Antico Hotel Roma 1880

The Antico Hotel Roma 1880's historic exterior makes a picturesque first impression, but the lobby is underwhelming, with worn, maroon leather couches and armchairs scattered underneath the ancient, arched stone ceilings. The Grand Tour restaurant is more impressive and charming, especially its breezy, piazza-side terrace, with bright purple tablecloths, white umbrellas, and potted plants. Between the hotel's buildings, there's also a peaceful courtyard with red-and-white-striped overhangs shading metal benches covered in crimson cushions. The atmosphere is romantic and quiet; children are welcome, but most guests tend to be couples.

The Antico Hotel Roma 1880 could not be more centrally situated on the island of Ortigia, the city of Syracuse's historic center. Just off the central Piazza Minerva, it sits on a pedestrian-only street of bars, restaurants, and shops selling handicrafts and local products. It’s also next door to the cathedral, the Duomo di Siracusa, which is located in the ancient Doric Temple of Minerva. The entire Citta Vecchia is within walking distance of the hotel, and the Neapolis Archaeological Park can be reached via an 8-minute drive or a 30-minute walk. The hotel also has bicycles available for guests to borrow. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is a 50-minute drive away, with a shuttle available for a fee.

The 44 rooms range from Classic rooms -- with simple, almost chain-like decor, and either carpeted or hardwood floors, headboards covered in burgundy fabric, and basic, if a bit worn, dark wood furniture -- to the more historically charming Deluxe rooms with parquet floors, high-beamed ceilings, and more stylish furniture. Some rooms have private terraces. The blue-and-white bathrooms are fairly spacious, with small stall showers, and lovely tile work in the higher level rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and hairdryers, with bathrobes in the Deluxe rooms. Some guests complain about plumbing issues, and rooms at the back of the hotel face walls of neighboring buildings.

The hotel’s restaurant, Grand Tour, housed inside an ancient stone room with historic arched ceilings, serves lunch and dinner, and a free buffet breakfast, in either the cozy dining room or on the square outside the hotel in warmer months. There's also an interior courtyard with seating where guests can lounge with a book or glass of wine from the bar. The Sala Athena meeting room is popular for events and has archaeological remains underneath glass floor panels. Bicycles are available to borrow, and there's free parking nearby, which is taken care of by the staff. A shuttle to and from the airport is available for an additional fee, as are laundry and ironing, room service, and babysitting services.