Aretusa Vacanze B&B

LikedThe location of the property was perfect! Very close to everything. Stefano and his family and staff were always helpful and answered all our questions. The breakfast was very generous.

DislikedNothing it was all very good.

LikedWe thoroughly enjoyed Aretusa Vacanze and the care provided to us by Stefano and his lovely family. Amazingly, there were three generations catering to the needs of their guests – from the moment we arrived, by those at the front desk which was managed the whole day, to the amazing breakfast upstairs served collectively, to housekeeping, and to everything in between. Unlike so many other places we have visited, Aretusa Vacanze was a true family endeavor of love and pride. The property was ideally located in a busy commercial area of Ortigia but out of the reach of most passersby. We slept well! Our room on the third floor was enormous, spotlessly clean, with frescoes on the ceiling. It was definitely aged (the sliding door to the bathroom was too noisy to use at night) but had the character you would expect. Ortigia is 1000s of years old! Our room had a kitchenette which, for a two-night stay, wasn’t necessary, but others might value it as a possible respite from restaurant dining. Breakfast was ordered the night before. Nobody cared how much. We had multiple croissants (fresh and crispy) both plain and pistachio crusted; fresh scrambled eggs (too runny for my taste) and bacon; ham and prosciutto; cereal; yogurt; fresh squeezed orange juice (which was actually red!); multiple cappuccinos; and bread topped with Stefano’s father's specialty collection of homemade jams. Amazing. What an assortment and what quality!! It was served in a communal area on the roof which allowed for an incredible view of the ocean. It was also available for our use after hours. I took advantage of it one afternoon to relax with a good book. Stefano counseled us on a few occasions where to eat. He was keen on avoiding the tourist traps and dining with the locals. Once he managed to squeeze us into an otherwise full restaurant using his inside connections. He also arranged for a driver to pick us up at the Catania airport at a cost far lower than than those advertised on-line.

DislikedFor breakfast, the family prefers that guests sit down immediately and be served. As a result, there tends to be multiple individuals running in all directions fulfilling the requests of multiple guests. We wonder if it might have been easier on everyone to provide an open table for buffet serving. Either way, it was fun receiving all the attention! Food was served in a communal area on the roof which allowed for an incredible view of the ocean. It was also available for our use after hours. I took advantage of it one afternoon to relax with a good book. Two suggestions on making this place even better. First, the king bed was actually two twins tied together. Unfortunately, we could feel the rope underneath the sheet. A simple mattress cover would address this easily. Second, the hotel front door was kept locked for security reasons, but there was no button to open it from the inside in the event of an emergency. As a result, we needed a key to get out. We wondered if there shouldn’t be a key left in the lock on the inside at all times, because the thought of running downstairs during a fire and not being able to open the door was disturbing. Other than that, Cherry Wonderdog believed Aretusa Vacanze B&B earned a strong five stars. It was our favorite hotel on our trip to Sicily!

LikedStefano and his family were so accommodating. Breakfast on the roof was amazing

DislikedParking was a little far away, however, that was everywhere in the city.

LikedVery stylish, wonderful breakfast terrace with view to the sea, very helpfulnand friendly proprietors

LikedBreakfast is incredible, with home-made jams and other delicacies. The building is an old facility, refurbished as a hotel. It is charming. It is run by the same family, all incredibly nice people, always ready to help or stop by your table for a chat.

DislikedThe age of the building means that some amenities are lacking. Rooms and bathrooms are small.