I understand about the pool. The San Dominico Palace is well located and often described as one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy. I didn't choose it because it was larger and I believed more Americans stayed there and I wanted a more European feel. However, the Timeo added about 40 new rooms, so it is now a big hotel too! I meant to go take a look at the SDP, it was pointed out to us from a distance, but I loved the Timeo so much, I knew I would always go back there. They treated us very well, giving us one of their best rooms! Be sure to visit when you go to the Greek Theatre and walk out on the terrace. Our room had the same view - you won't believe it! The SDP is said to have a great view too, but from where I saw it located, it appeared to be primarily an ocean view. Some of this forum have stayed there, I think GAC, so you might put out a question about it. The Timeo view is of a garden, followed by Taormina, followed by the coastline. It will probably be much handier to have a pool at your hotel with the children (I have 3, but they are all grown), but in case you can't get a reservation at the SDP, the St. Andrea (I think is the name) sister hotel to Timeo has a beautiful property on Mazzaro at the beach. The water is very blue and I have recommended it to my daughter for her honeymoon. she wants to be on the beach and I want her to try the Timeo, so I told her she can stay at the top with the views and spend the day at the beach too if she stays at the Timeo. We ate at a great place, reasonably priced on the beach there and I am just now going through all my notes. I don't think I posted it on my European Luxury Hotel Report. I may add restaurants to the report later. It will be hot in August, so don't forget a hat! I forgot mine. The ruins in Naxos cover a large area, although not much remains, so if your children are younger and need to run around, it would be a great place to explore early in the day before it gets too hot! You are so fortunate to have relatives in Sicily! I wish I did! Take care, Kay

Kay,<BR>Thank you for your input. I would love to try the Grand Timeo - it sounds so lovely - but I know my 11 year old would enjoy the pool. Yes, we are lucky to have family there - it's acutally my parents house, and they for the entire summer. They are about 45 min from Cefalu. We go every couple of years. It does make things a little diffcult because they expect you to pretty much just stay there. <BR><BR>We do try to pick a couple of other locations to see every time we go. It is difficult to get around from their town. Up and down all the mountains, but it is nice to experience this way of life (they're about 200 years behind the times I think!) Nice for the kids to experience.<BR><BR>Anyway, thanks for your input, I guess we'll still wit the SDP (I hope its worth the 600 Euros per night!!!)

Answer to Kay: when I stayed at the San Domenico Palace many years ago, I had a corner suite which reportedly was used by the German Field-Marshall Commandant during WWII. Needless to say, it was a very good room, with an even better view! The Timeo is roughly the equal of the SDP, some will prefer it, others not. In this league, it's very difficult to go wrong!

Hi GAC, thanks for the info. I thought you were the one that had stayed at the SDP! I really think the room makes all the difference. Sounds like yours was fantastic! <BR><BR>Mary, my room was only 366 Euro a night for a sea view room at the Timeo. Check out the web page for the Villa Sant'Andrea in Taormina Mare. It doesn't have a pool, but has a beautiful beach for the children. If you decide to stay with the SDP, be sure to report back and give us all the wonderful details. I took my digital camera and have some great photos, so whenever I catch up at work, I will set up a web page and post a few. Have a great trip. I have heard Cefalu is beautiful too. I would love to hear more about it because I want to go back to Sicily and many have recommended Cefalu. Take care, Kay