Taormina, January 28th 2010 – Hotel Villa Carlotta was chosen again as a Best Luxury Hotel by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® awards. Now in its seventh year, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.

For reviews on the Hotel Villa Carlotta go here .
For the complete 2010 Travelers’ Choice list, go here.

Villa Carlotta staff is very proud of this fantastic award that truly wishes to share with all our guests and all the people involved directly and indirectly with our hotel. This will be considered only as a start to improve more and more our job in order to make this magical place always better and better.

We are pleased to share with you some reviews written by real travellers who stayed in our hotel this year; you can find them in the web published in the most popular travel social network in the world.

“Bliss”
A superb hotel in an excellent location 5-10 minutes' walk from the centre of Taormina. We had a junior suite which was spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and had gorgeous views. The whole hotel is decorated in a tasteful, understated, Italian style. I don't think I've encountered more helpful staff in any hotel - just the right mixture of friendliness and formality and unbidden "hesitant volunteering" of suggestions. Food was first-rate. The terrace at the top of the hotel is every bit as enticing as the website shows it to be, and breakfast matches it. The hotel claims not to have a restaurant, but the reality is that the "snack" menu provides an excellent range of meals (pasta dishes,etc) that most people would find more than adequate. However, Taormina is also blessed with excellent restaurants. I didn't take a computer with me to enjoy the wireless access. However, the bar area on the entrance level has a laptop (with a relatively slow connection) that is adequate for most purposes and does not seem overused.
Parking in Taormina (and navigating the town) is not easy. If you drive, by far the best option is to pay the money to have the hotel park your car. They never took more than 5 minutes to have the car back at the door for us.
Taormina is an excellent base for exploring the Eastern part of Sicily. There is absolutely nothing to fault about the Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina, and much to praise. If there is a better hotel in Sicily, it must be truly amazing. We had a most enjoyable and restful week.
Chilternwelshman, Chalfont St. Peter, UK, jan. 2010

“Fabulous, couldn't ask for more”
My husband and I spent five days staying here during our honeymoon in Taormina. We were in a beautiful corner room on the second floor with views of the ocean and the pool. It is a close walk to town, although we didn't realize until day two that you can get into town by going left as well as right when you leave. It is a very walkable area.
The top thing about this hotel is the service and concierge. My husband got bronchitis while we there and within an hour we had an appointment with a doctor in the town center, my husband had been seen and we had prescriptions in hand. The funniest thing is as we were trying to find the office in the center of town one of the guys from the front desk (who was in town picking up newspapers) appeared and pointed us in the right direction.Ask them for suggestions on restaurants. They never led us astray. We had amazing meals based on their advice. When we asked for assistance planning our Etna trip they suggested an excellent route (we drove) that gave us a real flavor of Sicily. They also recommended we visit the Gambino vineyard on the side of Etna. It was a highlight of our trip, where we did a tasting with food pairing of cheeses etc.
Also take advantage of the free internet and the DVD collection. We watched tons of movies at night and during a day we were rained in. There's a great selection of books. I actually donated a bunch before I left to lighten my suitcase. A major plus of our room was a long hallway with luggage racks and an armoire separate from the bedroom with a sitting area. I was a tad disappointed our room didn't have a large balcony we could lounge on like the room next to ours but our room seemed to be bigger than that one.
The breakfast spread is excellent and the ambiance can't be beat. The pool is nice. The hotel can arrange for a free shuttle to a nearby nice beach but you have to pay (I think) 10 euro a person to get on there. The beaches are also quite rocky. We'd go back in a heartbeat.
Sarks, Philadelphia, Jan. 2010

“What a Place - Excellent - Fantastic location and warm Staff”
We stayed at Villa Carlotta for 10 days on our honeymoon and the hotel was simply fantastic. Our room was excellent – great bathroom/shower, plenty of space, and complimentary WI FI.
One of my favorite things about the hotel was the breakfasts. You have never had a more amazing breakfast. What they served was totally homemade--the desserts, the juice, the breads, the jams, the savory foods.
What made our stay truly special, though, was the care and attention shown by the staff and the owner. They even treated us to a bottle of wine and snack plate on our arrival as a honeymoon gift.
All in all, if you have the opportunity to go to Taormina, do whatever you can to stay here.
MerloBergamo, ITALY, Dec. 2009

