Charme Hotel Henry’s House

This 17th-century palazzo packs in a whole lot of character that's fitting given its location on atmospheric Ortigia Island. Housed in a cute stone building with shuttered windows and ornate balconies, the guesthouse is owned by an antique collector and is filled to the brim with antique details. Staircases feature fabulous mosaic tiling and interiors are furnished with elaborate antique furniture -- think: gilded Baroque sofas and gilt-framed mirrors. Around every corner there seems to be another intricately carved sculpture -- like the giant reclining Buddha facing the sea -- or piece of bold, bright artwork. Outside, the elevated setting and sea view adds some breathing room (and enhances the romance of the place). This guesthouse embodies Ortigia’s charm and certainly has its own identity, but its ‘more is more’ approach when it comes to decorative detail may overwhelm some guests. Expect to share the hotel with forty-something-and-up couples who value the location and attention to detail on all levels. 

Between a narrow street and the seafront promenade, Charme Hotel Henry’s House has a prime waterfront position on Ortigia, Syracuse’s ancient island tourist hub. The thriving port city of Syracuse was once the largest city in the ancient world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ortigia is a tiny gem, home to a maze of winding alleyways of beautiful Baroque buildings, as well as fine restaurants and trend-setting bars that sprawl out onto charming piazzas. The guesthouse is a five-minute walk from some of the top attractions, like the Duomo di Siracusa (Cathedral of Syracuse), Castello Maniace, and the sunken spring of Fonte Aretusa. There’s also a bus stop nearby where guests can hop on a shuttle bus service around the island. It’s a 15-minute drive to the Archaeological Park Neapolis on the mainland, which is home to the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, and vast man-made chamber known as Dionysius' Ear. The closest airport is Catania, which is around an hour’s journey by car.

Rooms have an ornate and eclectic decor that is certainly memorable, though some guests may find that there’s a lot going on, visually speaking at least. Rooms are individually designed -- you'll see lots of vibrant patterns alongside antique furniture. Antique beds form a bold centerpiece and paintings by Sicilian artists adorn the walls. All have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and private balconies. Bathrooms feature stall showers (as well as a tub in Junior Suites) plus free L'Occitane toiletries and hairdryers -- counter space can be limited. Rooms are divided into six categories. Entry-level Double Rooms are compact and have views over the churches and rooftops of Ortigia. On the mezzanine floor, a Triple Room has a king-size bed and sofa bed. For a sea view, options include the Double Room with Sea View, Quadruple Room with Sea View (featuring a king-size bed and living room with king-size sofa bed), or the 320-square-foot (30-square-meter) Junior Suite. At the top end, the Junior Suite with Sea View Terrace has its own terrace overlooking the sea. There is some external noise from travelers wandering the promenade in front of the guesthouse.

The guesthouse has just a few features in addition to its over-the-top style. A small breakfast room serves up a free Sicilian spread with traditional delicacies such as ricotta cannoli, tarts, fruit, and stuffed breads, as well as cold meats and eggs cooked to order. Many guests prefer to take breakfast outside on the vine-clad terrace. However, there’s no on-site option for lunch or dinner. A lounge bar serves coffee and cocktails. Outside, three sun terraces are charmingly secluded in little nooks -- some covered in vines and some with glorious sea views. This part of the city is pedestrianized and Ortigia itself is a limited traffic zone, so the free on-street parking is a short walk away. It can be difficult to find a spot that’s not reserved for residents -- but staff are happy to park your car for you and assist with luggage. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.