Palazzo Bicocca Rooms

Alberto welcomed us so warmly, and the rooms were clean, modern and really nice. The Palazzo itself has loads of charm, and you couldn't ask for a better location. A hidden gem in Catania, now on my list of favorite B&Bs :)

We had such a good time here. The owner was really helpful, and the rooms were super clean. We'll definitely come back 💯💯💯

I left most of what I paid behind just to avoid dealing with the owner any more, then found another hotel nearby. The rooms were lower quality than the pictures suggested, and when I had to leave for one night and return, he refunded some cash but not the full night's amount. He also refused to return the city tax even though I wasn't staying there. To me, that was daylight robbery, a matter of principle. The check-in was a mess from the start. I booked through Expedia weeks ahead and tried calling several times to sort out arrival, but he was asleep and didn't answer for hours. I understand that life happens, but at B&Bs without a front desk, hosts usually check in about arrival plans. When he eventually responded, he was extremely rude and racist. Expedia helped reinstate my booking after he got back to me two hours later, but he swore a lot and called the agent a vulgar slur because she had an Indian accent. By then, Expedia had cancelled because the owner was unavailable and I needed somewhere to sleep. The room was still listed online, and someone else booked it for that period. After I'd put all my luggage in the room, he told me I had to check out for one night, then check back in. A couple staying there seemed to have had a similar problem. I overheard him offer to store their luggage for free if they didn't leave a bad review. I expect the owner may respond emotionally to this, but everyone is entitled to an opinion. I'm sharing this so other travelers can avoid the situation I fell into, where I was made to feel like a burden instead of a guest.

The place is right in the centre of Catania, close to everything. Alberto was always smiling and so helpful. I'd definitely come back.