Santuzza Hotel Taormina

The photos gave a misleading impression. Our room was small and dirty, and we even had a cockroach visit. At least it was friendly.

We paid high rates for a place that wasn't clean or cared for to the standard of a three-star hotel. Dirt and leaves stayed on the terrace throughout all five days of our stay. The property we were sold as a newly built hotel looked instead like a quick renovation of the former guesthouse, and the rooms were old and run-down, far from what management had described during our careful booking and several phone calls. Broken shutters, missing bulbs, and an old bathroom with a constant sewer smell were among the problems. The receptionist apologized several times but said they were a bit disorganized. At check-in they handed us the bill before we had even entered the room. The receipt came days later, after we asked repeatedly. I don't recommend the place, and I’m attaching photos so people can judge for themselves.

The front desk guy was very kind, and so disappointed with the place that he apologized on the owner's behalf. The owner, though, didn't seem suited to this work. We wanted to shorten our booking from three nights to two and were ready to pay what she asked, especially since she already had our €100 deposit. She told us, “Pay me for three nights or you're out.” We couldn't reach an agreement, and she kicked us out. The hotel was terrible, dirty, and disgusting, and the owner was rude. Courtesy and experience matter when dealing with guests, and she showed neither. Perhaps she'd be better off cleaning bathrooms.

The bathroom was the weak point: it was cramped, the toilet had no seat, and anyone larger might have trouble fitting into the shower. Otherwise, the room was clean, with good air conditioning and a sea view. The staff were friendly and helpful, breakfast was well served, and the area was quiet, only a few steps from the sea. There's a bus stop right in front of the hotel. Highly recommended.