La Colombaia di Ortigia

The apartment's layout worked well for us as two couples, with one bedroom and en suite downstairs and a second bedroom on the mezzanine overlooking the living room. The kitchen, sitting area, and dining table are all on the ground floor. It's modern and very clean, in a typical Sicilian neighborhood, and the location is central for getting around Ortigia. Most of the surroundings are flat, so the stairs into the third-floor apartment weren't too much trouble. There are a few more up to the mezzanine bedroom and terrace. The single set of keys caused the biggest hassle. They have to stay in the apartment for the power to run, so when I went out early, my fellow travelers either had to sit in the heat or I had to wake them when I returned. It made evening outings awkward too. The keys also need to be inside for the washing machine to work, so laundry is only possible while you're there. There is just one air conditioner, in the living room. We had to close the downstairs bedroom door for privacy, which left that room without cool air and made it very hot to sleep in. The showers are tiny, but manageable. The water isn't drinkable and has a noticeable sulfur smell, which is normal in places with high mineral content. The host was helpful, though the exit inspection was very thorough and there are lots of rules. Ortigia has surprisingly few steps for a Sicilian town, and everything you'd want to do is nearby.