We were in Sicily in April 2002. Taormina - we loved the Villa Fiorita. Siracusa - we loved Domus Mariae. Piaszza Armenia - thank goodness that the Roman Villa was worth the drive because the Park Hotel Paradiso was awful, but we know of nothing else to suggest there. It is very close to the Roman Villa, which means getting into town was hard. The rooms were depressing, the meal overpriced aqnd the tour groups overwhelming. The Villa was, however, amazing. Aggrigento - we stayed at the Grand Hotel Mose in Villaggio Mose, a suburb very close to the Valley of the Temples. It was fine - like a Best Western or a Sheraton, even. Palermo - The Jolly Hotel was terrible - in a terrible corner of town, with no hot water and staff that had become hostile about it. We wished we had stayed in the new, nicer area of town as it would have been much easier to walk back and forth from there. The Jolly does a shuttle bus but not frequently and not very late.

Thanks! Does anyone else wish to share their hotel experiences, recommendations? We are thinking of spending 5 days in Sicily this September.

The Jolly in Palermo was built in the 1950s and really looks its age! It's in an awful part of town, very inconvenient for sightseeing. Near the waterfront, it overlooks depressing land fill from WWII rubble. It is supposedly undergoing renovation, but I would not stay there for the reasons mentioned. Much better choices (in the newer part of town) are the Grand Hotel des Palmes, the Massimo Plaza Hotel, the Hotel Joli, and the budget Hotel Gardenia. These are all very conveniently located to the port, the archeological museum, and the Massimo Opera House, and have good public transportation lines to the central rail station.<BR><BR>In Siracusa, I strongly second the Domus Marie, run by the Ursuline nuns. Beautiful views from the large, modern, sea-facing rooms.<BR><BR>I Taormina, I am fond of the Hotel Villa Belvedere.<BR><BR>In Agrigento, nothing comes close to equalling the breathtaking views from the Hotel Villa Athena, a mere 300 yards from the Temple of Concorde. <BR><BR>Read my reviews of these hotels in the hotel section of this web site.

We are a French Italian couple, we run <BR>If Hotel rooms are not what you are looking for, in the middle of the ancient Greek temples itinerary our Self-catering accommodation http://verdetecnica.tripod.com <BR> <BR><BR>

The Centrale Palace in Palermo is one of my favorite hotels in Italy! I lived there for several weeks for work. It's a converted aristocratic mansion. The terrace has the best views of the city. Ask for a room on the side, overlooking a small yard. PS It's a Best Western member, of all things!

more please!

I have to agree about Centrale Palace. The staff there was extremely kind to myself and two daughters when we were there 2 years ago. My husband and I are going back in Sept. and staying there. <BR>I also agree with what was said about the Jolly Hotel. We were there last May and the staff was rude, the place was totally run down, and the location was not the best. And it is supposed to be a 4-star hotel.