Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 095 250 03 45;
www.ilprincipehotel.com
; Via Alessi 24; d €109-189, ste €129-209; )
This
boutique-style hotel in an 18th-century building features luxurious rooms on one of the
liveliest nightlife streets in town (thank goodness for double glazing!). Perks include inter-
national cable TV, free wi-fi, and fluffy bathrobes to wear on your way to the Turkish
steam bath. Check online for regularly updated special rates.
Forty new rooms were added in 2012. A whole new wing of the hotel, adjacent to the
original building, and a wellness centre and solarium are planned. More expensive suites
have spiral staircases leading to a second level and marble bathrooms with Jaccuzis. Some
of the rooms have little natural light, so check before committing.
Hotel Novecento€€
( 095 31 04 88;
www.hotelnovecentocatania.it
; Via Monsignor Ventimiglia 37; d €70-120)
An elegant hotel
at very reasonable prices. Inside, the art nouveau interior gives it a classy feel and bed-
rooms are decorated with turn-of-the-century furnishings. There is no restaurant but
breakfast is served in the hotel cafe.
HOTEL
UNA Hotel Palace€€
( 095 250 51 11;
www.unahotels.it
; Via Etnea 218; s €99-125, d €125-175, ste €201-329)
A top-end hotel in
a city that's badly in need of some seriously upmarket options, UNA brings a bit of city
slick to Catania. Part of an Italy-wide chain, this hotel has a gleaming white interior, pol-
ished service and good rooms. The top draw are the views of Etna from the 7th floor
rooftop garden bar that serves cocktails and aperitifs at sunset.
The six ivory-coloured floors lead onto equally sleek white rooms, with contrasting
black-frame beds and gold lamps, and the white-black-gold combination is repeated
across the four-star hotel. It has a gym and a Turkish bath, though sadly no pool. The
views of the smoking cone of Etna from the rooftop terrace are mesmerising, so make
sure you grab a few drinks and enjoy. It's posh all right, but prices drop significantly in
winter.
HOTEL
