Page 51 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

stay (ask “C’è uno sconto per due/tre/quattro notti?”).

In the cheaper places especially, you can always ask to see the room before you
take it (“Posso vedere?”) – and check if it’s en suite (“La camera ha un bagno
privato?”) or air conditioned (“C’è aria condizionata?”). It’s worth noting that
smaller, inexpensive places don’t have much in the way of heating in the winter – you
can freeze in some of the older palazzi.

TOURIST TAX

The Sicilian authorities have introduced a new experimental tourist tax (of €1–1.50
per night) in recent years, levied in several cities, towns and even whole islands.

It’s not yet in place everywhere, but in cities such as Catania, it’s charged to anyone
spending a night in a hotel or B&B; and in the Aeolian Islands to anyone travelling in
via hydrofoil or ferry, or even on a tour boat. We’ve noted all the places that levy
the tax in the Guide, but it remains to be seen whether the effort and cost of
collecting and administrating the tax will be deemed to make it worthwhile –
however, don’t be surprised if other major tourist destinations decide to introduce it
as well.

Private rooms and B&Bs

Private rooms (camere, affitacamere) for rent are common in beach resorts and on
the Aeolian and Egadi Islands. Facilities vary, but the best are clean and modern, with
private bathroom and often with a kitchenette. Prices start at about €50, with
variations depending on the season and location – in August in Taormina and on the
Aeolians you might pay as much as €100 a night for a room. Breakfast isn’t usually

included, but is sometimes available for an extra charge.

Recent years have seen a huge growth in the number of “bed and breakfasts” (as
they term themselves). Pretty much every Sicilian town now has some B&B choices,
all liberally signposted as you tour around, and in many places they’ve taken over
from the old-fashioned family-run pensions. Many are actually little different from
private rooms, with the owners either not living on the premises or not always

available throughout the day – often, you have to call a mobile phone number to
summon attendance. Prices start at around €30 per person per night, usually for an en-
suite room in a nicely maintained building where you’ll get a flavour of Sicilian home
life. Some B&Bs are truly magnificent, based in remarkable Baroque palazzi or
elegant country houses, and you can pay as much as €90 per person. The southeast
particularly has lots of B&Bs, and tourist-friendly towns like Siracusa, Ragusa,
Modica and Noto are awash with stylishly converted old homes. Check the very useful

websites of Bed and Breakfast Italia ( bbitalia.it and venere.it).