호텔 빌라 에스페리아

This small hotel has a large swimming pool with plenty of seats. A good self service buffet breakfast with lots of variety. They also serve dinner but we haven't tried that. There is a lift and small gym. The rooms are air conditioned with a fridge and kettle. It is located close to small supermarkets, small beach type shops and lots of cliff top restaurants. The beach is down a lot of steps but just across the road. The scenery is stunning. It is a short walk to the Funnicular up to the main town. A special mention for two of the reception staff has to be made...Claudia and her sister. They greeted us at check in and without asking just gave us loads of information with lots of good humour and great English. They continue to help sort anything out for us from queries about stamps to good restaurants. Really enjoying our stay.

Stayed here for 3 nights during an organized tour of southern Italy. Had it been our choice for the hotel, we would have chosen another venue. If the very small lift in the front entrance is out of order, it would be a harrowing experience for mobility challenged persons to climb the front steps to the hotel. Our room was very comparable to a 3 star room in Cuba (which is not saying much). The room was clean but showed its age. The bathroom lacked toiletries - so bring your own. Our bathroom door would not close, (the latch was broken). The panel to flush the toilet would get stuck. No Kleenex in bathroom. The hair dryer fell off the Titanic. Breakfast was subpar - runny eggs, raw bacon, sparse selection of pastries - wait staff inattentive. Front desk staff was on guard constantly watching for those drinking beverages in the lobby that were not purchased at the bar. Beware: you pay a 5.00 Euro NONREFUNDABLE FEE to use the pool towels. The pool was freezing cold! Be very careful while being seated in the old lounge chairs - my husband almost amputated his finger! You take your life in your hands exiting the hotel onto the street. The Hotel is situated on a curved road where there are no sidewalks. Be very careful walking to the nearby little corner store or the Funicular climb to Taormina. Cars are literally right beside you on the roadway!