Romano Palace Luxury Hotel

Drive through the black iron gates flanked with pink and white flowering bushes and you'll find yourself on the 60 acres of manicured garden grounds that make up Romano Palace Luxury Hotel. The lobby includes floor-to-ceiling tiled columns and a tall wooden statue of an ancient man holding a blade and hammer. A row of one-armed sofas is lined up in the corner, with windows behind them and Queen Anne wooden chairs in front. Circular skylights in the domed ceiling are accented with tin ornaments. One door is decorated with a cheetah painting. The low-lit Egyptian bar has a sexy vibe with animal print chairs. Outdoor terraces are set with white furniture and planted topiaries that give off a romantic feel. Most guests are couples on vacation. Though children are welcome, there isn't much for them to do besides hanging at the beach and swimming pool, which is more about reading quietly than splashing.

The hotel is located on President Kennedy Avenue, a street with many seaside resorts along the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches are packed with private changing facilities and rows of sun loungers in the summer, but the area is extremely quiet in the winter. You also won't find much in the way of restaurants or shops in the vicinity. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is only a five-minute drive southwest and the center of Catania is about a 10-minute drive north for those who want to eat and explore the Baroque architecture there. Parking at the hotel is free and plentiful.

There are 104 rooms and suites at the Romano Palace, and though each is super clean and provides modern comforts, the decor is a little bland. They're certainly comfortable, but an injection of style and a few upgrades would be needed to make this a true luxury property. Classic and Deluxe units are basically the same, with the exception of a view which can include the garden grounds or swimming pool. The Triple Room has a double bed and a twin bed. Decor includes tile floors, white crown molding, and walls painted in soft colors. Some beds are covered with lipstick red coverlets while others have a gold covering. The Japanese Suite doesn't have many Asian influences besides a red screen decorated with Japanese characters. Most rooms have shower/tub combos with soaking tubs, travertine tile, and generous vanities.

Features at the Romano Palace are designed for relaxing and lounging. The crown jewel of the property is the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool with hydro-massage. White loungers, stylish molded chairs, and landscaped gardens surround the space. Food and drink service is also available. For a fee, guests can use the changing facilities, lounge chairs, and picnic pavilion at the beach across the street. The restaurant Coriandolo gets high marks for fresh seafood and Italian dishes at lunch and dinner. An Egyptian-style lobby bar serves cocktails and wine. A free breakfast is served on the rooftop patio alongside views of Mount Etna. Though the hotel advertises a spa, in reality it has a single treatment room with outside therapists called in for those who want massages, which can also be performed in guest rooms.