Hotel Villa Sonia

The hotel is located in Castlemola - just above Taormina. The location (not in Taormina) is not a problem at all as there is a very convinient public bus as well as hotel (free) transport provided to / back from Taormina and to a fantastic beach. You will need a car if you plan to travel elswhere - i.e. Etna (woth a visit) or other places... The hotel is fantastic, rooms of good size, very clean and decorated with love in antiques (the owner obviously loves them as there are some wonderful pieces throughout the hotel). The room was with a spectacular terrace overlooking Etna... place is quiet, well maintained (lovely pool + children pool), there is a small gym space (dont expect a fully kitted gym but you dont really go to Taormina to spend your time on a treadmil) and the staff are wonderful... Giuseppe and Adriana at reception are just so very special, warm, kind and helpful (speak both English and German) and could not do enough to make our stay pleasant. We spent lovely 6 nights there and had a wonderful meal at their restaurant Parco Reale - the veal and sea bass were spectacular (best ever), the smoked fish starter was wonderful and the restaurant staff were lovely. I have to mention Marie (probably didnt spell it right) and Giuseppe (the Owner) who both were wonderful as well. We would more than love to come back and will recommend to anyone. It is close to Taormina but yet a breath away from the noise and hustle and bustle. Although we indeed found the place to be appealing to mature couples (as per some other reviews) and we were the only couple witha small child, we did not find it a problem - our little boy was well looked after and we had a good time. Have to mention breakfast - selection was superb and always fresh. We'd recommend: - using their beach service (hassle free transport, good service and good price - €7.5 per person to include transport, lounger, umbrella - good value in that part of Sicily) - beach with a pool which our son loved, good service and lovely restaurant/bar - drinks to your umbrella! - eating in the hotel restaurant - not very cheap but worth the money - great food and superb wine - relaxing by the pool - sooo quiet! - visiting Etna - eating out in Castlemola (other lovely restarants there) - eating in the owner's brother restaurant La Griglia in Taormina (lovely food+ 10% discount) - trying the almond wine... divine! And do be nice to Giuseppe and Adriana - they are both lovely.