Ramo d'Aria Etna Boutique Hotel

The restaurant was a real highlight. We ate there on two evenings, and the food looked and tasted like Michelin-level cooking. The dishes were described with all the care you might get at a Michelin-starred place, but the atmosphere stayed relaxed. I hope they keep the chef. The hotel sits out on the edge of Giarre, which isn't a fancy town and feels a bit in the middle of nowhere. Still, our room had lovely views of Etna and the surrounding area. The service was welcoming, informal and efficient, and parking on-site was free. The rooms were fine, and the pool is large, unusually designed, and set in a nicely landscaped green area. It's not Ortigia or Taormina, but it's a good choice if you want more space and some time to unwind. Taormina is less than 30 minutes away if you feel like visiting.

The rooms have lovely views of Mount Etna and the pool on clear days, and breakfast is hearty and tasty. It's a new hotel with a modern design, comfortable rooms, and excellent service. Everyone was ready to help with questions. A couple of small things could be better: the shower stall is cramped despite the large bathroom, and the pillows weren't very comfortable.

The pool is lovely and breakfast was really tasty. We stayed five nights, but sadly never managed to eat at the restaurant, as each evening there seemed to be a different reason we couldn't dine there. The hotel is quite remote, so you'll need a car. Our room was very clean, though we could hear noise from other guests.

Bruno was wonderful with our family during a quick overnight stay. We loved the fantastic pool, the relaxed feel among the greenery around Catania, and the restaurant. The service was great, and the property itself is incredible. The location was great too.