Le Dune

Guests were outside my room smoking late into the night, which was really unpleasant as a non-smoker. The lobby also had cats wandering around, and I wasn’t a fan of that. The place isn’t very modern, but the bed was fine for a few days and breakfast was okay and included. It’s a good spot if you need to stay close to the airport.

I spent 14 nights at La Dune and may never get over its charm. The beach is just across the road, the airport is a five-minute dash away, and central Catania is a brisk 20-minute walk or five minutes by Lime Scoot. The place feels like Sicily, with bright sun-kissed rooms and shrubbery that seems to know your secrets. The rooms can be so bright you need a moment to adjust. The cats are the real management team: playful, oddly friendly, and apparently far better at maneuvering around staff than anyone could script. Staff tried to shoo them along with about as much effect as a Catanian Zebra Crossing. No random attacks to report, though perhaps they’re biding their time. The people working here were great. The cleaning crew brought extra towels and whisked away my bags when I arrived and left before I could even ask. Reception spoke impeccable English and had saintly patience. When a heavy handed incident with a toilet handle nearly turned my bathroom into a water feature, they fixed it within the hour. They went above and beyond, all strictly within the bounds of Sicilian law, of course. Would I come back? Absolutely. Grazie a tutto il fantastico staff di La Dune!

The pool was fine, but lunch at the bar turned into a contest with a bee that seemed to think my big hamburger was HIS. I’d come up hungry after swimming, fought bravely for it, and the bee won. That’s why I’m giving this Catania three-star hotel 2 stars instead of 3. The room itself was okay, though it smelled strange and the lighting felt more like a horror movie than a relaxing holiday. Maybe keep a better watch on the burgers next time.

We had an amazing stay and would definitely go back. The hotel was spotless and comfortable, with a stunning view. The pool was very clean, and we loved the sunbeds by the sea. All the staff were super friendly and made us feel welcome. Special thanks to Alessandro, she was so sweet and helpful.