“Wonderful”
We stayed for a weekend last month for my partners birthday. We arrived on Friday night when it was already dark, so were stunned by the wonderful view when we got up in the morning. The weather was great during our stay. We upgraded to the delux room, which meant that we had dual aspect and two small balconies. One looked out over the sea, and one viewed Etna in the distance. Fantastic !
We were surprised at how quiet the hotel was, even with the windows open. A great change from the noise and background drone of London.
The buffet breakfast is excellent, and I loved sitting on the roof overlooking the med even more. Wonderful on a November Monday morning in the bright sunshine when you know all your work colleagues are in the office already beginning work.
The hotel arranged a trip for us to have a private driver/guide to take us up the volcano. Rather pricey, but well worth going to see.
The town itself is very touristy, but in a chic rather than tacky way. There are restaurants at every turn, and many of them were much cheaper than we would expect to pay at home. Its low season, so there wasnt many people about. The food and service were good everywhere we went, and we found that everyone spoke English. Great !
GN&CBm, Sussex, Nov. 2009

“Exceptionally good”
We paid a little extra for a de luxe room which lived up to its name being of a very good size (probably the largest room we have had in Europe for anything like this price) and well appointed.Breakfast is taken on the top floor where you can eat inside or on a terrace outside with gorgeous views over the sea and/or Etna. Whilst the range of food available for breakfast was similar to other places the quality of many items, and their presentation, was much better. For example instead of plastic pots of supermarket yoghurt there were glasses with excellent plain yoghurt with a dash of fruit based sauce in the bottom and some real fruit on the top. And on one of the two days there were small individual tarts with a pastry base, a form of egg custard and pieces of fruit on the top which were quite excellent.
There is not a restaurant as such, but one can get quality snacks and drinks in the breakfast area all day and at a push one could make a full meal out of what is available. There is also a small, comfortable bar on the ground floor (with free internet access – a nice touch).
The staff were all extremely pleasant and helpful – indeed impossible to fault in any way.
Valet parking is available (and necessary) at E15 per day. This is simply the best hotel I have stayed in since starting to contribute to TA .
PercyVeerance, SE, England, Nov. 2009

“The Most Beautiful Hotel in all of Sicily”
My family and I went to Sicily for Christmas last year. We had the pleasure of staying for three days in the beautiful town of Taormina, Sicily, The best part of our stay was the Villa Carlotta. The Hotel is beautiful, the service is impeccable, and the staff is terrific. We had a two bedroom suite that overlooked the sea and the beautiful gardens. This was one of the best Hotels in all of Italy. If you have a chance to visit Taormina I would recommend this lovely hotel. It is five stars all the way. I forgot to mention the wonderful breakfast every morning that is served in the most beautiful dinning room over looking the Ocean. Every morning my family was serenaded by a bag piper during breakfast. Thank you Villa Carlotta for making our Christmas Holiday a vacation we will never forget! I would definitely stay here again.
Jcastiello, scarsdale, ny, October 2009

“Fantastic”
Apologies to Villa Carlotta for not having written this sooner, the slow pace of life we experienced in Sicily quickly vanished when we returned Home.
Wow what a place! It is a complete sensory experience, from the spotlessly clean Hotel, large bedrooms with great views, to the fresh cinnamon smells wafting through the hallways, the wide selection of food served at breakfast, plus of course the staff who simply couldn’t do enough for you.
Mornings on the terrace overlooking the clear blue sea and to your right the smoking Mount Etna were simply breathtaking, and something I will not forget.
The Hotel has a modern twist but still exudes a tradition that you expect from a top class Hotel, the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff was exceptional.
Nothing was too much trouble, they were happy to make recommendations on anything from Restaurants to Tour guides, to Beaches (take the complimentary shuttle bus to Stockholm) a lovely little stretch of beach (with again some of the friendliest staff you will come across, with a great little restaurant serving fresh seafood). There is so much choice when it comes to eating out in Taormina, in the evenings it was always a pleasure to stroll through the town and choose where best to eat.
Sit back enjoy a drink, window shop, people watch and soak up Sicily, it is a truly memorable place and I am desperate to return, Hotel Villa Carlotta would be top of my list!
zozocrispin – surrey - Jul 2, 2009

