Hotel Caparena

We stayed at Hotel Caparena for 6 nights in mid September. This was our first stop on our honeymoon in Sicily. I give this a 3 star rating based on the following. (NOTE: it would have been a 2 star rating because of the location and hotel aesthetic, but I accept that this is something I should have checked more carefully before booking (it’s not in control of the staff or Group)): Location - Poor. If you want to stay at the hotel all day every day at the beach - this is your place. But if you are using your hotel as a base to go explore Taormina, stay somewhere in the central town. We should have checked the distance, but if you’re unfamiliar with Taormina (which we were), easy to miss and think you can just pop back and forth. There are no restaurants or shops near the hotel. If you want to eat at a restaurant you will need to shuttle from the hotel to Taormina central every day (around 10-15 mins). They do have a good shuttle system (with extremely friendly drivers, please see further detail below). Wouldn’t recommend taxis €20-25 for one way, €40-€50 round trip. Hotel aesthetic - Average. The hotel is extremely outdated. It looks like it was built in the 90s and they haven’t touched it since (it likely would have been 5 star at that point in time). It’s almost like the hotel was built and then forgotten. If you really look at the photos you can tell it’s dated. Also be aware there is massive infrastructure (highway and train) around the hotel. The train runs between the hotel property and the beach, the highway is the backdrop of the hotel - you don’t hear traffic from either but it definitely doesn’t add to the aesthetic. Hotel facilities - Poor/Average. Breakfast service - Average. Not a huge variety. The staff were also touchy about odd things - for example, we were given a bottle of water at breakfast, there was a quarter left in the bottle, I tried to take the bottle to my room to have with my medication and a female waiter walked up to me wagging her finger at me, in front of other guests, telling me I couldn’t take the water to my room. I felt the behaviour was condescending I mentioned this to the front desk staff who took on the feedback with humility - but it just left a bad taste. Wellness centre - Good. Easy to book massages and services, good variety. I had 3 services and each left me feeling very relaxed. Only thing that stop it being great are the obvious age of facilities. Hotel restaurant - Average. Mid range expensive and not the quality of food you expect being in Italy. Room facilities - Poor. Beds are uncomfortable and they do not provide a quilt only a thin sheet. It was mid-20s and I slept with an extra blanket at night. There is no complimentary water offered in the room - you get paper cups to use tap water. No coffee or tea making facilities. No iron or ironing board. You also have no information booklets on how to contact: (1) room service (which isn’t 24/7), or what food is offered, or (2) the front desk. You need to pay for pool towels and you aren’t allowed to use your room towels at the pool or beach. Beach club was nice - chairs are quite outdated, but it’s complimentary with your stay. Elevators are extremely old (you feel like they might just stop working) and were out of service for part of a day. Pool was nice, clean etc, looking at the highway from the pool isn’t exactly a vibe. Hotel clientele I wouldn’t recommend this hotel to couples or young families. There is definitely an age group that this hotel attracts and it’s not targeted to young people. Hotel staff - Average (with 2 notable exceptions) My husband and I had two excellent interactions: (1) Salvatore (one of the shuttle drivers), he was so friendly, took the opportunity to take us on the scenic route of Taormina, pointed out places to go etc. We always looked forward to seeing him when we went out to. Admittedly, all the shuttle drivers were lovely and kind, and (2) Antonella, I think the manager of the wellness club, was excellent, patient, flexible (even when I mixed up the time of one of my appointments) informative and considerate. Some of the front desk staff were also polite and nice to speak to - but this isn’t the hotel where you build a rapport with the staff, they don’t really care why you are visiting. It’s obvious you’re just a number and they are pumping you in and out of the hotel. It’s not something they do on purpose - likely just the culture set by the Group.

Really nice hotel on the beach in Sicily. Rooms clean and spacious and serviced everyday. Staff very friendly and helpful. Fantastic courtesy bus service to Taormina and return. Salvadore was a great driver and gentleman. Did a boat trip and jet ski which hotel staff organised from the beach.

I’ve got to say we were delightfully surprised by this hotel. We booked this place as it was nearby to where we booked our wedding. Travelling with my now husband and our nearly 2 year old. From the minute of walking through the doors we saw how truly nice and special this place was. We just booked a standard room, we were located on the ground floor and the room was a lot bigger than we expected. It was nice and peaceful even being so close to reception in room 112. It was clean, comfortable, well air conditioned. Was just what we needed. We had breakfast included in our price which was continental but had scrambled eggs, bacon, range of cheeses and meats including ricotta. Cereals, pasties and cakes all of the above was of a great standard. You could eat inside or out. The staff in the dining room are even better, gianluca, Gianfrano the waiters and the manager fabrizio. And a lovely lady with short dark hair was amazing with our son, They really made us feel welcome and special, they couldn’t do enough for us. So professional and friendly. We also spent an evening in the restaurant which the food was fantastic. Again great service here too! The beautiful garden and surroundings of the hotel are so picturesque. Nice big pool area including a kids pool. We also spent some time down by the beach bar which was relaxing and I have to mention how lovely the ladies down at the reception area of the beach/shop. Giulia and Maria, so lovely, friendly and helpful. The lobby bar was brilliant Adriano made us feel right at home, so friendly, welcoming and looked after our son if we needed milk warming up, no matter what time of day. The shuttle service from this hotel is fantastic, you pre book your shuttle up and down from Taormina. It’s free too! We loved Salvatore! He made us smile, he was lovely, helpful and genuine. We miss him already!! I have to say, the staff here are a real main reason we would want to come stay again. We live in Sheffield in England but my new husband is originally from Catania, we normally would stay with family but after this trip I know we will be back. Don’t waste any more money staying anywhere else, this hotel offers everything you want and need. Thank you for having us Hotel Caparena! See you again one day I’m sure! Thank you for making our trip for our wedding so special, for the lovely congratulations. You went above and beyond our expectations.