Via Vittorio Veneto 93, Syracuse, Italy
Restored historic buildings next to the water
In a quiet area with easy access to sights
Large rooms have historic charm and modern amenities
Free buffet breakfast with made-to-order options
Restaurant serves homemade Sicilian cuisine
Deluxe Spa Room has a private terrace and hot tub
Bicycles for guests to borrow
Free Wi-Fi
Parking in the area can be difficult
Some double rooms have two twin beds close together
Full of the charm its name promises, the Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel is a welcoming boutique hotel on an historic seafront square in the heart of Syracuse's Citta Vecchia, on the tiny island of Ortigia. The intimate, 30-room hotel, a combination of two restored historic buildings, blends ancient atmosphere with a low-key vibe. While rooms and suites are not cheap, an excellent buffet breakfast with hot made-to-order dishes comes free, as do soft drinks from the minibars and bicycle rentals. Parking in the immediate area can be tricky, but there’s a large parking lot up the road, and the hotel's location puts it within walking distance of the city's many archeological and other tourist sights.
Scene
Rustic elegance with historic romance
The Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel oozes romance and historic charm, with exposed original stone arches, antiqued wood and metal accents, colorful tile work, antique furniture, and fresh flowers throughout. The small, light-filled inner courtyard has a tiled fountain. The breakfast room, set up with a variety of cereals, fruits, and breads, has white tablecloths and high, wood-beamed, frescoed ceilings. With its limited common areas, water views, and romantic rooms, the hotel primarily attracts foreign couples looking for a luxurious, romantic getaway in historic Syracuse.
Location
On the waterfront in Syracuse’s historic center on the island of Ortigia
The hotel is located on the seafront of the island of Ortigia, the city of Syracuse's Citta Vecchia, and is surrounded by historic buildings. The historic center of the small island is within walking distance, and most of the city's major attractions are within 10 to 15 minutes on foot, as are many restaurants, shops, and cafes. The archaeological sights are easily reached by the local bus from the bridge, and the Neapolis Archaeological Park is a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the hotel. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is a 50-minute drive away.
Rooms
Simple, romantic, and luxurious, some with sea views
The 30 rooms at the Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel are simply but artfully decorated, with white walls, soft gray accent fabrics, and small canopies over the vintage-style wood headboards. Furniture includes antique chairs or sofas and wooden armoires, although it's worth noting that storage can be limited in the Classic Rooms. Some rooms have small balconies and sea views; the ultimate romantic stay, the decadent Deluxe Spa Room, has a private terrace with a hot tub. Amenities include small flat-screen TVs, minibars with free soft drinks, safes, hairdryers, and Bulgari toiletries. Bathrooms have colorful tiles, and shower/tub combinations or stall showers, though some with pedestal sinks have minimal space for toiletries.
Features
Free buffet breakfast with made-to-order options, an on-site restaurant, and bicycles to borrow
A stay at the Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel includes an extensive buffet breakfast with cereals, yogurt, fruit, and bread, as well as made-to-order hot options. The hotel also has a restaurant, which serves housemade Sicilian pastas, fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes; the staff can also recommend excellent local restaurants upon request. Bicycles are available for guests to borrow for exploring on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a comfortable reading room and a computer with Internet access for guests. There's free parking for hotel guests, but the number of spaces is limited.