	€415+
Superior Rooms	€500-€700+
Deluxe Rooms	€600-€900+
Deluxe Sea View	€700-€1,000+
Suites	€1,000-€2,500+
The Ashbee Suite	€4,000-€4,500+

Rates fluctuate dramatically by season; expect peak summer pricing to be 150%+ higher than low-season rates.

What’s Included

• Continental breakfast on the rooftop terrace
• WiFi throughout the property
• Use of the pool and gym

What Costs Extra

• Parking: €50/night
• Airport transfers: varies
• Minibar: priced at a premium
• Pool bar drinks: €16+ per cocktail
• Beach club access: not included
• St. George restaurant: €200-€300+ per person
• City tax: €5 per person per night (up to 10 nights, children under 13 exempt)

The 30% Deposit

Some bookings may require a 30% upfront deposit at check-in. I’d recommend confirming deposit requirements when making your reservation.

Value Assessment

The value equation depends entirely on what you prioritise. If you want a full-service resort with spa, multiple restaurants, and extensive facilities, The Ashbee may feel overpriced. If you value architectural heritage, intimate boutique scale, exceptional service, and proximity to Taormina’s historic centre, the pricing makes more sense.

Compare The Ashbee to properties like Villa Sant’Andrea or Grand Hotel Timeo. You’re paying a premium for the 24-room intimacy, the Arts and Crafts pedigree, and the two-Michelin-star restaurant.

Bottom Line – Who Should Stay Here

Stay at The Ashbee Hotel if you are:

• A couple seeking romantic luxury in an architecturally significant property
• Someone who values intimate boutique hotels over large resorts
• A food enthusiast excited about on-site two-Michelin-star dining
• Comfortable exploring Taormina’s excellent restaurant scene for casual evening meals
• Willing to pay premium prices for exceptional service and exclusivity
• Interested in Arts and Crafts architecture and historic villas
• Planning a special occasion (honeymoon, anniversary, milestone birthday)

Skip The Ashbee Hotel if you are:

• Looking for comprehensive resort amenities (full spa, multiple restaurants, large gym)
• Travelling with young children who need extensive kid-friendly facilities
• Seeking beach-adjacent accommodations
• Wanting exceptional value for money
• Needing a heated pool or serious swimming facilities
• A light sleeper sensitive to street noise (unless you carefully select room location)
• Expecting Mount Etna views from the property
• Requiring flexibility in dining options without leaving the hotel

My honest final assessment: The Ashbee Hotel is refined, beautiful, and impeccably run within the parameters it sets for itself. It’s not trying to be a full-service resort. It’s a 24-room villa with Michelin-starred dining, gorgeous views, and service that genuinely cares. The price is steep, some rooms have minor drawbacks, and amenities are purposefully limited. But for travellers who value what this property does well—architectural heritage, intimate luxury, exceptional staff, prime location—it delivers a memorable Taormina experience.

Just understand what you’re buying. This is boutique luxury focused on elegance, service, and dining, not comprehensive resort amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is breakfast included in the room rate?
A: Yes, a continental breakfast is included and served on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views. The breakfast is consistently impressive in quality and presentation.

Q: Does the hotel have a spa?
A: This is unclear based on conflicting information. Some tour operators advertise spa facilities with treatment rooms, but my investigation found no accessible spa services for general guests. The SPA Suite includes private in-room amenities (Turkish bath, sensory showers, hydromassage tub), but this is only for guests booking that specific suite. I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly to clarify current spa availability before booking if this is important to you.

Q: How far is the hotel from Taormina’s main street?
A: About a 3-minute walk to Corso Umberto I via Porta Messina. The hotel enjoys a quiet location whilst being extremely close to all the main attractions and restaurants.

Q: Can I book the St. George Restaurant if I’m not a hotel guest?
A: Yes, the restaurant is open to non-guests, but reservations are essential and should be made well in advance, especially during peak season. Booking early is strongly recommended.

Q: Is the pool heated?
A: No, the infinity pool is not heated. I found it quite cold during my visit, particularly outside peak summer months.

Q: Are there gym facilities?
A: Yes, there’s an outdoor gym with Technogym equipment and stunning views, but it’s limited in size and scope. It’s adequate for maintaining a light fitness routine but won’t satisfy serious gym enthusiasts.

Q: How much is parking?
A: On-site parking costs €50 per night and requires advance reservation. Given Taormina’s pedestrian-only historic centre, you won’t need a car once you’re here.

Q: What’s the cancellation policy?
A: Policies vary by room type and booking platform. Check specific terms when booking, as some rates may be non-refundable.

Q: Can the hotel arrange airport transfers?
A: Yes, airport transfers are available for a surcharge. Contact the hotel with arrival details in advance. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 60km away (50-60 minute drive).

Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Children under 2 stay free in a cot. Children 18+ are charged as adults. Extra beds are available for children 3-17 at additional cost. However, the hotel has limited child-specific facilities.

Q: What’s the closest beach?
A: Mazzarò beach (Lido di Mazzarò and Isola Bella) is accessible via the Taormina cable car, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Beach clubs like Nuova Spiaggia Paradiso are available through the hotel at additional cost. The beaches are not walkable from the property.

Q: Is WiFi free?
A: Yes, WiFi is complimentary throughout the property.

Q: What are check-in and check-out times?
A: Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 12:00 PM

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, pets are allowed on request, though charges may apply. Contact the hotel in advance if travelling with pets.

Q: When is the hotel open?
A: The Ashbee Hotel operates seasonally, typically from early April through early November. The hotel is closed during winter months. For 2026, the reopening date is 25th March. Always verify exact opening dates when planning your visit.