Taormina hotel Villa Ducale

3rd time lucky

2010 was a good year for us as we stayed at the Villa Ducale. Mind you, so were 2008 and 2009. As third time visitors, I don’t need to explain that we love this place. Last year I effused about the introduction of the evening drinks and canapés. This year they have extended the use of the balcony to include some relaxation chairs and a sofa. Even better! This year was also our first experience of the rooms on the other side. Here, there was a fabulous double thrill of being able to see the early morning sun over the Bay of Messina before popping down to the unearthly luxury of the buffet breakfast overlooking the Bay of Taormina. Actually the weather was not flattering and I was grateful that we had already seen much of the sleeping Etna on previous visits as it was too shy to make an appearance for a couple of days. This put more pressure on this unique hotel to provide better alternatives for us to enjoy. As ever the team shone through. Paulo, Alisia, Lucca, Antonio, Francesca, Santina, Dylan and all the others we have yet to befriend are an extraordinary resource that makes this hotel what it is. Every day it is a pleasure to discuss options, have arrangements made and outcomes shared. As an example, we were late returning from an island tour (coach problem) and didn’t arrive back in Taormina until 12.15am. It was pouring with rain (some of the worst rain they have seen there in a considerable time). As the tour party left the coach clutching their umbrellas and raincoats, guess who the only taxi was waiting for? And guess who had his taxi fare refunded without question from the coach company? When you’re a guest of the HVD, you have connections in the right places, capisce? I do, however, feel the hotel has suffered this year from its own reputation. More guests staying there were presumptuous of the excellent service and expectant of undue and unnecessary attention. As a regular, I’d ask that people go there to be made to feel special, not if they already think that they are. The hotel promotes a social attitude amongst its guests and those that enjoy it most are those that are prepared to share this wonderful experience with others. If you want big hotel pomp and ceremony, go to a big multi-national and save this beautiful place for those who can appreciate it! I’m looking forward to another visit in 2011 and I have some special plans for 2012 – subject to the approval and cooperation of la mia famiglia Siciliana

Rating by John_the_Rower on Tripadvisor: 5.0 stars