Hotel Villa Greta - Taormina

9.0

We occupied a room for 3 (I think 33 was its number), situated at the highest level of the hotel. We had an amazing view from our balcony: Etna, to the rigth, the sea in front and Taormina between us and the sea. We did not regret not having chosen something much closer to the city center - it was really worth climbing a few stairs more! The room was OK and the bathroom was very spacious (endowed with 2 sinks). Only the bed for the 3rd person was not in the same line with the rest of the things: not very comfortable, as the matress was not thick enough... but you usually expect that from an extensible armchair. The staff was very, very nice; even though they usually served breakfast between 8:00 and 9:30, they were very flexible about this schedule if you asked them to (we had to had breakfast at 7:00, as we went to Etna one morning). 15 minutes to the city center, without hurry - not a problem for those wanting to burn some pizza calories! Besides, the location is pretty close to the castle and to the upper city - Castelmola - which is worth seeing as well!

6.8

it is very high (and far) located from the historic center.

7.6

I arr. at Taormina bus stn at approx 8pm. I think Hotel Greta could improve their service my arranging for a taxi to meet clients arr. by bus after evening arrival flight at Catania? Especially since they are sited with beautiful views of Etna but a little inaccessible for the traveller on foot!

8.0

Rooms were good. View excellent. Management/owner were excellent in trying to help and make our stay enjoyable, very polite and responsive. Hotel is up the hill from the center of town and the walk down to town wasn't bad but the climb back could be tough, and I'm in shape. Not the place to stay if you can't walk.

7.0

vale la pena pagare il prezzo gia solo per la vista di taormina dalla terrazza del ristorante. la posizione è ottimale per arrivare al centro di taormina (al ritorno è un po faticoso ma si puo fare). nel complesso una buona scelta per stare a taormina qualche giorno. adatto a coloro che vivono poco la camera.

7.9

graziosissimo albergo a conduzione familiare, molto gentili e disponibili i proprietari, molto conveniente la mezza pensione, vista bellissima, qualche scalino per raggiungere l'albergo ma la posizione è incantevole! Solo i vini sono un po' troppo cari, del resto Taormina è bellissima ma molto cara!

5.2

Positive points: the view from the room was great(the Villa is located high up on a hill), the staff quite helpful (provided map of the city and indications on how to get there from the Villa), the general surrounding was very lovely (it's like a big mansion on several floors/levels with flowers, trees and plants everywhere), the breakfast was pretty good Negative points: our double room was small with low ceilings, the walls were paper thin (you could hear your neighbors whispering!!!), bathroom was small, the shower wasn't that great either Overall, it's a nice place to stay because of the surrounding area (Taormina is a really pretty town, and you get a great view of the sea and Etna from the Villa), but I found it a bit over-priced given the size of the room and the facilities. Also, if you decide to walk into the center of the town, be prepared to walk down (and back up) many many stairs (not necessarily well lit at night)! Nb: some rooms had a balcony/terrasse with a table and chairs - they might be nicer than our room which was located in a side part of the Villa

4.7

Be careful if you heavy luggages, there are 72 steps to reach your room if you arrive by the lower road, but the view is gorgeous. The rooms are small and the style is rather near of a 1/2 pension hotel for a long stay

7.1

Great views from this hotel above the centre of Taormina. Friendly and efficient welcome from the multilingual owner. Rooms arranged in several connected blocks on a very steep hillside. Access on foot to/from the centre is 10 minutes but very steep indeed. Parking possible outside the hotel, impossible anywhere else in the centre of Taormina. Half-board evening meal was acceptable but not really the advertised Sicilian specialities. Wine and drinks relatively expensive, but this is Taormina. The hotel was very popular with German groups. Because of the vertical situation the map is confusing, but the hotel is well signed once you reach Taormina from the main road - just keep going up in the direction of Castel Mola.

8.1

Very warm welcome. Excellent food. Showers didn't work well.

5.8

Although the view from the room is breath taking and the staff is really nice, the rooms themselves were in need of cleaning (especially the bathrooms) and the cot for the third person needs to be replace.

5.5

The strength of Hotel 'Villa Greta' lies in its location. Beautifully positioned on a hill it overlooks the vast surroundings of Taormina, the Mediterranean Sea and above all Mount Etna. The hotel areas, especially restaurant/breakfast room, use this opportunity to the maximum. Other positive characteristics are the above average quality of the home-made food and wine, the multi-lingual and personally caring staff and hotel assistance for car/scooter rentals. Point of improvement, as far as experienced ourselves, are staff/manager's care of luggage carrying: the hallways and corridors in the hotel are very narrow and have a lot of steps, which makes carrying large and heavy luggage a challenge; staff haven't assisted us in this at all, both at arrival and departure. The hotel room had space for two, though was equipped with heavily used furniture and clearly used carpets. Arguably acceptable for a **-hotel, but recommended replacement considering the hotel price paid. Same counts for the bathroom: small, but functional. Cleaning staff kept all tidy. The only window with sea/Etna view was blocked by a tree, which was however compensated by a nice terrace immediately in front of the room entrance door. Regarding the website information: it is suggested that information about any hotel is put in absolute rather than subjective terms; e.g. instead of 'village is close' put 'village is 2.5 km walking distance with steep stairs'. Pictures presented of this hotel have given a realistic view. Overall, the 4-day stay was pleasant, despite 2 days of rain. Hotel 'Villa Greta' is recommended to adventurous and physically fit people who consider walking and climbing as a challenge, as well as go for great home-made food and wine in Sicilian style and for the surroundings rather than hotel inner luxury.

