via Leonardo da Vinci 60, Taormina, Italy | (937) 315-4602
Located on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the distance
Lovely dining terrace with panoramic views of Giardini Naxos Bay
Large sundeck with whirlpool
Cheerful guest rooms -- most have balconies and nice views
Breakfast buffet included in the room rate
On-site bar and restaurant serves light lunches and romantic dinners
Free shuttle into town
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and in some common areas
Smoke-free hotel (a con for some)
Pets allowed
Seasonal hotel closed from November through March
Some rooms are tiny and the decor is a touch dated
Wi-Fi signal not available throughout the hotel
Long walk down and up a hill to get to town and back
Charge for parking
This beautiful boutique hotel was converted from a traditional Sicilain villa, and was renovated in 2012. Villa Ducale is situated in a fantastic location, overlooking the town of Taormina and close to many of its popular attractions. With sophisticated and elegant decor, the three-and-a-half pearl hotel provides a memorable getaway while maintaining a homey atmosphere. The gorgeous dining terrace provides stunning views of the bay, which can also be seen from the balconies of many of the 17 guest rooms. Rooms are clean and lovely, though some are cramped and the furniture and decor may look a little dated to some. There is also a beautiful sundeck with a whirlpool, where guests can relax while taking in the Mediterranean air. If a swimming pool is important, try the nearby Hotel Villa Carlotta, but expect higher prices.
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Scene
A bright, inviting hotel surrounded by lush plants and flowers
The lobby is bright and airy with a neutral palette and lots of natural light, which contributes to a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. It has a blond-wood front desk and hardwood floors, various sitting areas with comfortable-looking light-blue armchairs and couches, and a stone wall with a fireplace. The lobby also has a small bar area, where cocktails or tea can be taken. The grounds are compact, as the building is nestled into a cliff adjacent to neighboring buildings, but a variety of plants and bright flowers planted all over the property do much to enhance the exterior of the hotel. Guests (mostly international couples on holiday) are often welcomed to the hotel with a glass of Prosecco.
Location
Located on a mountainside that overlooks Taormina on the edge of of the historic center
The Villa Ducale is located high on a mountainside, overlooking the town of Taormina with sweeping views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos Bay. It's just outside Taormina's historic center but close to many popular sights. Here are some approximate distances:
Rooms
Well-maintained and lovely, but a little dated
The cheerful, individually decorated rooms manage to be both relaxing and homey. There are Double Classic Rooms, Double Superior Rooms, Junior Suites, and Deluxe Suites. All the rooms, minus the Junior Suite, are decorated with beautiful patterned tiles and include pale-colored walls, large armoires, and framed images of animals. They also all come with comfortable, plush beds, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and safes. Some of the larger rooms have separate sitting rooms, and furnished balconies with views of the bay. Bathrooms are charming and attractive, with glossy tiled floors and white-and-blue-patterned tiles. Some come with large tub and shower combinations, while others have stand-up glass showers -- both with rainfall showerheads. Bidets, telephones, reed air diffusers, bathrobes, and toiletries are standard. Overall, these rooms are clean and nicely maintained, but a bit dated and old-fashioned looking.
The Junior Suite is much more contemporary than the other rooms, with white walls and light-gray decor. It also comes with a few extras, such as a skylight, sitting area, and a tiled balcony that overlooks the bay. The bathroom is also much larger and modern, with a huge tiled shower, a skylight and bench, two sinks, and a sectioned-off area for the toilet.
In addition to the rooms on the property, the hotel also offers fully furnished apartments, and a gorgeous villa through nearby Villa Carlotta.
Features
Dining terrace with panoramic views, sundeck, and outdoor whirlpool
One of the most memorable features of the hotel is the dining terrace, which has huge floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a stunning panoramic view of the Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. Guests can sit at the cafe-style tables for a daily, free Sicilian breakfast buffet. They also serve lunches and dinners throughout the day, but the restaurant books up quickly, so reservations are a good idea. A small bar provides cocktails and wine. The hotel has a beautiful wood sundeck surrounded by gorgeous plants and flowers. Guests can lounge on the cushioned daybeds or in the small canopied whirlpool and take in the view of the historic town and Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Wi-Fi is free, though the signal doesn't pick up throughout the hotel. There's a free limited shuttle that brings guests down the hill into the city center, but expect to pay for parking. Pets are allowed at Hotel Villa Ducale.
