San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

The architecture and interior design at Rocco were truly amazing, but we expected a better dining experience. It's a very nice restaurant, yet the food and service were poor. We ordered two pasta dishes and a bottle of water, and planned to have dessert too, when the manager came over to say there was a €100 per person minimum charge. That hadn't been mentioned anywhere when we booked, which felt really unethical. We kept the same order and went on to have drinks in the lounge so we could pay the required €200. The food was good, but not at the level of a palace. You could find the same pasta at a good Italian restaurant anywhere in the world.

For exploring Taormina, the hotel's location is fantastic, and the views are really great. We were here for two days on our honeymoon. The breakfast spread was unbelievable, tasted amazing, and came with excellent service. There are lots of dinner options, too, and we really liked our dinner at the hotel. The downsides are the beach and pool setup. There's only one shared pool, no adult pool, and no beach access. Getting to other beaches isn't especially easy either, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a beach holiday. Our room was good, but quite small even after an upgrade, and not the best Four Seasons room I've stayed in. I expected better. The former monastery gives the place a lot of history and a strong historical feel. It's also a very popular White Lotus hotel, with lots of guests. The amenities and service are great. I had a good stay, though it wasn't an unbelievable experience, and I've stayed at better Four Seasons. I think it's worth staying once, but I wouldn't necessarily return.

The building is gorgeous and elegant, full of character, and just the right size for comfort and privacy. It's within walking distance of the beautiful historic part of the city. Our spotless room had high ceilings, tasteful decor, and a breathtaking sea view from the balcony. I appreciated the thoughtful details, from the luxurious bedding to a high-end hair dryer that was surprisingly one of the best I've used in a hotel. Housekeeping came twice a day, more often than needed, but it was a lovely sign of care. The staff were professional, friendly, and very, very happy to help. Their warmth and attentiveness made our stay special. The pool and spa were beautiful and well maintained, and there was a lovely little garden. Breakfast was excellent, with a delicious buffet and à la carte options presented with the same care. My only small complaint was the noticeable kitchen smell in the two large salons near the buffet. It slightly spoiled the otherwise elegant feel of those beautifully decorated rooms, with their antiques and cozy fireplace. The stay was unforgettable, and this is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at.

The hotel is in a great spot, and we had a really good stay. Our room had everything we needed, and we appreciated the little poolside extras like caps and totes. The staff were attentive without losing their friendliness, and the service was world class. We also had a delicious meal at the Michelin restaurant, where they adjusted the menu for my wife. Highly recommended.