Hotel Villa Diodoro

We booked this hotel as a last-minute getaway for some summer sun, as lockdown restrictions were easing, and we are so pleased we chose this one. This is a truly delightful hotel, with an individual feel, so different from the many characterless, clone-like, chain hotels which are prevalent more and more these days. This hotel feels like it has been tastefully and modestly upgraded from the grand days of the early 20th century, retaining the features of the building which keep it individual, whilst ensuring that the service and facilities are all up-to-date for today???s traveller. Our superior room was extremely comfortable with a large bed and reliable air conditioning, as well as a balcony view that is truly breath-taking. The huge swimming pool on a large outcrop of rock overlooking the bay is one of the main reasons to come here. The temperature was perfect for cooling down and there is lots of space to swim, as well as many modern loungers with parasols and a small bar serving light food and drinks all day long. We found the restaurant service at breakfast and dinner to be impeccable and always extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet is typically Italian, with fresh rolls, a wide selection of pastries and tarts, cold meats, cheese, yoghurts, etc. The coffee was excellent and served promptly and some of the best scrambled eggs I???ve ever tasted were also available on request (at no extra cost), though we only realised this when we noticed a neighbouring table order it, as there was no information about this. We chose half-board, which made life easy, as there seem to be so many touristy restaurants in Taormina with supposedly authentic Sicilian menus, and often quite high prices, and this allowed us to eat reliably in the beautiful hotel dining room before venturing out for drinks in town afterwards. The food was all excellent - the menu has 6 or 7 choices per course - but we would ideally have appreciated a more regularly changing menu, or some ???specials??? offers, as we had the same menu every day. But this was not a major issue, as there was enough variety if you???re not fussy and certainly everything was authentic. The hotel is only a few minutes??? walk from the hustle and bustle of the old town, but you really feel grateful for those few minutes, as the narrow main streets are very busy and touristy and can be exhausting. One of the added bonuses of choosing this hotel is that you can use the beach club belonging to their sister hotel for only a tiny daily cost, as well as getting a shuttle ???bus there and back very easily. It???s an excellent beach club with all the facilities you would need. Villa Diodoro is everything we love about Italy. If you???re the sort of person that likes to stay in an international hotel brand you know, eat a breakfast which you could get anywhere in the world, drink the kind of coffee you can get in one of those awful international chains (no names mentioned!), have a room that feels like it was built yesterday and hates individualism, you won???t understand this place. If, however, you love the Italian style and character of old and wish to be charmed in somewhere that feels special and is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Taormina, please come here, because you???ll love it! The beautiful public gardens directly next door offer a delightful shady walk and incredible views down to the bay. Thanks to all the staff we met - you do a fantastic job. We will definitely come back!

We spent four days last September at the end of a Sicilian tour and it was a beautiful place to slow down and unwind. The setting on the hillside provides amazing views of the sea and Mt. Etna. The pool setting was lovely. We found the rooms a bit on the small side for the price we paid. That would be the only criticism. The food in the ballroom setting was excellent as well as by the pool. Location of the hotel next to the park and close to the town center was also a plus. Service by all employees was excellent!