Appartamento Ortigia

Communication with the owners was good, and the apartment was clean, with spare towels and hand towels available. We were disappointed to find that the assigned apartment wasn't the one shown in the photo, and most of the closets were locked, so we couldn't use them. It's in the historic center of Ortigia, in the old Jewish quarter of Giudecca. The historic building does mean poor light and ventilation.

The coffee maker couldn't be used because its water container was dirty and empty, and the stovetop wouldn't work because no gas was coming from the burners. Just before we left, the person in charge found the gas valve shut behind the sink siphon. We had to eat breakfast at a bar even though breakfast was included in the price. We also weren't given a pass to drive into Ortigia's restricted traffic zone, despite staying on the island. On arrival we found the air conditioning wasn't working and told the owner, who gave us two fans. The next day, the kitchen and bathroom taps only trickled cold water, as the photo showed. The owner said the municipal supply was faulty, so we couldn't shower.

It's a lovely, welcoming place with all the comforts, and the staff were kind and courteous. The location is excellent, right in the historic center but away from the noise of Aretusa's nightlife and traffic. Highly recommended.

An ideal base for seeing the best of Syracuse, right in the heart of Ortigia. The apartment is welcoming and carefully looked after, and I highly recommend it, including as a romantic getaway for couples. I'll be back soon.