Hotel Baia Azzurra

Το πρωινό ήταν πολύ καλό. Η θέα από τον ψηλό όροφο ήταν υπέροχη, και ήταν πράγματι πολύ κοντά στο Isola Bella. Χρειάζονται μόνο 2 λεπτά με τα πόδια αφού το τελεφερίκ κατεβαίνει το βουνό. Για να πάτε στο σταθμό, μπορείτε να κλείσετε ταξί με τη ρεσεψιόν, κοστίζει 10 ευρώ το άτομο και διαρκεί μόνο 5 λεπτά. Το πιο άφωνο είναι ότι τους είπαν ότι θα υπάρχει πισίνα, αλλά είπαν ευθέως ότι οι πληροφορίες στην ιστοσελίδα ήταν λάθος!

L'hôtel Baia Azzurra est bien placé (face à la mer) mais on sent que cet établissement aurait besoin d'un profond et sérieux rafraichissement ! Il dispose d'un parking accessible par l'arrière du bâtiment avec un surcoût de 10 €.

Ottima posizione

The expectations were set high, thanks to those positive reviews. But it appears the reviewers were residing in an alternate dimension because this place was nothing short of a disaster! It's not often when I feel a sense of relief when checking out... Let's talk about the air conditioning, or should I say, the lack thereof. It was a sizzling heat wave, and you would expect a 4-star hotel to provide some relief from the scorching temperatures. But no, that would be asking too much! The AC was as useful as a chocolate teapot, leaving you to roast in your own juices at 30 degrees. Not only that, it was also rattling like a broken washing machine. And good luck trying to address this issue with the reception, who seemed to be experts in the art of sarcasm and deflection. On multiple calls their excuse was that they don't speak English and hang up! Reception doesn't speak basic English in an international 4 star hotel?! Now to the building itself! A poorly maintained relic and showing all the signs of neglect. Crumbling plasterboard walls, questionable wiring, rubbed off paint... How they managed to muster up 4 stars is beyond comprehension. Perhaps by exploiting the gorgeous Italian nature? I dare say it's a 2-star motel at best. And don't even get me started on the so-called "facilities." No pool, no spa, no private beach, no entertainment, not even a working AC. Everything else that is there needs extra payment, like their parking (10€/day), which requires a masterclass in off-road driving to get there. Oh, the regular noise of passing trains is free! As for the pricing, well, it’s a scam! A little booking mistake led to a jaw-dropping 70€ surcharge per night to change occupancy from single to double in a double room (without breakfast). How can this be justified when the same room on Agoda (same date, 2ppl) was 100€? And don't bother mentioning their so-called "price guarantee" on the hotel's web site – they probably laugh at that behind closed doors while ripping you off. And what about breakfast? If not included, that'll set you back a cool 25€. They must think their continental breakfast is fit for kings, but in reality, it's pretty pitiful. Rotten fruit, anyone? Yum!(see photos) I have also seen a small handful of people dining at the hotel (apparently they have a package with dinner) but diners looked tired and unexcited. Lets hope it's the heat. Sure, the location might be somewhat decent, but that's if you're content with sitting on the beach all day, shelling out a small fortune for sunbeds in a local Lido (35€ pp). Otherwise, you'll find yourself isolated with no decent food options or sightseeing opportunities (Bella island is one exception). If you crave a glimpse of Taormina's posh side, be prepared for a 30-minute queue for the cable car for 6€ return. I suggest you consider booking something up the hill. In summary, if you want to live in an overpriced and underwhelming hotel with suffocating rooms - stay in Baia Azzurra. PS.

The hotel is in a great location we had amazing views from our sea facing balcony room. The bedroom was acceptable for a 3 star hotel the beds are very comfortable and cleaned daily, but they could do with more storage space for a 7 night stay. The bathroom was a little worn in places with shower over bath a little fiddly to use but adequate.. The staff are lovely , helpful and friendly creating a pleasant atmosphere with cheerful chat. Don’t expect a cooked breakfast you can have scrambled egg and bacon but we found it cold as it was in unheated trays. There was fruit and a selection of ham and cheese slices and cakes and other sweet items. Overall the hotel is very good located near the cable car to Taormina and a good local bus stop 1.90 euro per person plus other excursions like the hop on hop off bus, local mini market shops. Restaurants in the area are generally good but you can walk up to Issobella along to you right from the hotel up the hill where there some good restaurants.

Amazing hotel - every single member of staff was friendly and helpful, but particularly Pamela on the reception desk. Breakfast buffet was very varied and fresh, we were able to change our room for one with a balcony (although our original room was fine). Hotel 10 mins walk from the beach. Highly recommend.

Be careful when you book rooms without a front sea view. Our room overlooked the car park, which was at ground level so literally anyone walking across could see directly into our room. It was permanently dark, and you couldn't open the shutters. If you had claustrophobic tendencies it would be awful. We tried to get moved but nothing available until the weekend and that would have been for 1 night at an extra cost of £150. I have complained back to the travel company saying they are misselling as no mention of some rooms will have very restricted views (aka or none at all). They maintain it is correctly sold and this is a year later no change to the description. More unsuspecting people will have the amazing view we enjoyed- see below The private beach is not free, you have to pay, last year around £35 for 2 sunbeds. It is cramped and there is no space to freely sit additionally it idifficult to get in and out of the sea - be warned you won't come out looking like someone off Baywatch. There is a pebble shelf - obviously nothing can help that but maybe a heads up - defo not suitable for less abled. The evening meal was awful, so much so we ended up going out each night. Breakfast OK, cold green beans on the menu. The location is lovely and yes you get a view of the sea/bay if you sit on the communal balcony at the front. Sicily love it, hotel nope. Travelled 2023.

On arrival we were shown to our allotted room. I was crestfallen. The room was dark and looked straight at a brick wall and was near the lift. I could not have stayed there for 7 nights! I asked at reception if they had another room. She gave me the key to another room with a balcony and sea view. Perfect. Thank you.

We (me and my partner) really enjoyed staying at this Hotel. We used it as A base for other activities, and travelled around the area by car. In november we parked in the street, walking distance to the beach and to Isola Bella. We had breakfast only one day, and that had what we wanted: coffee, eggs, bacon and fruit. Tasty and good. We enjoyed the breakfast outside instead of in the breakfast-/ dining-room. More enjoyable. We had a small room in the 5th floor, but we managed:-) Close to an outside area and beautiful view. A lot of places are closed, but some restaurants and shops are open. I guess it’s a lot more crowded during season, but we enjoyed the less busy times of the year. We used the car for getting around but it’s close to the cable car, busses and the railroad. We went to Castelmola, nice town in the hills. Went to Savoca, Bar Vitelli, And charming in many ways. Etna is like 1 hour drive from the hotel. It’s beautiful sunsets and sunrises, paddle boats for hiring, boat trips, snorkeling and much more. Nice staff, clean room.