10

very enjoyable stay

10

I cant reccomend this hotel more highly. I would rather stay here than any of the top hotels that I have stayed in back in London. The family who run this place are fantastic and the food in the restaurant is superb. The sun terrace overlooking the bay and Mount Etna was at the time the greatest place on earth to be. Everyone should stay here, it is amazing.

4.2

The hotel is far away from the center of Taormina. The view from the hotel is the best thing there is to enjoy. The washroom in my room was old and decrepit. I'll come back to Taormina but I'll search for a better hotel closer to Taormina as this one is closer to Castelmola.

8.1

Verbal instructions from the hotel make it easy to find. The hotel although old is charming and the staff pleasant. The views are wonderful and the food delicious - the Euro 40 extra charge for halfboeard for 2 adults and 2 children was well worth it. The rollaway beds forthe children were a little uncomfortable but OK, and the locks on the doors could do with replacing, although it is not a security problem (it takes 5 minutes to get the key in just the right place to lock/unlock the door!) Worth a return visit!

7.5

Great location.Very good dinner(half board).Basic rooms however,not very confortable and small(we were four people in a quadruple!) Hard to find.No indication in town.It should be precised in center town that you have to drive up.

2.8

Room extremely dirty and small. Friendly owners but, by far, the worse and most expensive hotel we stayed. We left earlier than planned

3.9

Although we did not specify that we required a room with a terrace, we were under the impression that all rooms would have terraces. We were not offered a better room after we complained after our first evening that we were not happy with the room. We stayed for 4 nights and although the hotel was not full after the weekend, nothing else was suggested to make our stay more pleasant. We paid a penalty for two nights and left Taormina. I would suggest that the website advises travellers to have a car when staying at this hotel, as the stairs to the main centre were quite exhausting. The bathroom was also very small, and the water pressure low. Beautiful view from the terrace, but our room was not good value for money.

8.7

A very nice hotel, has beautiful views and nice rooms. The breakfast good and the staff were friendly.

7.2

Good meal and wonderful sightseeing! Just a remark: specify in the website that there are no elevators available, this is a strong limitation as the hotel has a lot of stairs! there could be many problems for handicapped or even old aged people

9.2

A perfect setting--and especially enjoyed the balcony--even though it was an uphill walk from the town it was a pleasant stroll. A lot of steps but the price you have to pay for the Etna view. Morning coffee could have been stronger for the British taste. Would like to visit again!

7.0

Very nice for a one star hotel.

7.5

The rate quoted to use over the internet was not what we were charged. The rate turned out to be about 25 Euros more per night. The shower stall in the bathroom was very small and the door was a bit tricky. If you are a large person there is no way you can fit into the shower.

9.2

We found the welcome excellent and the food very good, especially the day's menu, though less able people would find access difficult, both Reception and rooms being accessible only via steps and terraces. Elena and her brother were extremely helpful, and there is a service bus from town which passes the entrance - useful to the weary!

7.9

A lovely place on a variety of levels perched on the cliff-side. Rooms are a bit basic but clean. 10 minutes walk down to town, though 20 minutes back (and all uphill, so not for the unfit) Definitely value for money.

7.9

VG is really geared to the summer visitor. The rooms are small and there are many lovely outdoor common areas but no place indoors to hang out besides the rooms and that meant on the bed. The bathrooms were clean but had the smallest showers I've ever seen--however, they worked and had plenty of hot water. The staff was very nice but seemed reluctant to offer suggestions about places to go or eat. Most of the guests were from Germany and seemed to be on a meal plan and we felt the staff expected we should eat dinner there as well. Overall, it was a very nice, comfortable place.

6.4

The hotel has a magnificent view of the town of Taormina. The driving directions were not very clear and we ended up approaching the hotel from the beneath, walking up 8 flights of stair. The concierge then told my husband to go up and around to the top entrance which then required us to go down two flights of stairs to the room. There is only street parking which is not very convienient and the hotel was being renovated so there was much construction going on. The rooms were decent, clean and they did have a pretty veranda from which we had a magnificent view of the ocean, Mt. Etna and the town. For the price, it was reasonable.

9.7

This hotel is not for the faint of heart or weak of leg but the views are worth it! It's like waking up in an eagles nest. Lots of steps and narrow passages, heavy baggers beware. Hotel staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Parking is possible but tight. Breafast is good. Shower is a tight fit. Even the moderately overweight are likely to need to settle for a sponge bath. However the breathtaking view is well worth all the obtacles.

5.9

The location is ok as it is easy to walk to and from Taormina. We were not given the best of rooms, some had their own verandah and view of Mount Etna - however the surroundings were pleasant. I disliked the bathroom and shower and there was barely enough room to walk between the bed and wardrobe. Taormina is very expensive so on the whole the hotel and it's prices must be recommended.

