My husband and I stayed here for a few days of rest and relaxation following a fascinating but tiring few weeks touring Turkey. We couldn’t have chosen a better place. Perched high up, the hotel has incredible views over the coast and Mt Etna from their stunning terrace, where guests can have breakfast, dinner, predinners and afternoon teas, and to our delight, our large, immaculate room had its own balcony where we could sit and enjoy the same marvellous outlook. This alone would be more than enough to recommend it, but this hotel also comes with wonderful staff. All of them are polite, welcoming and helpful, but I feel I must especially compliment Paolo, Alessia, Antonio and Santina who are each tremendous assets to this hotel. Paolo, Alessia and Antonio are there to check you in, give helpful advice on where to go, what to do and how to do it, and ensure your stay goes smoothly in every way. Alessia also makes a fabulous Bellini! Santina creates the wonderful food at the hotel, from beautifully served afternoon teas, platters of antipasti in the afternoons, dinner menus, even the table covered each day with homemade cakes, all of it delicious. One afternoon we lost a shopping bag down in the town and I was particularly upset as among other things it contained my trip diary which, after travelling for some weeks, was of very special value to me. Antonio did his best to trace our footsteps for us, but with no sign of the bag. The very next morning, Alessia came to me carrying the bag, with all its contents intact, after a relative of hers had found it in their shop and actually tracked us down from my references to the hotel in my trip diary! I was so overwhelmed by the kindness and honesty this showed that I could hardly speak. And one of the nicest things about all this was the way Alessia and Paolo shared our relief and delight. The hotel provides a regular shuttle bus to the town and back, but there are also local buses, so it’s never a problem to pop down for some great lunches and shopping. The Sicilian ceramics available in Taormina are excellent, and there are many examples displayed throughout the hotel, in particular the stunning ceramic-topped tables out on the terrace. We didn’t hire a car during our stay, and took advantage of the hotel’s private car service which took us to and from Catania Airport, with polite and punctual drivers. The only detail which I feel we should point out is that as this hotel has such a commanding position high above Taormina and the coast, guests need to be prepared for steps. However, don ‘t fret about managing your luggage – there’s a fine, strapping young man (I’m embarrassed to say I can’t recall his name) who takes charge of it for guests, and always with a beaming smile. As I’ve said, this is a marvellous hotel, with a truly outstanding staff. Thank you again, Paolo, Alessia, Santina and Antonio, for making our stay so special – we’ve told so many people about our stay, and recommended the hotel to so many, your ears must surely be burning!

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

A home away from home. We spent one week at the small luxury boutique Taormina hotel Villa Ducale with our young daughter in october 2010. We especially appreciated the warm welcome upon our arrival and the genuinely very helpful staff. The view from the breakfast and dining room is spectacular! The hotel is perfect for a romantic get away or a quiet , relaxing holiday. Our room was vast, charming and always perfectly clean. Dining at the hotel offered an unparalleled experience of the regions delights prepared with a touch of home cooking, coupled with a fine selection of sicilan wines. The hotel offers panoramic views with the convenience of a regular shuttle bus service. Paolo and Alessia will welcome you as family. Don`t forget to try the pistachio cake!!!! We couldnt resist the temptation and ended up brining one home, curtosy of our welcoming hosts.