Palazzo Giaracà

The location makes it easy to explore Syracuse, with busy little lanes, squares, local shops, and restaurants all around. The hotel has loads of character, the rooms are clean and looked after, and the employees are glad to help.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location is superb, close to the sea and Ortigia's main sights. Having parking available for 10 euros a night was a real plus. We'd probably stay again, but would inspect the room carefully before accepting it. The beds were very hard, breakfast was a poor experience, and the rooms we had both had issues. In the first room, there was no fridge, a wardrobe door was hanging off, the TV and one bedside lamp didn't work, the shower head wouldn't stay in place, the toilet seat wobbled, the bidet plug didn't work, and the bed was far too hard. Staff found a fridge within 15 minutes and glued the wardrobe door while we were out, but those things should have been fixed before we got the room. After two nights we asked to move. The manager offered another room straight away, which made us think he knew the first one was a problem. It was much larger, with several balconies facing the street, but the shower still had no wall attachment, the bathroom had no outside window and smelled of drains, and the bed was only a little less uncomfortable. Hygiene could have been better too. Breakfast food was left uncovered, with flies walking over it. I don't expect modern fittings in an old property, but I do expect a working shower, a bed I can sleep in without waking with backache, and food protected from flies. One useful note: the hotel leaflets say the sightseeing bus picks up outside the Post Office on Riva Della Posta, but it doesn't stop there. The best option is to board at its starting point on Via Rodi, just across the Ponte Santa Lucia.

We really liked this place. It’s an old, authentic building that fits the city perfectly, with plenty of character and history. The director was very nice and friendly. It isn't a dull luxury tourist hotel, and that special, genuine feel is exactly what we enjoyed.

We loved the location on the island, the typical Sicilian breakfast, and knowing the car was safely parked. Palazzo Giaraca made an already special Ortigia feel even more memorable for us. Before check-in, we'd read some negative reviews and worried a bit, but we're glad we didn't let them put us off. The hotel is in a beautiful building the owner told us was over 200 years old. It isn't a Hilton or Sheraton, but here you get warm, personal service from the owner and a chance to see how local businesses work. We'd rather have that than pay double or triple for a softer mattress, which isn't even good for your back. We travel to experience things that are different, unique, real, and beautiful. That's what Palazzo Giaraca was for us, and we'd recommend it to fellow world travelers.