7.4

Beautiful view from the hotel. Good food. Very difficult to find, no localization mentioned on website. Towels not daily refreshed.

8.2

It is impossible to fault the friendliness and helpfulness of the owner and the staff at Villa Greta. We were on HB and the food was of a reasonable standard and based on Sicillian specialities. The Hotel layout itself is idiosyncratic to say the least given that it is built on the side of a hill (125 steps from the front door to our room)and seems overgrown with all sorts of plants - though the overall effect is both unique and (when it is not raining) rather wonderful. One could forgive any faults given the views which areectacular - Etna in one direction, the sea in another, the hills behind. The only criticisms would be the bedroom which was sorely in need of renovation and the fact that there was no real lounge area where one could relax over a drink.

9.6

Finally we found an hotel where you feel like home. Welcoming, restaurant and service are perfect. We recommand this hotel without any hesitation.the view from your bedroom or the restaurant is fantastic ( Taormina downtown,sea,and the famous Etna) Thanks to all the staff we had a great stay...see you

9.9

Excellently located hotel in a fantastic city. Well worth it!

7.8

I enjoyed my stay at Villa Greta. The view from the breakfast room was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable. I would recommend the hotel to others.

4.9

No airconditioning and an awful lot of steps to climb any time you want to go anywhere. NOT for the unfit traveller

2.2

this was a totally horrible experience. The room was small and very very old fashioned - it was like being in my dead granny's spare room - 35 years ago! The bathroom was dirty, and the toilet leaked, making it really noisy. When we complained to the landlord and decided to leave, they charged my credit card without my authority, claiming that we had cancelled our reservation, whereas in fact, we were only excercising our rights as unhappy customers. It is truly the worst experience I have had, and my recommendation is never, ever stay there. There are many, many other accommodations that are much more beautiful for the same price!

3.5

We've had an incredibly small room without air conditioning...it was demanding to stay overnight. There might be other (better) rooms in the hotel but the one we got for the night was really lousy. The only highlight was the view of Taormina and the bay from the hotel dining room.

8.1

The only disadvantage with this accommodation was the steep walk to Taormina, which took about 5minutes going down the hill, and 15mins comming back up! The accommodation did have great views over the bay. The proprietor spoke very good English and was very helpfull. They did offer a transport service to a beach a little bit out of the town, however we did not avail of this.

3.4

All my other experiences with "Venere.com" have been very good. In fact, last week I gave very high ratings to La Pineta in Erice. However, "Villa Greta in Taormina" was perhaps one of my worst experience. Although I paid for two nights, but decided to move out after first night to "Hotel Bel Soggiorno in Taormina" (which was excellent).

7.0

I had not enough information from the air port to the Hotel. Therefore I must use taxi for our delaied arrival. After that I found another airport close to the hotel. The location of hotel was not clear from the home page.

8.0

Beautiful and unique surroundings with very friendly and accommodating staff but a slightly overpriced room.

7.1

the extra beds were uncomfortable; the road nearby was rather noisy. The view was extraordinary. The staff was - especially for germans - very friendly and helpful.

4.8

THE SINGLE MOST OBJECTIONABLE FEATURE OF THIS PROPERTY WAS THE FACT THAT WE HAD TO CARRY OUR BAGS UP AT LEAST TEN (10) FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. FOR ANY ELDERLY CUSTOMER (WE.RE OVER 70) THIS PRESENTS A HARDSHIP, IF NOT A DOWNRIGHT RISK OF CARDIAC FAILURE. ONLY AFTERWARDS WERE WE INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A TOP ENTERANCE REQUIRING YOU NAVIGATE ONLY 2 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. I AM NOT ANTI-GERMAN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE AT THE VILLA GRETA AND THE WHOE TOWN OF TAORMINA WAS GERMAN - I WENT TO GERMANY LAST OCTOBER AND ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH - IF I WASNTED TO RETURN TO A TOTALLY GERMAN ATMOSPHERE, I WOULD HAVE GONE BACK TO GERMANY, NOT ITALY! AS IT WAS WE LEFT A DAY EARLY AND PAID THE OWNER FOR THE FULL TIME - NOT GRUDGINGLY.

8.5

A very enjoyable stay. Have already reccommended this hotel to friends and colleagues.

6.3

This is a fine hotel, although the rooms are a bit cramped and it is located far from the town center. However, the view of Mt. Etna from the breakfast room is worth the cost alone.

9.1

We loved our stay at the hotel. The owners and their son took very good care of us. The views from the hotel were extraordinary. The ambience, as well. The only thing I would not do over again would be to eat their traditional Taormina meal, buffet. We were tired on our arrival and did not feel like walking, so we tried this meal. It was ok. The meals in the restaurants in the main square were much better. We would definitely stay at this hotel again. We hope someday to be able to. Thank you for your service. Mike

3.6

The room was very small or tiny, no parking available as specified. Breakfast was good. Resturant food offered was good,but, expensive. The view was excellent.