Hotel Federico II

“The hotel team gave us a warm and friendly welcome and were very helpful throughout, without being intrusive. A first time visitor will benefit from their advice on parking and driving up to the hotel - it's actually very easy once you know that there is a one-way system, anti-clockwise up through the village to Piazza Lauria where there is free parking, just 10 meters from the hotel. Your satnav won't help much with the finer details - trust Google street view instead and hire a small car: there are spots where a large saloon might struggle. Breakfast was served in the hotel dining room and comprised a selection of cereals, pastries, juices, yoghurt, wonderful coffee and fresh fruit including the juiciest figs. Meats and cheeses were on offer had we wanted but we were happy with what was there. Lunch and dinner comprised traditional Sicilian food, very well prepared and presented. The grilled veg were nicely cooked, meat in the mains was always tender and tasty and pasta prepared just as we like it. The wine list, though not massively long, was a delight to sample and represented well a variety of accomplished local producers - Castiglione is very central for some delicious, typical wines from the Etna area. We stayed for 10 days and ate at the hotel on all but 3 occasions when we either went to the coast or another town. The village itself is extremely interesting and the hotel is situated at the top and in the heart of things. Our balcony overlooked the Alcantara valley while in the other direction we could see Etna; there is a terrace also on the valley view side - a morning sun trap or a pleasant spot to catch some shade in the afternoon. I could write much more, all of it positive. We have stayed in Italy for the last 20 years but this was our first visit to Sicily and if we return to the island in 2021 this will be our first stop.”

“Spacious, comfortable and clean room with a charming view of the town and mountains. Friendly staff helped to find parking in a little square very close to the hotel and provided recommendations for cafés and dining. In the end we opted for the excellent restaurant attached to the hotel, which has a little outdoor terrace. Marvellous stay.”

“The family who run this hotel are lovely - so caring and always greeting you with a smile. They even put on an early breakfast for us the day that we left. The restaurant attached to the hotel is fantastic - absolutely delicious food and nice ambience. Room was spacious, comfortable beds, good fridge and excellent shower. Very helpful instructions sent to us by the hotel the day before to help us find the hotel and park.”

“The location was perfect; we even saw Mount Etna smoking in the early morning!”

“No hassle with the hotel, good room with balcony.”