Grande Albergo Alfeo

The Grande Albergo Alfeo justifies the "Grande" in its name - the high-ceilinged public areas are very spacious, as was our double room. The hotel is conveniently situated between the railway station and the heart of old Siracusa on Ortigia. Reception staff were very helpful and courteous, cleanliness couldn't be faulted, and a better than average breakfast was served in difficult Covid circumstances by letting guests pre-order the day before. We would certainly stay here again if we return to Siracusa.

Very pleased with all aspects of my stay. Excellent value for money. Perfect location. Half way between the train station and the island of Ortygia where most sites are. The sites of mainland Syracusa are also walkable. Lovely clean spacious room with nice bathroom and shower. My room had a terrace come skylight with a partial view to Ortygia though not all rooms had them. Breakfast is fine ( pre order per Covid safety) at only 5 euros. Staff spoke enough English. Wifi worked perfectly well. Room had a functioning safe. Cant find fault . Recommended.

Siracuse is an historic, God forsaken port city in deep south Italy, in fact in east Sicily. Maybe, just maybe, these circumstances explain the locals persistent indolence and no purpose rebellious attitude A clear example of this context is this hotel. I left early several more than once and every time I went through reception there was the invariable group of employees, lead by the owner or manager, gathering around a computer and passionately discussing trivialities, Italian style. Of course, no mask and no social distancing.In fact, it was not strange to catch an employee hastingly putting on a mask the moment he/she noticed a guest in the surroundings The hotel is centrally located but then the ???centro historico??? is rather small.Gran Albergo Alfeo sells itself as a four star establishment but tolerates one star behaviour such as clothes lines set up in the balcony of its most expensive rooms.Maybe that is because we are in Siracuse, Sicily,deep south of Italy, ???l???altra Italia??? as they say in Milan and with good reason. Breakfast is Spartan and service by a well coordinated waiters. Cleaning is fair and staff is friendly maybe because they are tollerated