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"Absolutely gorgeous"
The Grand Hotel Villa Politti is not cheap, but it is worth every penny. I stayed there August 2003 with my husband, daughter (aged 6) and brother. Our rooms were large, light, prettily decorated, with balconies, and extremely comfortable beds (a must at my time of life!). The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially the lady on reception, and they were relaxed and funny, especially the bloke in the kitchen with the outstanding tenor voice. The pool was just gorgeous. The hotel itself was also yummy, built as a private villa in the late 19thC in the grand baronial style, but updated to modern comfort levels. The setting was most unusual, with the hotel perched above a sequence of very deep bat-haunted chasms, the remains of the quarries in which thousands of Athenian soldiers perished miserably after their failed invasion. The tops of some of the rocky outcrops have trees, lights, tables and chairs, and we had some delightful early evening drinks out there as dusk fell, before hopping in a taxi to Ortygia. It's also close to the astounding amphitheatre. Will definitely stay there again next time.
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"Just yummy"
I stayed here with family members in August 2003. It's a beautiful building in a spectacular location - on the edge of Syracuse, but perched over yawning chasms in the rock - the infamous quarries in which Athenian soldiers were imprisoned after an ill-advised invasion - terrific views of the sea and the Old City. The rooms we had were delicious, prettily furnished and with balconies. The hotel's swimming pool was also beautiful and a very pleasant environment for some serious lazing about after the exertions of clambering all over the astonishingly huge Greek amphitheatre wh is nearby. The staff were without exception charming and friendly and helpful - for example putting the lights on for us unasked as we had an illicit aperitivo on their stunning terrace as dusk fell, and giving great advice on taxis and restaurants - also charmingly eccentric, like the breakfast chef with the beautiful tenor voice. The rocky chasms are full of bats - we rescued one from the swimming pool early one morning, a delightful close encounter with nature and source of great amusement to our chambermaid. It's not cheap, but it's worth every Euro. Would definitely stay there again.
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"WIsh we could have stayed longer"
Based on the reviews on this web site I had great expectations of this hotel and they were surpassed. On arrival, we were greeted like visiting guests. Our receptionist was extremely helpful with perfect english. She provided maps and suggested 4 different restaurants which she marked on the map, giving description of menus and typical costs. The staff were very attentive throughout our stay. The hotel is beautiful, with a magnificent lobby and a very grand restaurant. Our room was large with windows overlooking the town and harbour. If I have any compaints it would be that the bathroom was rather small, no tub just a shower. Breakfast was adequate - no hot food but plenty of pastries and cereals. The hotel is a good 20 min walk from the old town and taxi cost between 10 and 20 euros (never worked out why!). The town of Siracusa is lovely, lots of small streets with beautiful piazzas. Lots of building work going on so many palazzos were covered up but it didn't make a big difference. Great restaurants and trattorias. Recommend Dionysius Wine Bar who's charming owner is a keen photographer and has great wine.
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"Wonderful experience!"
This is the kind of hotel you wish you could fold up and take with you! Absolutely everything, from the staff to the rooms and location, was the best! Spotless and well thought out rooms. Fantastic grounds and sunny terrace and pool area. Friendly and welcoming staff who couldn't do enough for you, without being obtrusive or grand in any way. We stayed for 8 days and could happily have stayed longer. In our extensive experience of hotels, we have never come across better!
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Air conditioned 
