Grand Villa Politi

The room was very clean and nicely decorated, with everything we needed, though the shower was narrow. The bed was very comfortable and we slept well. The hotel is a good value for the area, and it’s easy to spend a day by the pool, although there’s no pool bar and lunch choices are very limited. The grounds are beautiful, parking is free, and we walked into Ortiga several times, both during the day and in the evening. It’s a charming classical hotel just outside Siracusa and the old town of Ortiga. Once inside, the well-kept place has a real grand 1950s feel. Check-in went smoothly. The front desk staff were very nice, though they forgot to offer pool towels and didn’t mention they cost extra. The restaurant manager was a bit special. Breakfast runs until 10.00 in a lovely large room, but they started clearing the buffet early without warning. The manager slapped a large cloth over the tables while cleaning, making a lot of noise, then switched off the lights at 10:00 sharp. It was clear we had to leave. The buffet was typical of a large hotel hosting groups: the choices were okay but basic, nothing special. It’s a good base for exploring the area and soaking up the old-fashioned atmosphere.

The rooms are pleasant and well insulated from light and sound, so I slept well. The hotel is good value for the area, and I’d recommend it. It’s a large, old-fashioned classical hotel just outside the main part of Ortigia, with a big parking lot and lobby. The staff are well trained.

The setting in the old quarry at Latomie Park is a real highlight. It’s a bit outside Ortigia, though the regular inexpensive bus makes getting there easy, and a taxi is £20 or it’s about a half-hour walk if you’re fit. We found the staff excellent, especially when they arranged an extra bed so one of us could escape the snoring. Breakfast was fine, if a little short on variety. There’s no tea or coffee in the room, but you can order a complimentary coffee to it. Despite some of the comments we’d read, we had a good stay and would gladly return.

The room and shower stall were both tiny. I’m not a large person, so I can’t imagine someone tall or overweight being comfortable. Water escaped the shower and soaked the floor, and there was a rotten, almost fecal smell from the drain. The hotel was stingy with towels, usually leaving only just enough. On my last night they forgot towels for me and others in my tour group. I asked for two bath towels to keep the floor dry, but got only one. It was just okay.