Via Nazionale 240, Mazzaro, Italy
Small hotel with local flavor, set on the Bay of Mazzaro
A one-minute walk from the beach
Comfortable guest rooms with simple decor
In-room AC, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
Most rooms have shared or private balconies with water views
On-site restaurant that serves Sicilian specialties
Free hot breakfast buffet featuring homemade cake and local treats
Rooftop terrace overlooking the bay
Lobby-level terrace with cafe tables for alfresco dining
Small bar with cocktails and espresso
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Elevator and free on-site parking
Not located on the beach
Guest rooms lack kettles
Hotel Baia Azzurra is a three-pearl property overlooking the Bay of Mazzaro that's a one-minute walk from the beach. Its 50 guest rooms have simple decor, with pale hues and white furniture, and most offer shared or private balconies that look out to the bay. All units are equipped with AC, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but they lack kettles. The hotel features two attractive terraces -- one at lobby-level, and another on the rooftop -- which offer sweeping views of the water. There's also a free hot breakfast, and a restaurant that serves international fare and Italian specialties. Travelers who want to splurge for a hotel with a pool and rooms that are more upscale might consider the nearby Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea.
Scene
Stunning bay views and a romantic atmosphere for couples
Hotel Baia Azzurra is housed in an older, seven-floor building on a quiet street that hugs the Bay of Mazzaro's coast. The lobby has traditional marble that looks a bit dated, but the space is bright, with modern furniture and clean lines. When guests aren't at the beach or out and about in Taormina, they tend to gather on the terraces to sunbathe and have a bite at the cafe tables, or to just take in the spectacular views of the bay. The atmosphere here is friendly, and has local charm. The hotel mostly draws couples looking for a romantic getaway that won't break the bank.
Location
Set on the Bay of Mazzaro, a one-minute walk to the beach
Hotel Baia Azzurra is situated on Via Nazionale (SS-114), which runs parallel to the bay. It's a one-minute stroll to Mazzaro Beach, which is a bit rocky and isn't scenic. Isola Beach is about a 10-minute walk, which is much prettier and has good snorkeling. The Blue Grotto sea cave is about a five-minute walk from the north end.
For shopping and dining, the hotel is within walking distance of a few options, but there are many more up in Taormina, and the cable car to get there is a one-minute walk from the hotel. From the cable car terminus in Taormina, it's a three-minute walk to Porta Messina, and about a five-minute walk to reach Corvaja Palace and the Ancient Theater of Taormina.
Taormina-Giardini Train Station is a little under five minutes by car, and Catania Fontanarossa Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Tidy with simple decor, equipped with flat-screen TVs and minibars, but no kettles
Guest rooms and junior suites at Baia Azzurra are modern and dressed in a range of soft hues, like pale pink and powder blue, and some have accents walls behind beds covered with patterned wallpaper. The look is plain -- some might say bland -- but spaces are tidy and pleasant, and most rooms boast shared or private furnished balconies.
All units have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars with soft drinks and water (for a fee), safes, and free Wi-Fi. Junior suites add small seating areas. Bathrooms are slightly more design-forward, with hairdryers, bidets, and stall showers. Some have a stylish vibe, with square wash basins and stainless steel fixtures, and have shower/tub combos.
Features
Two outdoor terraces, an on-site restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi throughout
Hotel Baia Azzurra's star features are its two lovely terraces. The patio off the lobby has dining tables and chairs with a few umbrellas, plus a cluster of casual seating at one end. The rooftop terrace has loungers, and is ideal for sunbathing.
There's also a free hot breakfast buffet, and the generous spread includes eggs, tomatoes, ham, homemade cakes, and local treats like figs and olives. The restaurant has large windows overlooking the bay, and offers a menu with international cuisine and Italian specialties. Gluten-free items are available, and in summer, the outdoor terrace is open for alfresco dining. Room service is available.
Other amenities include a small lobby bar, a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, free on-site parking in a back lot, and free Wi-Fi throughout.