“The BEST in Taormina, hands down”
I spent 4 nights at the Villa Carlotta with my best friend in a 40th birthday celebration. The hotel and Taormina were the highlights of the trip. Upon arriving at VC, the beauty of the hotel and surroundings, the helpfulness of the staff, escorting us upstairs for a welcome cocktail and snack (wonderful cookies made by their local chef). The sights, sounds, smells were all so inviting at VC. The rooms were stylishly decorated, very clean, had an amazing balcony view of the sea, the staff met every request with a smile and professionalism, and directed us exactly where to go in town. We took advantage of their cooking class with the chef, Aurelio, who took us to the market to shop and then later returned to the hotel to cook an amazing 4 course meal that was unforgettable!! We also enjoyed the free shuttle to the beach for the day. The breakfasts upstairs overlooking the sea with the homemade pastries and a full selection of everything from fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, champagne and wonderful coffee were a delight to wake up to. The location was a perfect little walk to town and just far enough to walk off some of the wonderful dinners. Everyone says that Taormina is very touristy, but we seemed to find the local charm and didn't want to leave. Villa Carlotta is my favorite hotel in all the vacations I have taken to Italy.
Lisaannmack - raleigh north carolina - Sep 13, 2009

“A wonderful experience”
My husband and I stayed at this hotel in July when I was attending a conference at the hotel san domenico. We decided to stay at a different hotel especially after reading some the reviews of this hotel. We picked Hotel Villa Carlotta because of its amenities and we were very happy with our choice. We had a suite on the 3rd floor with spectacular views. The rooms were tasteful done and room service was excellent. The staff took care of all our needs. They had 2 dozen roses in our room when we arrived ( at my husbands request). Some guests commented that the pool was small but I found it quite adequate. The hotel was so quiet and restful with beautiful views at every turn. Breakfast was one my favorite parts of the day, not only for the food, but also for the views from the top of the hotel. It was a great way to start the day. All of the food was homemade and consisted of authentic siciian items. We rented a Vespa and were able to park in their gated court yard free of charge. I will definitely be reuturning.
Joanne99NY - New York - Sep 10, 2009

“Perfect Escape”
Although not planning a holiday this summer we decided that a short break with guaranteed sunshine was required. A week and 2 flights later we were at hotel Villa Carlotta. From the first evening we were made so welcome by all the staff on duty and it just got better during our 3 day stay. All of the staff were so helpful and genuinely friendly especially towards our 3 year old daughter. Our room was in the tower of the hotel and made our daughter feel like a princess. The hotel's roof top restaurant provided the most superb views of Etna and the bay - what a place to enjoy a cool drink and excellent food! The time we spent at the pool seemed a million miles away from home and was the perfect escape.
NorfolkBling – Norfolk - Sep 2, 2009

“A littel piece of paradise”
Amazing hotel, stayed for honeymoon, its idylic. only 23 rooms, so v private, the atmosphere at the pool is gorgeous, as rarely many people there, almost guaranteed privacy, loungers spread out from eachother, serve lunch to tables under private canope. lovely balconies to sit in peace. Highlight is breakfast, what an utterly divine setting, the sea melts into the sky in the distance with Mount Etna towering over.
the staff are so professional, they are there for your every need yet in the very most subtle quiet way, best hotel staff i have experienced.
A private but transfer to the beach with towels provided, its all wonderful!!
also fab location, 5 min stroll to Taormina and delicious rests.
defo stay here!
DuvetDay – Ireland - Aug 4, 2009

