Hotel Villa Ducale - Taormina

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

Beautiful hotel, excellent accomodations, great service by very friendly and competent staff with attention to every detail.

Guest name: Natan Scanzillo, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

Villa Ducale was the highlight of our trip to sicily.

Guest name: GM, Germany

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2008

Our 3-night stay at Villa Ducale was like a dream come true. As we arrived, Luca met us at the top of the stairs, welcomed us into their villa & invited us to unwind with an apperitif. Our double room was exquisite with a panoramic view (I believe all the rooms have excellent views)& a private patio area w/ table & chairs. On each of our pillows was an orchid & there were small flower buds (I'm sure they were picked from the Villa grounds) placed throughout. We were provided heavy terrycloth robes for our stay; the breakfast patio was breathtaking: the view w/ snow-covered Etna in the background,the selection of foods, the flowers... and, for the cooler winter days/evenings, blankets are provided as you sit & watch the sunset. Villa Ducale exceeded all our expectations. The sheer beauty of the location, the staff's friendliness & willingness to assist, an artist's 'eye' to every detail made our stay there the best of our trip, perhaps the best of all trips. Taormina has an abundance of beautiful hotels to choose from but Villa Ducale won our hearts: we would never stay anywhere else. To the friendly & charming staff (Luca, Pauolo, the "King of the night shift", the woman who served the morning 'feast' and the woman who worked in the evening at the restaurant...) we say a big thankyou for all the courtesies you extended to us. And, what a great idea to have a tip jar in the lobby that is distributed amongst everyone at the end of the month. It reflects the Villa's attitude: the 'family' includes every employee, not just a select few, a very nice idea; HOWEVER, I suggest the Villa make that jar more prominently visible as I did not see it until our last day! Again, we thank all of you for a 'bit of heaven'.

Guest name: Patricia Kelleher, USA

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

La Vista dalla mia camera vale il prezzo, un pò troppo elevato. Antonio è un ottimo elemento del personale. I dintorni sono straordinari. Se si trovano clienti affamati, il mattino si rischia di fare una colazione scarna...ma la vista dal Terrazzo risolve ogni problema. E' stato un ottimo soggiorno

Guest name: FD, Italy

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

We had a marvelous stay. Staff could not have been more helpful or kind - and this was uniform from the owner to Francesca, one of the housecleaners. The views from the terrace are spectacular, the view from our room (#2) was terrific - ocean view, and the opposite side from the terrace's ocean view. Breakfast extraordinary, and the atmosphere throughout convivial and familial. We have immediately booked another stay, and solely because of the quality of the people and the room.

Guest name: Carolin Rennie, Switzerland

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

This is some smooth hotel. Smart, comfortable place, and staff, from front desk through everyone, open, friendly, efficient, just oozing rightness. We loved it. Handy hotel minibus into town.

Guest name: Bob Hyde, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2007

This hotel was spectacular. The views were incredible. The rooms were unique and elaborately decorated in every detail. The staff was extremely helful and friendly. The breakfast buffet and nightly cocktail hour were excellent. It was a weekend to remember.

Guest name: Antonio Rugggieri, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Aug 2007

Good to stay with nice view and quietness. Not suitable to do the shopping and City walking.

Guest name: TN, Iran

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Group

stayed in Dec 2006

Very good hospitality and services (for example: navette to the city, free PC)

Guest name: HK, Japan

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2007

This is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in .Upon arrival, they offer guests a welcome drink while they relax in the lobby. It's a nice way to be greeted, especially if you've been driving for a while. Unlike many Italian hotels, they actually help you with your bags before you even ask. Everything is in your room before you've finished your welcome drink. Each room is different and, judging from ours, spectacular. The furnishings and local artwork are beautiful. There are lots of little touches to make the room welcoming and special. The bathroom was huge and had one of the best showers we've experienced in our 6-month tour of Italy. The view from the hotel is breathtaking and even out of season it was lovely. You can easily stay at this hotel without a car since they provide shuttle service into the town center. You will not regret staying at this hotel.

