Alla Giudecca

“Stay At a hotel with connections to the 5-6 th Century .”

We stayed two nights here coming from Cantania , we were driving and when we got to Ortigia the medieval district driving became impossible to reach the hotel by car , the streets were to narrow . We had to park near the waterfront take our luggage to the hotel , then park the car in a overnight ca… more

We stayed two nights here coming from Cantania , we were driving and when we got to Ortigia the medieval district driving became impossible to reach the hotel by car , the streets were to narrow . We had to park near the waterfront take our luggage to the hotel , then park the car in a overnight car park and walk back to out hotel a half mile away . This building was not originally a hotel but was a home in the 1500’s during the Spanish Inquisition. When the Spanish came the original building housed Jewish baths underground that were built in the 5-6 th century . They sealed off the baths and built above them . The Jews left for Northern Africa and Northern Europe and abandoned Siracusa. The building became abandoned as well until 1986 , when someone bought the building to convert it into a hotel. That is when they found the underground Jewish Baths , unsealed them and now gives tours . Imagine from the 1500’s until 1986 these ancient Jewish Baths were just sitting there under water . They now have a system to drain the water that comes from underground springs so that it doesn’t flood. The place is charming , the rooms are nice size luckily we had a room on the 1st floor. The room floor is uneven and has a small ledge which can really cause injury if you are not careful. The hotel is centrally located in the Medieval section of Siracusa near sights , the water , churches ( the Huge Duomo ) shopping , and many very good restaurants . The front desk closes in the middle of the day for a few hours and so does the underground tour. Friendly staff , when we needed more towels they were very accommodating. Everything is within walking distance even the Archeological sites . The breakfast room is okk the usual continental breakfast but will make omelets and cappuccino. It was satisfying and kept us full until lunch . . The ambience is really nice , we enjoyed our stay here . BUT remember there is NO parking . Street parking which is around on the water side is reserved for residences only . You have no choice but to use the parking garage $15 per 24 hours , which I thought was very reasonable. I would recommend this hotel if you really want to immerse yourself in medieval culture .

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“Okay, with lots of room for improvement”

Where to start -- The hotel is in a great location and beautiful. We arrived between 5:30-6pm and the staff had already departed for the day and left the key in our door. One problem, we couldn't figure out to open the door with the skeleton key. Luckily someone working in the shop below was abl… more

Where to start -- The hotel is in a great location and beautiful. We arrived between 5:30-6pm and the staff had already departed for the day and left the key in our door. One problem, we couldn't figure out to open the door with the skeleton key. Luckily someone working in the shop below was able to show us the trick in opening the door. Echoing other reviews, the staff didn't ooze customer service, rather they were rather perfunctory with their interactions with us. While there was a mini stove, sink and some dishes, there was no kettle to boil water or tea or coffee in the room. There was one (!) wine glass (for a room that slept four), no coffee /tea mugs. There was no dish soap to wash the dirty dishes and the cleaning staff didn't wash them after the first day. I had to ask the front desk to have them washed as they don't supply dish soap. There was one hanger for two clothes cupboards. The cleaning of the rooms was poor, at best. There was wall dust on the floor in the one bedroom and living room, and what looked like corrosion flaking from the mirror in the bathroom that didn't get wiped up while we were there. Some of the "clean towels" smelled musty. The breakfast was basic, but the omelets, cornetti and occasional fresh fruit was good.

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“Identity crisis”

Fantastic location and unique historical building. Each unit is completely different, some are very large two bedroom apartments and others crowded small double rooms for the same price. HOWEVER it should only have a 2-3 star rating at best, definately not set-up to cook and self cater. Our suite h… more

Fantastic location and unique historical building. Each unit is completely different, some are very large two bedroom apartments and others crowded small double rooms for the same price. HOWEVER it should only have a 2-3 star rating at best, definately not set-up to cook and self cater. Our suite had no cutlery, cups, galsses or cooking utensils ect. The room had not one comfortable piece of furniture, just a rock hard small loveseat for two people to share and a couple cheap Ikea patio chairs in kitchen. We stayed for two weeks in room 8 , bed was made daily and towels changed but room never cleaned once in 14 days. floors never swept, cobwebs on ceilings and bathroom growing black mould that worsened each day. he walls had giant chunks of plaster falling off that were never swept up and the one loveseat was stained. The hotel reception was never open and I only ever saw one overworked staff member who did an admirable job setting up and cooking breakfast but also doulbled as only room cleaning staff. The buildings main floor felt abandoned and the pictures on the internet showing cozy warm public spaces are false. There was NO shared public rooms to sit and relax ( Library, Reading or Music rooms) or NO outdoor spaces for guests use either. This hotel has immense potential but suffering from identity crisis- no real hotel services provided for guests BUT also not set-up to be a short/long term rental either due to lack of basic amenities and supplies in rooms.Rates should be 1/2 the price.

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