Page 283 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

wondered what rock stars do in their spare time? Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, a

devotee of Taormina, plumped for opening a four-star boutique hotel, high on the
Castelmola road above town. It’s a swish, contemporary take on a traditional villa,
with terrific views from soaring picture windows, a pool and a terrace restaurant. The
staff are especially friendly. It’s a steep walk from Taormina itself, but there’s an

efficient shuttle to town and beach, and a bus stop directly outside. €220
Villa Belvedere Via Bagnoli Croce 79 0942 23 791, villabelvedere.it.

Comfortable rooms in soothing pastels, most of them with balconies with fantastic
views over the marvellous pool and lavish gardens to Etna and the sea. There are also
several garden suites as well as mini-apartments with cooking facilities. Look out for
good deals online. Rooms €195; apartments and suites €300

Villa Carlotta Via Pirandello 81 0942 626 058, hotelvillacarlottataormina.com.
Splendidly sited above the sea among abundant subtropical vegetation – the roof

garden has spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea (very romantic and candlelit
at night), and a terraced garden with a small pool is set among citrus and olive trees,
bougainvillea and mint, lying between the walls of an old chapel and remains of a
Romano-Byzantine cemetery. There’s a comfortable, homey sitting room with books,
games and snooze-inducing sofas, and all the stylish rooms but one have bathtubs.

Good deals on the website. €220
Villa Schuler Piazzetta Bastione 0942 23 481, villaschuler.com. This lovely old

hotel has been in the same family of German émigrés for a century, and retains the feel
of an elegant family-run pensione (they take no tour groups). Decor retains a quiet
vintage feel, without being overstated, there are great views from its rooms and
terrace, and a beautiful garden behind. Worth checking the website for special offers.
€150

Villa Taormina Via T. Fazzello 39 0942 620 072, hotelvillataormina.com. A
superior four-star that oozes old-fashioned charm – and with only eight antique-filled
rooms, the feel is more private house party than hotel. It’s also blessedly quiet, off the
main drag, and with a terrace that has a hot tub and excellent views. Check online for

the best last-minute deals. Parking and beach shuttle available. Closed Nov–Feb. €220

HOSTELS AND B&BS

Casa Grazia Via Iallia Bassia 20 0942 24 776, casagrazia.com. You won’t find
accommodation much cheaper than this in the centre, nor with such positively
mothering management. Most of the basic but clean rooms have fridges, private

bathrooms and balconies – the best ones are at the top, with use of a panoramic
terrace. Free wi-fi. No credit cards. €70

Josepha B&B Vico Zecca 31 0942 628 871 or 348 844 2971, bbtaormina.com.