Guest name: Paganello Vince, Italy

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2007

I stayed with my wife from March, 14 to 21, 2007, and we very much enjoyed our stay! First of all, everything was just as it could be expected from the presentation in the internet, beginning with the spectacular view from our room's balcony over the bay. The hotel is located above Taormina in the direction of Castelmola, a nice village on a rock also well worth a visit. We parked our car along the road near the hotel. The staff were truly cordial and friendly, creating a warm and informal atmosphere. Our room, spacious enough and quiet, was furnished in a lovely Sicilian style with oranges painted on the walls. In the morning, we enjoyed the delicious breakfast on the terrace overlooking Taormina and the sea. For evening meals, a nearby pizzeria and restaurant is highly recommended. A number of stairs are leading from the hotel to the town center of Taormina. Additionally, the hotel provides a free shuttle service connecting the hotel and the town. All in all, this charming hotel is just perfect, leaving no wishes unfulfilled.

Guest name: Hermann Faller, Germany

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

I couldn't have chosen a more beautiful, clean, well serviced hotel . The service was unsurpassed and the rooms were not only spotless but gorgeous full of fine details and with a great bathroom with jacuzzi. The view from our room was Mount Etna and the Ocean and was absolutely gorgeous by day as well as by nite. We dined one evening, privately, on the terrace and even though it was raining slightly, nothing could have ruined the romantic mood of this place .A special grazzi to Roberto , the hotel free shuttle driver who drove us up and down the town all day and night !!! I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who needs to get away to a beautiful, peaceful, magnificant piece of heaven on earth.

Guest name: Lawrence Winter, USA

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2006

The personel is excellent from the reception to the waitress at breakfast to the cleaning staff not to mention the chauffeurs. They are all ready to help you. Breakfast was more than you could ask for and changed every day. We felt close to other people here, staff as well as guests, thanks to a very relaxed atmosphere. Thank you all. Jim & Patrick

Guest name: JAMES MCDONALD, France

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2006

We think this hotel can offer the most romantic and enchanting view on Taormina and the sea either when you have breakfast (with fresh and local food) or from the room (only 13 rooms available, that means a warm and relaxing atmosphere). It was really a wonderful stay, to be tried.

Guest name: Andrea Savarino, Italy

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

Location directions should be sent with the email confirmation as the hotel is slightly out of town up a very windy road which is difficult to find and poorly signposted. Once there, the hotel is very atmosphere and has tremendous views. I suspect that summer will be absolutely unforgettable; we were there in November and in truth the whole place was cold and this slightly reduced our enthusiasm for enjoying the view in the way that we should have.

Guest name: IS, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

Most impressive with excellent service and breathtaking views.

Guest name: Edgar Barnes, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

We truly loved this hotel and found it be a very charming, quiet, and pleasant hotel. The location is perfect for walking down to the beach or centre (they provide a frequent free shuttle service) . The service is excellent and they made every effort to help us with travel & eating plans . The large rooms are very elegant and classy , and I would recommend upgrading to a Classic or a Jr. Suite with a sea view. Otherwise, rooms are clean, air conditioned, with nice furnishing. The beds are very, very confortable . The Spa, was small, and very warm during the time we were there. I recommend highly the light meals at this hotel at least once and then eat out at all the other fine establishments which are walking distance from this location. The hotel has a wonderful view of the bay and Mount Etna and there are several areas to relax inside with common areas, to read papers, books, or just have some fine drinks (excellent sicilian wines) by the panoramic patio. Although, this hotel is not a Ritz, Four Seasons, its location, excellent service, and family atmosphere, make it a highly charming place to stay over other highly priced hotels. Enjoy your stay!

Guest name: Rose Stuart, Italy

Average rating:  6.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Villa Ducale is a well-appointed small hotel situated some way out of the centre of Taormina. The hotel says it is a 10 minute walk into the centre, which is true only in part - the 10 minutes is down a series of steep steps and get you only to one end of the main pedestrianised street. The return journey, needless to say, is uphill and takes considerably more that 10 minutes! There is a courtesy bus but it only runs a few times a day at times that are not always convenient. We had a standard double room, that was nicely decorated but VERY small - it was only just possible to get between the end of the bed and the wall. It also had a very small window and no view - this was disappointing for the price we paid. Breakfasts on the terrace with views across to Etna were a delight, with classical music wafting in from the lounge and a very wide range of foods available. Much has been said in other reviews about the helpfulness of the staff - we found them snooty and got the impression that they were more interested in clients who had booked more expensive rooms. They were also not very helpful regarding the (small) plunge pool, which was out of action with no idea of when it would be repaired. Would I go back to Villa Ducale? Unless one could afford a bigger room, I think not - this is a small hotel on the edge of town with big ideas about its market position which don't compensate for its inconvenient location.

