Hotel Vello d'Oro

Centrally located in Taormina, this hotel provides clean, comfortable rooms with stunning views. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and convenient access to the city center. The restaurant is highly recommended.

Over-all, I was very happy with this hotel. The location is reasonably central -- just walk down some long steps to the main tourist street. I was lucky to have a balcony with a view overlooking the water. But there are decks that any customer can use. The staff were friendly and the breakfast was pretty good by Italian standards (where cakes tend to be served more than eggs). My main complaint is that it seemed that air-conditioning wasn't available until 15 June, although it was fairly hot earlier in the month. There was also some singing until midnight wafting up from a nearby outdoor restaurant, but I liked the music so it was fine. I also find it annoying to have to drop off/pick up my room key every time I go out, but that's pretty common with European hotels.

Excellent experience at this hotel - it isn't the fanciest, but it is clean, safe, well located, the staff is very kind, and the views are OUTSTANDING. My room was only for one person (twin bed) but it was sufficient. Few people go to Taormina to stay in their rooms. My balcony overlooking Mt Etna and the Ionian sea made up for any lack of square footage in the room. The hotel arranged a taxi for me to and from the airport, which was helpful. There is a very loud bar that plays live music every night (other reviews also mention this)...I heard it but was able to sleep through it. Perhaps if you are a light sleeper, maybe ask for a room in the front of the hotel, not the back