Hostel Taormina's Odyssey B

The staff were friendly, and most things were within walking distance.

We had a great time here. The rooms are surprisingly large and comfortable for such a small property. Ours had a ceiling fan but no air conditioning, and what looked like a balcony was really just a window with half-railings. There was a lovely little terrace outside the room, with plastic tables and chairs for smoking or eating food you’d bought elsewhere. The service felt a bit rushed and superficial. Maybe the manager was busy, but we barely got any information about the city from her.

The location is excellent, very close to the centre, and the parking permit was invaluable. Still, the building felt a little run-down, and the experience wasn’t what I’d expect from a bed and breakfast. It was more like a hostel. We had an ensuite bathroom, and the room was clean at first, but staff never came back to clean it or even make the bed. The shower gel and soap were there on day one, then not replenished, despite how pushy they’d been about them. If I return to Taormina, I’d choose another B&B.

The landlady was very helpful and attentive, and the old town, an easy walk away, is stunning, especially in the evenings. You can get to the beach by cable car. It’s a small, simple hostel with nice, clean rooms and a shared kitchen. I took off one star for the amenities and cleanliness. Parking is very difficult because of the narrow streets, and you need a special permit.