Hotel Villa Sonia

What made our birthday weekend special was the staff. They work double shifts at the restaurant next door, yet still took the time to decorate the bedroom with balloons and leave a regional bottle of fizz and a handmade cake. Thanks to everyone, we’ll be back and have already recommended the place to friends. The location is brilliant, a short walk uphill into Castelmola for restaurants, shops, and wonderful views. Our immaculate room looked out toward Mount Etna and the surrounding cliffs, was cleaned daily, and had fresh towels and a made bed. Breakfast was freshly cooked with plenty of choice. The pool was clean and refreshing after a hot day, and reception always had clean towels available.

We had a really good three-night stay. The view of Etna is surreal, the pool is lovely, and the staff are so friendly and helpful. They know a lot about the area and gave us loads of useful suggestions for visiting Etna, eating out, and seeing little villages, so ask them for tips. It’s not a modern hotel, and you can see it’s had better days, but we still had a great experience. We’d definitely come back.

Everyone, from reception to the cleaning staff, was professional, friendly, and ready to help. They were always smiling and greeted us. We stayed almost a week and had a wonderful time. Our room had picturesque vintage furniture, and the minibar fridge worked perfectly. Waking up to Mount Etna or having a late glass of wine on the balcony is something I’ll remember. The bathroom lights went out during our last two days, but there was a candle we could use. Breakfast was the usual all-you-can-eat spread, with local and national products plus gluten-free options. There’s also a 10% discount at a nearby restaurant with very good dishes and live music on weekends. I skipped the pool because I came to Sicily for the beaches. If I return to this part of Sicily, I’ll book here again.

I stayed here as a couple in June 25. The Etna view from our room was fascinating every day, and having breakfast on the terrace gave us a beautiful look across the valley and toward Etna. Breakfast is a simple buffet with fruit, cheeses, yoghurt, preserves, cakes, nice croissants, a toast machine, and coffee. The cooked options were limited and not great, though you can pay for freshly made items such as eggs Benedict. The hotel is quaint and quirky, ideal if you like antiques and traditional decor. Each room is different. Ours wasn't my favorite: the bathroom was small and dark, the shower came from the taps but had good pressure, and the old wardrobe didn't offer much hanging space. The pool was lovely and we always found loungers, but some are broken. The pool bar was fine, though service varied, and the older guy would sometimes leave it unattended. Reception were great and arranged trips with Etna people company, who pick up at the hotel. The courtesy bus is a lovely touch and makes you feel special. There's no hotel bar, so they send you next door to the Cave bar. It has no cocktail menu, but if you ask for what you want, they'll make it.