Hotel Condor

Dating back to 1968, this charming little place has been owned by the same family for decades. The four-story stone building is situated on a hillside, which provides spectacular views of the sea and surrounding area. Lush potted plants and trees line the walkway to the entrance through wrought-iron doors. The lobby is cozy and welcoming, with tourist brochures on display and umbrellas by the front door for guests to borrow. The small front desk doubles as a wine bar, and there's a flat-screen TV on the wall to keep guests up-to-date on the latest news, sports, and weather. A desk is equipped with a computer for guests to use. The atmosphere here is relaxed. Most guests are couples, drawn here by the hotel's budget rates and location just outside the city center. 

This hotel is situated in a quiet residential area just outside the historic city center, which can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, with views of the Ionian Sea and mountains. There's not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but valet parking is convenient for guests who have cars. The main street is a short walk away. The cable car that provides access to the beach is about a four-minute walk from the hotel, and a free shuttle runs to the beach. Taormina-Giardini Station is about 10 minutes away by car, and the Catania Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are basic, but bright, with Mediterranean-inspired color schemes in blue and yellow hues, plus quartz-chunk tiled floors, and clean-lined simple wood furniture, some painted in pastel shades. Its not the freshest look, by any stretch of the imagination, and old patterned bedspreads don't do much to update the style. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are tiled and come with bidets, hairdryers, showers, and basic toiletries. Economy Rooms lack windows, but some rooms have furnished balconies with gorgeous views of the sea. Others have limited sea views or look out on the courtyard. Family Rooms have a sofa bed for extra sleeping space. An apartment in the annex has two bedrooms, a living and dining room, and a kitchen. 

This simple hotel doesn't offer much in the way of features, but a free continental breakfast buffet is served daily in a casual breakfast room. When the weather is nice, guests can dine on the terrace, with gorgeous views of the sea and surrounding hillside. The terrace is available all day, and there's a wine bar in the lobby. There's also a solarium, which is another nice place to hang out and take in the views. A desk in the lobby provides a computer for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.