Il Casale di Caterina

The view is breathtaking, and breakfast was okay. The road to the accommodation is really difficult, and a decent road would make the stay much better. The rooms could use some investment, but the owner and her staff are very polite and work hard.

The hosts were kind, the apartment was spacious, and the views were incredible. The remote location is neither good nor bad in itself, but the drive felt hairy, and it was hard to find cabs willing to come when we wanted to drink. The beds had ridiculously springy mattresses. Breakfast was very average and didn't seem particularly fresh, and the overcooked boiled eggs were the worst. The final straw was loud cleaning work outside our room at 7.40am on Sunday, along with curtains that did almost nothing. If those things had been okay, the place would have been worth the money.

The road is fine, so don’t worry about the drive. It takes 15-20 minutes to get from Taromina. The hotel is clean and pleasant, but the rooms are a little dated. Without the view, it’s pretty basic, and in spring there isn't much to do in the room, though it may be fine in summer. Breakfast included scrambled eggs, toastbread, two kinds of croissants, yoghurt, fresh fruit, one kind of ham and cheese, and espresso.

Don't let the road reviews put you off. After driving up once, you’ll know what to expect, and the trip is worth it for a stay you’ll remember. The hotel sits in an incredible spot with views toward Taormina and Mount Etna. We had an excellent room with its own terrace, plus a beautiful pool and jacuzzi looking out over the hills. The photos really don't capture it. Thanks for a lovely stay!