Hotel Borgo Pantano

Make no mistake this is s superb hotel with excellent facilities and the resturant is brilliant. The main accolation has to be the staff who were not onlt attentive but knowledgable and extrememly helpful. The shuttle bus service was also excellent but to allow full sightseeing and access to Siracusa and especially Ortigia the hours of running could be extended. To explore away from these two areas a hire car is essential and as with all Italian areas the minor roads need an assured brave driver (& passengers)

Excellent hotel. Borgo Pantano is a former farmhouse complex about 15 minutes outside Siracusa. The hotel consists of several buildings with a stunning restaurant on the grounds. Rooms are pleasant, large and offer the amenities would expect in an upscale hotel. After finding that hotels in Siracusa or Ortigia were booked or offered no parking (we were driving around Sicily in a two week vacation), I found this hotel which has proximity to Ortigia, has on site parking, offers a 15 Euro per room shuttle to the city, and is located among citrus groves outside the city, offering a beautiful setting and quiet. The restaurant is superior and the staff extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the food and wine. The Directrice of the restaurant is always attentive to the tables and very welcoming. Surprisingly, even the house wine by the glass wines were exceptional. The reception staff takes the time to explain not just the amenities of the hotel but provides extensive information about what to see in Ortigia and offers summaries and maps as well. After driving into Siracusa the first day to see the Archeological Park and the Catacombs in Siracusa, we decided, based ont that experience, to use the taxi/shuttle the next day as parking in Ortigia is nearly impossible. This proved to be a good decision. We stayed only two nights as our agenda was a circuit tour of Sicily; however, we met other guests who were staying for a week to enjoy the impressive pool and grounds, while taking short excursions into the city. One of the best hotels we have stayed at. The restaurant alone makes the stay worth it.

So much has already been said about this beautiful hotel, but it really is very special. We are a mature couple who have travelled to Sicily several times previously so we really just wanted to spend our time reading, relaxing and enjoying good food and wine and the hotel certainly delivered in all areas. The staff without exception were all wonderful, service always with a smile and we enjoyed our chats with them so much. My husband celebrated his birthday and they made him feel very special. We were well aware that the hotel was situated in the countryside, but did not feel the need to hire a car, but took advantage of the hotel shuttle service to Syracuse and Ortigia, but we were always happy to return to the tranquility of Borgo Pantano. Much has been written about the wonderful breakfast and indeed it is a feast, but I would also like to mention the evening dinner, we stayed half board and were able to select 3 courses from either the daily special menu or the al la carte. I can honestly say the dinner was superb and the risotto was the best I have ever tasted, all accompanied by some great Sicilian wines. Thank you for making our holiday so enjoyable.