“Excellent Experience”
My husband and I spent the last leg of our honeymoon at the villa, and we were not dissapointed! On arrival the helpful staff explained very thoroughly about the local area and provided us with an informative map of the local area which made getting about Taormina very easy. All hotel facilities were explained thoroughly and we were provided with champagne and fresh fruit in our room on arrival. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful,. doing their utmost to make my new husband and I feel very special indeed. We stayed in a lovely spacious and very comfortable room, equipped with satellite tv and a library of DVD's at the reception on request. The sea views from our room simply took our breath away. The hotel is fairly small and suitably quiet and laid back - a perfect location for a honeymoon getaway. Reception staff were also very efficient in arranging any excursions and kindly provided us with a packed breakfast to take along with us on our early morning start.
Breakfast was provided on the third floor and once again, offered the most breathtaking scenery accompanied by delicious food. There was a huge choice in food, ranging from fruits and cereals to meditteranean salads, omlettes and quiches with a lovely selection of different cheeses and a mouthwatering selection of pastaries. Breakfast was a real hightlight of the day for us. Our only regret was that we were not able to stay longer. I would definitely recommend Villa Carlotta to all. In fact, we are alreadly planning a return visit!
mad_cow2009 – London - Jul 30, 2009

“Top of the line accomodations”
Stayed here for 2 nights on our trip to Taormina. Hotel is beautiful, and located a 5 minute walk from the center of the city. It's very nice and quiet, and has beautiful rooms. I used the pool every day we were there and even if it is not very big it is sufficient since the hotel does not have any children staying there, adults don’t stay in the pool all day so no problems. We had a very nice room (102) overlooking the pool with a nice view. Room has LCD TV and DVD. Internet is free and this is a plus. Parking is 15 Euros a day something I read a lot of other reviewers complain about, but honestly, 15 euro a day to park in this town is a bargain so I really can’t understand the complaints. There is a free shuttle to Lido the Stockholm (beach). In summary this hotel is highly recommended.
M747 - Oslo, Norway - Jul 26, 2009

“A very personal service, just like my home in England”
I found this Hotel in trip advisor, I stayed eight days with my wife, when I arrived the staff were very professional and low key, a free drink arrived without us asking, on the very beautiful terrace and we were overcome with the best panoramic view that we have ever seen in the world. Agit' and Fabritzio organised my anniversary private Mass in a local church,the romantic evening meal, and we finished the day with Sicilian music in the garden.The next day we ended breakfast with dolci' freschi', and the receptionist Ricardo advised us to hire a scooter to see the local sites. We had a perfect wedding aniversary.Thanks to the professional and personal service at Villa Carlotta. Every thing was easy to book, the Church ,flowers and restaurant. thank you with all our hearts.
lesjohnson11 – Tarporley - Jul 25, 2009

“Amazing Hotel - Not to be Missed”
We stayed at the Villa Carlotta for 4 days in a junior suite from 3rd July - it was marvellous, beautiful decor, stunning sea views and faultless service - we were so pleased to have chosen this hotel.
The location was ideal for the beach or the town, and we would walk into town for dinner each night. There was a shuttle bus (complimentary) to a private beach, although we drove as we had a hire car. The valet parking was Eur15 per day, but worth it for the convenience and parking in Taormina is very difficult and expensive.
The breakfasts were great - full of scicilian specialities and served with a smile and a personal touch, on a roof terrace with views of Mount Etna.
We wish we would have stayed at this hotel longer and not moved to the south of the island, and it really was one of the best hotels we have stayed in, ever! We will be back.
WindsorRichard – Windsor - Jul 13, 2009

“Agree with all other reviewers”
We stayed for 8 nights in Villa Carlotta and could not find fault. Staff were most efficient and pleasant. All requests were attended to immediately and with a smile. Good suggestions were made for day trips in our rented car and the valet service was also very efficient. As mentioned by other reviewers, breakfast was excellent with great variety.
The hotel is different from the run of the mill tourist hotel and with a unique charm and beauty. It is a 10/15 minute gentle walk to the main street (Corsa Umberto), which is about right for a pleasant after dinner stroll.
emptyhead – Ireland - Oct 7, 2009

