Hotel Romano House

From the street, Hotel Romano House looks like a typical Catanian hotel set in a Baroque building. Inside, though, the property is a beautiful mix of old and new. The hotel’s main building is the one-time family home of local aristocracy, and its vaulted entryway is where horse-drawn carriages once entered to deliver the home’s well-off residents and guests. This hall leads to the airy reception, where double-height ceilings capped with glass skylights allow natural light to stream in. The walls are painted a warm, creamy shade of eggshell; the floors are finished in cool gray wood; and the furnishings are sleek and minimal. It’s here in the lobby, where you can see the 18th-century building joined by modern construction, that Hotel Romano House’s distinction becomes apparent.

Opened in 2010, the hotel attracts European, American, South American, and Asian travelers, many of whom are there on business (the hotel is near Catania’s historic and business center, near banks and commercial buildings). Leisure travelers come through, too, often for a night or two at the beginning or end of their stay in Sicily. Like many hotels in Catania, Romano House is independently run; its sister hotel is the beachfront Romano Palace Luxury Hotel, where Romano House guests get free access to the beach and pool. This perk, along with Romano House’s beautiful atmosphere, modern and comfortable rooms, and central location, makes the hotel a strong selection in the city.

Romano House is located in Catania’s city center, near commerce, restaurants, nightlife, and historic attractions. The walk to the opera house (Teatro Massimo Bellini), Piazza del Duomo (and its beautiful Baroque Cathedral of Saint Agatha), and the Palazzo Biscari takes about seven minutes. Walking in the opposite directions, guests can reach Giardino Bellini, the oldest public garden in Catania, in about 10 minutes. The hotel abuts the neighborhood of San Berillo, one of the oldest parts of town. It is a 12-minute walk between the hotel and the train station, though this area can feel a little sketchy, especially at night. Budget 15 minutes to get to Catania Fontanarossa Airport by car or taxi.

Each of the 50 rooms at Romano House is slightly different in its own way. Some on the second and third floors feature spectacular frescoed ceilings that have been beautifully restored. All rooms contain amenities like flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are modern and sleek -- a rarity in Sicilian hotels -- with walk-in rainfall showers (some Superior rooms have bathtubs) and boutique bath products (shampoo, bath foam, body lotion, and bar soap). Suites have extra perks like bathrobes and slippers, which are available by request in other rooms. Suites and the Junior Suite are appropriate for families; just note that some are bi-level. There are also single rooms, and a handful of Superior and Deluxe rooms that can sleep three. Some rooms have standing-room balconies, while the Junior Suite has a private terrace.

Breakfast is free at Romano House; the spread focuses on local products like eggs, bacon, focaccia, salami, cheese, and ricotta cannoli. Granitas are offered in the summer. Espresso drinks are can be ordered for free. Room service is available throughout the day, and half board rates are available for groups on request.

The hotel’s bar is open all day with drinks and light food, like salads, toasts, sandwiches (including the Ulisse, with olive pate, mushrooms, and chicory), meat and cheese plates, and desserts like fruit sorbet and gelato. In the summer, the hotel opens its rooftop bar, an atmospheric haven with a fountain and pretty lights.

Other features include a meeting room and a tiny 24-hour fitness studio off the roof deck. A nice perk is that Romano House guests get free access to the pool and private beach at Romano Palace Luxury Hotel, a sister property on the water. Laundry service and parking are both available for a fee, the parking at an external lot located just around the corner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.