Guest name: JG, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

Allunyat del centre, no parking, no es correspon amb el preu pagat

Guest name: OA, Spain

Average rating:  3.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

Booked this hotel on the strength of its own web site and the reviews from tripadvisor. Have come to a definite conclusion - the owner of the hotel must be writing the reviews as they are so far off the mark to be complete untruths!! This would account for the computer and internet access in the cramped reception. The room we had was small, no view at all and quite frankly we would not have stayed but for the fact that we were there for only one night. However in reception there was a couple complaining about their room and wanting to cancel their stay - I don't blame them. Poor service, poor facilities, the worst breakfast I have ever had in Sicily/Italy. I have never sent a review before however I feel very strongly about this Hotel that it is totally misleading in its marketing. Go to Taormina but don't stay at the Villa Ducale.

Guest name: NC, Ireland

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2005

We had an absolutely wonderful time at the Hotel Villa Ducale. The villa is beatiful and the pictures can't truely capture how stunning it is in the amazing city of Taormina. The view is spectacular of both the sea, town and Mt. Etna. The service was impeccable. They made everyone feel very special and at home. I would defintely stay here again.

Guest name: DH, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2005

Staff very welcoming and anxious to please. Intimate atmosphere. Best bathroom of any hotel I've ever stayed in. Excellent breakfast with amazing views of Mt Etna. Highly recommended.

Guest name: Michael Emmett, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2005

Excellent location for a couple of days shopping. Very good service. A little bit noicy because of heavy traffic.

Guest name: Anna & Lars Nihlén, Sweden

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jan 2005

The view was fantastic.... the breakfast was the best we had in Italy. The atmosphere was wonderful. If you go to Taormina, I highly recommend Hotel Villa Ducale

Guest name: Robert Morrison, Canada

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2004

The hotel is located in a beautiful surroundings and we had a view over the Mediterranean and the Etna from our small terrace. The employees have been extremely helpful and friendly. I would definitely return to this hotel should I return to Sicily.

Guest name: LD, Switzerland

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2004

A very freindly hotel with welcoming and helpfull staff who give excellent knowledgeable advice on all aspects of the island. A delightful place to stay, highly recommended.

Guest name: William Quick, France

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2004

Friendly, comfortable, beautiful view and Yummy!

Guest name: MP, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2004

This Villa is the most charming and in all of Taormina. Our clean, A/C room was below the reception area, yet you would never hear noise. Our view was spectacular with Mt. Etna to the right, and the Naxos harbor/beaches to the left, with beautiful Sicilia panoramic views of little towns and hills in between. The owner and staff is 5-Star: friendly, professional, attentive, knowledgable on all aspects of food, wine, suggested itineraries, and hospitality. The breakfast, truly Sicialian and memorable. A must stay in Taormina.we also enjoyed the hotel private minibus to reach the centre in 5 minutes .

Guest name: Quarrell Andrew, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2004

best place we stayed in all of italy. wonderful people, excellent breakfast, and wow what scenery. if you arrive by train, take the bus outside the station to taormina (1.30e) then transfer to the castelmola bus (1.30e) or take a cab (12e) to villa ducale. you won't be disappointed. incredible views from a very romantic setting. rooms are tastefully decorated. plenty of hot water and good pressure. year-round air conditioning. if you are traveling light and can tolerate a smallish shower stall, get room #30. it's the least expensive double but has maybe the best view. we intend to return to taormina and will definitely stay at villa ducale again.

