SAMI Rooms

Bad weather sent us looking for a room at the last minute, and this turned out to be a lovely surprise. The manager was kind and helpful. Our room was spacious, clean, and practical, with air conditioning, a fridge, and a balcony. It’s in a quiet spot right opposite the catacombs, and Ortigia is a short walk away.

The room was cozy and modern, but there was a trail of ants running from the balcony down the wall to the bedside table. My friends in the next room had the same problem, and I read that other guests had experienced it too. We ended up keeping our suitcases and toiletries locked away so we wouldn’t have to carry them around. The bathroom wasn’t very clean, and the toilet seat felt like Russian roulette. I chose not to use it rather than risk falling because it was unstable. The bathroom door was also hard to close. Watch your check-out time to avoid extra charges.

For the price, the room was great value. It was fully renovated, very clean, and had all the amenities, with a convenient base for exploring Syracuse. There’s no reception, so entry details arrive by text. The apartment takes up part of a somewhat shabby building, though the rooms themselves have been redone.

We were in Syracuse for a wedding at the Church of San Giovanni, and staying opposite the Catacombs of San Giovanni worked out perfectly. Ortigia is around 20 minutes on foot or 5-10 minutes by car; walking is easier than dealing with parking. There are also plenty of places nearby, from bars and restaurants to a supermarket, pharmacies, and tobacconists. The property is new, spotless, and very comfortable, and the staff were always on hand. It’s close to the Greek Theater, the Sanctuary of the Madonnina, and the Paolo Orsi Museum too. I’d happily recommend Sami Rooms for work or a holiday, and we’ll be back.