“Beautiful, charming hotel”
We stayed here from the 21st june for 1 week and had a fantastic holiday. The rooms are classy and elegant and the decor in the hotel is very stylish and a nice mix of the modern and the old. The location is perfect as it is handy for the cable cars down to the beach and is a short stroll in to the centre itself. The rooms were always cleaned immaculately and the breakfast is first class and with stunning views from the rooftop terrace to enjoy while eating it. The service from the bar staff and the reception is first class and they could not have been more helpful or friendly. The people that work there are a credit to the hotel as they help make it what it is. Special thanks go to Maria who served our table most mornings for breakfast and hepled us start the day feeling great right from the off and especially to Antonio on front desk who went out of his way to help us with providing information on restaurants to eat in and advice on anything we wanted to know and ringing round for us to find out.We would highly recommend this hotel and will come back here again and again.
colin9174 – Peaslake - Jun 29, 2009

“Memorable stay”
This was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. It is incredibly relaxing. It,s elegant without being stuffy. Beautifully designed, the hotel mixes old and new and the bar is one of the most amazing rooms we have ever seen. We loved our room, it was spacious and overlooked the sea, breakfast was consistently good. The pool area is really lovely. Everything about the Villa Carlotta is special but it is the staff that made our holiday truly memorable. Nothing was too much trouble for the front desk, the breakfast staff were superb and so friendly, and the cleaning staff always had a smile while doing an excellent job. We would happily recommend the Villa Carlotta to anyone.
Dolmen1 – Carlow - Jun 7, 2009

“Absolutely beautiful”
The hotel is absolutely beautiful. It's a small luxury hotel with great design and interior decor which really makes it stand out. Despite its age, all the facilities (bathroom, floors etc) are new and spotless. Rooms are very spacious, and some doubles can even accommodate a family of four. The staff is very helpful and professional. Breakfasts are plenty and are served on the top floor covered terrace that overlooks Mount Etna and the seashore. Internet, bathrobes, slippers - all free of charge. Strongly recommend it!
Marina, Canada

“Beautiful hotel, pleasant staff”
I hope my review can do the hotel justice. here goes. Upon arrival we were upgraded to a junior suite with balcony overlooking the pool. Our suite had a small living room with sofa, coffee table, flat screen TV and patio doors to the balcony, which had iron loungers. The bedroom was a comfortable size, large double bed with with flat screen TV and 2 further sets of patio doors (very bright). The bathroom was luxurious with full attention to detail, robes, slippers, and a welcome pack of ladies toiletries, which included lip balm, face cream, eye cream etc.
The view from the room was down the mountain towards the sea, overlooking trees and the Sicilian coastline. The restaurant is located on the top floor, which has a terraced area and indoor dining. What spectacular views!! And the breakfast is to die for - breads, cheeses, meats, pastries, antipasti, quiche, fish, frittata, cakes, pastries, fruits, muesli, prosecco, juices. I am sure I have missed things, but this is a vast buffet with high quality, freshly prepared fayre.
Be sure to take a table with a view on the balcony - this will be a magical breakfast - you won't want to leave! Next to the restaurant is a reading room, again bright and airy with views and comfy seating in which to relax. A lovely touch and welcomed after a day's sightseeing. The bar is set on the ground floor amongst the old catacombs. Decoration is lavish and very different to the more conservative bedrooms. Much use of black and pewter/silver. Very atmospheric and I would highly recommend for an aperitif. In summary, the hotel is intimate with great attention to detail, staff are really very welcoming and attentive. All in all - highly recommended and we would love to go back again. Hope your stay is as good as ours.
Happy, London

“Loved the Villa Carlotta”
The rooms were spacious and light, the bed was so comfortable and the bathrooms had everything you needed including gowns and slippers, toiletries and even a little bag with moisturisers and cleansers. It was so quiet at night and in the morning we opened the curtains and had coffee on the balcony in the sun - bliss.
The views from our balcony were breathtaking over the sea, I only wish we had been staying longer ! The dining room on the 3rd floor had fantastic views and we could sit outside or in, and I think it is the most beautiful place I have ever eaten breakfast! Truly sumptuous.
We had drinks in the room at the top of the tower with the star lights and one night had a simple but delicious pasta supper by candlelight looking out at the stars and the lights on the boats.
All the staff were so helpful, nothing was too much trouble and we felt so at home we could have stayed another month. This is one hotel we hope to visit again and again.
Lisa, California

