Hotel Ipanema

“A lovely week in a great location with fantastic staff – I would recommend”

The Hotel Ipanema is a little dated, but in a way that added to the charm of a lovely week away. Rooms are well sized and kept thoroughly clean and well serviced. Lots of cupboard and drawer space and it was nice to have a proper room safe with a key and a mini fridge was nice to chill wine. All ro… more

The Hotel Ipanema is a little dated, but in a way that added to the charm of a lovely week away. Rooms are well sized and kept thoroughly clean and well serviced. Lots of cupboard and drawer space and it was nice to have a proper room safe with a key and a mini fridge was nice to chill wine. All rooms face the same way which gives every balcony a side sea-view. Obviously, the higher floors (4th) have the better views. Christine on reception was fantastic in offering help and advice on local tourist questions and in sorting out a quite room for us (as per my pre-arrival request). We travelled with Jet2Holidays who are always exceptional with their communications and transfer arrangements on the day. We stayed on the half board option. Breakfast was a little limited in range compared to bigger hotels, but there were enough options for us to eat well before of day out. Typically I had bread, rolls, ham, boiled eggs, yoghurt, and fruit each day. Evening meals offered a choice of 4 starters (including salad, pasta, risotto, or soup); 3 main courses; and 4 desserts (2 cakes, fruit salad, and crème caramel). Service was quick and attentive every evening with food served at your table brought to you on serving dishes on tea trolley. A special mention for Vincenzo who looked after us so well. We did not use the roof top pool because the sea was so inviting at Isola Bella. Mario in the bar (who also served in the restaurant) was great entertainment. There is also a nice secluded outside area to sit and lounge or to have your pre-dinner drink or post-dinner coffee. Tourist tips: The local roads do not have pavements but the traffic is respectful of pedestrians and we felt totally safe walking the 40 mins to the centre of Letojanni and 1hr 20 mins to Giardini Naxas for two different days out (just walk towards oncoming traffic). We walked up into central Taormina twice, and used the cable car once (6 Euros) and bus once (1.90 Euros). Walking down from town is much easier but take care on the uneven steps. Great days out to Etna (excursion) and Castelmola (the ride by local bus was entertaining and the views spectacular). The Amphitheatre is a must to see and the local public gardens are worth a stroll. Best value local bars / cafes (Al Paladini – Café - Bellcafé Italia near Isola Bella zebra crossing) and Capriccio (in central Taormina). Finally, shop around – central Taormina itself is very expensive so eat and drink where the locals do.

less

“Lovely!”

The hotel was clean and comfortable and most of the staff were lovely, however it is quite outdated and could do with a revamp tbh. I went half board and the food was fine first couple of days but became quite repetitive. Would have been nice to have some other options instead of pasta, fish and ro… more

The hotel was clean and comfortable and most of the staff were lovely, however it is quite outdated and could do with a revamp tbh. I went half board and the food was fine first couple of days but became quite repetitive. Would have been nice to have some other options instead of pasta, fish and roast potatoes every night and the breakfast was same every morning. Had a lovely room with a sea view though, so that was a plus!

less

“Did not meet expectations ”

Hotel in need of updating. Very 'rustic' feel. Staff helpful & nice. The hotel was clean. The bedroom also. Bedsheets/ towels changed every other day. Change of towels available every day if you want. Bathroom small. To have a shower or bath means having to squeeze past the loo or the basin to clim… more

Hotel in need of updating. Very 'rustic' feel. Staff helpful & nice. The hotel was clean. The bedroom also. Bedsheets/ towels changed every other day. Change of towels available every day if you want. Bathroom small. To have a shower or bath means having to squeeze past the loo or the basin to climb into the bath cubicle, which has worn-out sliding doors. Tiny to shower in, I kept banging my elbows. There is plenty of hot water, though. The air conditioning system is great. Hotel situated in a busy area just off a main road. No pavements to walk down to the few bars & shops & it's dangerous in places - in my opinion. The fridge in the room broke down & wasn't replaced til I insisted 2 days later. Staff said the remaining fridges are being removed altogether. * This is not ideal for travellers who need to keep medicines cool* The area of Ipanema Hotel is in Mazzero - not in Taormina. Ok, for reaching the pebbly beach, but to actually visit Taormina, you'll need the cable car at €10 for a minute return trip or a walk up to Taormina via a steep staircase of 300 steps. We felt a bit trapped there. There are bus stops by the cable car that open directly onto the busy road. The hotel food was very basic. Silver service in the evening, which seemed totally unnecessary. No fresh fruit at breakfast or dinner. Breakfast fruit was usually prunes or sliced pineapple from tins! Dinner dessert was 'fruit salad' ( if you count 2 types of hard melon & sliced kiwi as a 'fruit salad') on offer every evening, along with creme caramel. There was a different cake on offer each evening. The starters weren't too bad, with a choice. We usually had the pasta. All in all, it is not good value for money in an outdated hotel. We won't return.

less

“Needs to update decor, pool and food”

Clean room and bathroom. Staff very friendly apart from Restaurant Manager who was surly unless you were a group of ladies. Christine in reception very helpful. Very dated decor, our room had no drawers. Limited electric sockets, could be upgraded with USB ports. Weak wifi. Dinner service very tra… more

Clean room and bathroom. Staff very friendly apart from Restaurant Manager who was surly unless you were a group of ladies. Christine in reception very helpful. Very dated decor, our room had no drawers. Limited electric sockets, could be upgraded with USB ports. Weak wifi. Dinner service very traditional and dated as well. Silver service from flats and tureens. Large portions of starters, main courses meat/fish, one veg and potatoes reminded us of school dinners. Really need to change their service to plated.feels like no one has ever questioned why they are doing the same thing they did in the 80s. Roof top pool needs renovating, tiles broken, shower area needs a refurb.

less