Guest name: DG, USA

Average rating:  3.7

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

We were hugely disappointed by this hotel and moved out the next day. Yes, the view from its terrace is breath-taking and breakfast is delicious, but that's basically it in terms of advantages. You are very far away from everything (city centre, beaches), the rooms are so kitch you'd swear it's a joke (fake gold, improbable "pieces of art" and colour combinations, etc.), noise isolation is non-existent and the whole night you have the impression you're sleeping in the street (you distinctly hear every car passing and neighbours exchanging loud conversations from their balconies). The building is brand new and in our view the architect and the interior designer did their best to make all mistakes that could be made while doing their job. On top of everything, when we announced that we were moving out the next day and despite our reasoning & the fact that this practice generally does not exist in Europe, they tried to charge us all four nights we were supposed to spend there, and when we firmly refused, we were simply insulted.

Guest name: AG, Belgium

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

Highly recommended. Superb views, comfort & service. Only slight drawback is no restaurant in hotel and steep steps (6 flights) to Corso Umberto - 15-20 min - but a few restaurants in immediate vicinity of hotel too. Taxi/bus alternatives easily available.

Guest name: DJ, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2004

We were under the impression that the hotel was closer to town. To get into town required transportation (not provided by the hotel) or a very long walk down and back up stairs. There are only two restaurants for dinner in that location requiring the need to get into town. The Jacuzzi baths proposed for each room was not working in ours and was really a multi-head shower. The views from the suites do not overlook the town / bay but do look over the bay on the opposite side.

Guest name: DS, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2004

The walk from the town of Taormina to the top of the mountain was definitely more consecutive stairs than i've ever walked in my lifetime... but Villa Ducale is so beautiful, it's woth every step. I wouldn't have rather stayed anywhere else.

Guest name: NS, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2004

Very nice and charming hotel with wonderful room decoration. Breathtaking view on the bay of Giardini-Naxos and the Aetna. Excellent breakfast served on the terasse.

Guest name: Carsten Schmickler, Germany

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2003

Excellent small hotel with a lot of charm and a fantastic panoramic view over the sea.

Guest name: NB, Germany

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Nov 2003

The view was breathtaking! Absolutely phenomenal!!! I loved how every room was themed with a different fruit and we had fresh flowers on our bed when we arrived. Beautiful!!!

Guest name: Wunneanatsu Cason, Italy

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Nov 2003

I recently stayed at the Villa Ducale and it was the best hotel experience I have had. From my arrival I was greeted warmly and felt like I had arrived at the home of friends. I was taken on to the terrace where I was offered a cold Sicilian plate while my car was parked and my bags were taken to my room. From that moment I was in paradise. The view is spectacular. Stepping out onto your balcony or terrace it is a sight that is unbelievable. With the sea in front of you and Mt Etna to the south it is incredible. It is a beautiful palazzo with plants, terrraces, ceramic planters and flowers all around. The rooms were a good size in comparison to many other European hotels we have stayed in and the beauty in the them is the decor and the trimmings that are unique. You do not feel as if you are staying in a typical hotel. Everything about the rooms were comfortable and truly Sicilian. They are very private, clean and well appointed. The murals on the walls and the large glass doors allow for a beautiful view from anywhere in the room. My room had a balcony and a huge terrace. It was great after a day of touring to return back to my room and be served coffee and a Sicilian plate on the terrace. The sun shines directly on them so it was soooo relaxing to sit in the lounge chairs and enjoy the view. The location is great. You are on a hill overlooking the town which makes for the spectacular vistas and you are a 10 minute uphill walk from a great mountaintop town called Castelmola. It is a quiet section and you can walk easily or take a cheap bus or the hotel free shuttle, drive or taxi to and from town. It is a perfect starting point for all kinds of day trips. A Sicilian breakfast is served on the terrace each morning. There is no better way to start a day. I cannot put into words how great it is. With the view, the Italian music playing quietly in the background and the assortment of dishes, pastries coffes and teas it is an experience you will not forget. Finally the

Guest name: Sebastiano Perera, Italy

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2003

Very nice place (room, view, breakfast terrace, ...), but not so easy to find without previous information. No indication of direction on hotel traffic signs in Taormina. Information "Use direction to Castelmola" would be very helpful!!!

Guest name: Klaus Koeberlein, Germany