Taormina Park Hotel

Tired to some, charming to others, this funky old property is a time capsule of a midcentury Italian hotel. Taormina Park was built in the 1950s as Bristol Park, one of the first hotels in Taormina (though it arrived decades after Taormina’s very first hotel -- now the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, built in the 1870s on the grounds right next door to this hotel). Taormina Park Hotel’s architecture and decor adhere to a classical style, with a coffered ceilings, pink marble floors, and a sweeping grand marble staircase in the lobby, and an exterior made from rough-hewn Sicilian stone and iron balconies. Very little has changed at the hotel in the 70-some years since it opened; the biggest amendment may be that the rooms have been set up with TVs and mini-fridges. Such datedness might be a turn-off for some guests, but most are more than pleased with the hotel’s throwback vibe, rock-bottom (for expensive Taormina) rates, and fantastic location near the Greek Theater, with incredible views of the sea and Mount Etna (35 of the hotel’s 60 rooms offer such views).

Taormina Park Hotel’s location is its biggest asset. It’s set on the Via Bagnoli Croci, a one-minute walk from the Giardini della Villa Comunale -- Taormina’s beautiful public garden overlooking the sea and volcano. The hotel is also adjacent to two other Taormina landmarks: the grand Timeo hotel (the very first hotel in Taormina) and the ancient Theater of Taormina, hilltop Greek ruins that date to the 3rd century BC. From Taormina Park, it is a six-minute walk up Via Bagnoli Croci to Corso Umberto (the town’s “main drag”), then a further two minutes to the Teatro Odeon (Roman Odeon). The drive between the hotel and Catania Fontanarossa Airport takes about an hour.

Of Taormina Park Hotel’s 60 rooms, 35 have with views of the sea, and, on a clear day, Mount Etna. (Rooms on highest floors have the best views.) All rooms have private balconies and all have been outfitted with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning, but those amenities are essentially the extent of any modernization -- like the rest of the hotel, rooms are a testament to the hotel’s age. All share dated decor; expect bright blue padded headboards, thin blue bedding with a sun and moon design, and brown tiled floors. Walls are bare save the heavy wood mirror, which matches the rest of the furnishings. Standard rooms come with a king bed (two twins pushed together), and single, triple, and connecting rooms and Junior Suites (sleeping three) are all available. Most rooms have showers; 20 have tubs. All bathrooms come with toiletries (shampoo and body soap) and a hairdryer and towels are provided. Certain rooms are accessible for guests with limited mobility.

The feature guests most enjoy in the summer is Taormina Park Hotel’s lagoon-shaped swimming pool, which is surrounded by a terra-cotta-tiled deck with loungers and incredible views of Taormina, Mount Etna, and the Mediterranean. Loungers line the pool deck’s perimeter, and there is a covered area with tables, chairs, and bar service. Breakfast is served here in the summer, and in the rest of the year in a large indoor banquet hall with sea views. Breakfast is included in all rates, but the typical spread (eggs, meats, pastries) is not very well-reviewed by past guests.

The hotel has workout equipment outdoors in the lawn and a solarium for sunbathing. The small spa has an impressive range of features: a salt room, a sauna, a steam room, a Kneipp foot path, and an outdoor hot tub. All spa features are free, but past guests have reported that they are often closed. There is an on-site, underground parking lot, where guests can park for a fee. Bikes and cars can be rented through the 24-hour reception, luggage storage, dry cleaning, laundry, babysitting, and airport shuttles can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, and doesn’t require a password.