Excelsior Palace Hotel

Situated along ancient Greco-Roman walls, this 1904-built property features Moorish architecture, ornate balconies, and an old-world elegance. But the real wow factor comes from the stunning views of the sea, Mount Etna, and Saracen Castle. The gate to the Excelsior Palace Hotel is dripping in greenery. Bougainvillea and pine trees border a long set of stairs that leads from the top of the property to a terra cotta terrace with lounge chairs and arched walkways covered in vines. The stairs continue to the outdoor pool that also has lovely sea views from the deck. Interior furnishings, however, could use updating. The lobby features busily patterned yellow wallpaper, a small wooden front desk, and dated decor, though the marble staircase is handsome and there is elevator access. The main restaurant is bright and decorated in light decor with red rose petal accents, while the lobby bar has blue velvet sofas and antique furniture set against yellow and red wallpaper. The romantic views and grounds appeal mainly to couples, especially those who want to be in the city center. 

It’s difficult to top the location of this hotel in central Taormina on a hillside overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. The hotel is on a side street near Corso Umberto, the main thoroughfare in the city, with loads of restaurants, shops, and markets. The sights -- the Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, Duomo di Taormina, the Piazza Duomo with its Baroque fountain, the Greek Theater, and Italian Opera Taormina -- are within a few minutes' walking distance. Walking to the tram that goes to the beach takes 10 minutes, and the hotel also provides a beach shuttle service for a fee. In front of the hotel is a parking garage, the Porta Catania (fee). It’s a 25-minute drive to the Giardini Naxos Beach. Driving to the Catania Fontanarossa Airport takes around one hour.

Rooms have an old-fashioned appearance that’s fitting considering the age of the hotel, but may not be everyone's cup of tea -- in fact many guests aren't charmed by the dated furnishings. Decor includes heavy yellow drapes, satin bedspreads, mid-tone wooden furniture with a few nicks and scratches, and patterned green carpeting or wooden floors. The views in some rooms, however, are beautiful -- all Exclusive Rooms have balconies with views of the Ionian Sea or Rapallo; some Superior Rooms also have balconies and stunning views, while Classic Rooms have views of Piazza San Domenico or gardens. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, safes, and robes and slippers. Exclusive Rooms have free Wi-Fi, but other room categories must pay extra for access. Glossy brown tiled bathrooms, which feel dark, offer hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos with curtains.

The Excelsior Palace Hotel doesn’t have direct beach access, but a long set of stairs leads to a large freshwater pool that’s suitable for laps. Lush greenery surrounds the deck, shading lounge chairs that offer beautiful sea views. The Zagara Restaurant offers poolside cocktails and light lunch. The main restaurant serves a free continental buffet breakfast, and seasonal, a la carte Sicilian cuisine alongside house-made pastries for dinner. The lobby bar, which serves cocktails and snacks -- plus tea and chocolates in the winter -- has a conservatory with panoramic views, and often offers happy hour with live music. There is conference space for up to 450 people, along with several meeting rooms -- including one with porthole windows; audiovisual equipment and business services can be requested. During the warmer months the hotel also provides discounts to a nearby beach club and shuttle service, for a fee. Wi-Fi is provided free in the lobby and around the pool area. The property also has agreements with local fitness centers, tennis and golf facilities, and a spa; poolside massages are available on-site in summer.