“Heaven On Earth”
Just got back from my business/ holiday in Sicily, Italy and had to tell everyone that you can describe Villa Carlotta in three short words... Heaven On Earth!
The hotel is beautiful and our room was fabulous. There was lots of space and waking up in the morning, looking out of the balcony to the ocean was divine. From the moment we arrived at the front door, Antonio, Fabrizio and Riccardo welcomed us with a glass of cool water which was most appreciated as it was hot outside. In fact everyone at the hotel was wonderful. Thanks to Pina, Patrizia and Loredana up at breakfast there was wonderful food every morning. The buffet has a bit of everything and the sweets were perfect with the great coffee. Thanks to Antonella I enjoyed drinks at the bar several nights after dinner at the many locations suggested by the staff, we were never disappointed.
The pool was a great place to unwind after seeing the sites by day and the garden surrounds were peaceful if you just wanted to laze about. My husband and I do a lot of travelling around and have never been in such a great hotel. The staff were even happy to help us with our business related matters which made things so much easier and was much appreciated.
I wouldn’t stay anywhere else now that I have stayed here.
Cookiesandcream

“Hotel Villa Carlotta-the best in Taormina!!”
We were at Villa Carlotta in the beginning of June with another family. All I can say is it is one of the best hotels we have stayed at in Italy. The staff was exceptional, from the front desk to Maria in the dining area! Our room was very spacious with a very large patio that we shared with our friends. The view from our room was the sea and mount Edna. Who could ask for more!
We had teenager's that loved the location - 10 min. walk to town and they were able to take the cable car to the beach.
I can't say enough about this hotel, I don't think anyone would ever be disappointed in the location, rooms and service. What hotel brings clean towel's in the evening without asking for them!
This is a place that when you come home all you can do is dream about the great reading room, dining room and awesome catacomb bar! We are so looking forward for a return trip.
Chicago, Illinois

 

“Wonderful”
We stayed few days in Taormina, such a great little town. What made our stay special was the staff of Villa Carlotta. We were received by the friendly Ricardo (the manager?) and then the delightful Fabrizio gave us a tour of the hotel and filled us with valuable information about Taormina and the best places to dine at. Brilliant!!! Thanks for your suggestions, we had the most delicious food ever.
The hotel is a small pearl, and the atmosphere is relaxing and cosy, like a family.
we will never forget Maria. Every morning she served us a princely breakfast and brightened our morning with her wonderful smile.
London, UK

 

“Sicilian Dream”
Villa Carlotta is an absolute gem, probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in ( this is saying a lot, as we are quite fussy!). We arrived last week after a short drive from Catania airport and were greeted, as soon as we stepped out of the car, by the magical scent of orange blossom. The staff on reception could not have been more charming or efficient- they dealt with the car, checked us in quickly and took us on a tour of the hotel which is every bit as elegant as previous reviewers have reported. Our room, on the 2nd floor, was delightful. The decor was stylish and understated, the bathroom was large and had a cool contemporary feel, and the view of the bay from our balcony was truly breathtaking. We were offered a delicious welcome cocktail in the bar on the ground floor and made to feel very welcome indeed by smiling, courteous staff. Throughout our stay, we were impressed time and time again by the attentive, polite and cheerful service received- nothing seemed too much and any request (restaurant recommendations or room service) was dealt with quickly and efficiently. I was also particularly pleased with the level of cleanliness- everything is immaculate.
Breakfast is a marvellous treat, served in the top floor dining room or on the terrace if the weather permits ( the view over Mount Etna is stunning!). We could choose from hot or cold savoury specialities, delicious sweet Sicilian cakes, or a selection of cereals and breads. Again, we were impressed by the extensive choice and quality of the breakfast dishes. The hotel is only a short walk to the centre of Taormina with its elegant shops and Greek amphitheatre. We loved Villa Carlotta and will be recommending it to family and friends ( and hopefully will be returning there ourselves at some point in the future!).
James and Alexandra, London