Via Giovanni Dupre' 11, Scicli, Italy
Centrally located in downtown Scicli
In a beautifully restored 10th-century palace with details like frescoes on the ceilings
Clean and spacious rooms; some have private terraces
Quiet, shaded outdoor patio area
Hotel can arrange bike rentals, gastronomic tours, and cooking classes
Free, fresh breakfast with local cheeses and pastries
Restaurant '900 serves up tasty, seasonal Sicilian cuisine
Parking and Wi-Fi are free
Computer in lobby for guests' use
Wi-Fi is spotty in rooms
No pool or fitness area
No kettle or coffeemaker in rooms
Difficult to reach by car; accessible through narrow alleys
Parking is tricky and tight
One of only two hotels in the ancient, non-touristy town of Scicli, the Novocento is an elegant mid-range choice, tucked into the stone walls of a restored palace dating back to the 10th century. The hotel is a short walk to the town’s pedestrian zone and is surrounded by restaurants and old churches. Local beaches can be reached in 20 minutes. There are eight rooms and a suite, all of which are adorned with original frescoes; they are not particularly luxe, but are clean and spacious. All in all, it’s a peaceful, romantic option, best suited for couples or families who want to experience a piece of ancient history and explore the town.
Scene
Frescoed ceilings and arches contrasted by modern furniture
The Novecento's entrance is an unassuming glass door off a cobblestone street in the middle of Scicli. The lobby has high white brick arches and chandeliers, but the most striking component of the Novocento’s interiors are the mini Sistine Chapel-style frescoes on the ceilings, painted by local artists. The furniture, in contrast, is almost disconcertingly modern, and the black shelves and couches look out of place against the pale stone walls. Children and families are welcome here, but the hotel mostly attracts couples.
Location
In the center of Scicli, a 20-minute drive from the beach
In the center of the ancient, hilly, cobblestone-lined streets of Scicli, the Novocento is surrounded by restaurants, a bar, and a pharmacy. The hotel is just around the corner from the pedestrian zone, which is especially romantic and picturesque at night. The town is not touristy, thus the location is much quieter than most town centers. The churches of San Matteo and St. Bartholomew can be reached on foot in an hour or less, although be prepared to walk uphill. The town of Ragusa is a 40-minute drive away, and the beach, Cava D’aliga, and Marina di Modica are all about a 20-minute drive to the south. The Comiso Airport is less than an hour’s drive and the Catania Airport is just over an hour and a half away by car.
Rooms
Bright, simple rooms with frescoes on the ceilings
Each of the Novocento’s eight rooms is different, but all are brightly painted, airy, and sparsely furnished in a simple style that resembles what you might find in a ship's cabin, with attached cushion headboards, nightstands, wardrobes, and shelves. Original frescoes painted by local artists adorn the ceilings and modern, dark tiles line the floors. Bathrooms are modern with rain head showers and bowl sinks. Toiletries are provided. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a faux balcony or patio, but they lack Wi-Fi and coffeemakers.
Features
Free breakfast buffet featuring local foods, dinner made from seasonal ingredients, and limited Internet access
The free breakfast features a delightful buffet of local cheeses, fruits, and pastries, as well as what some claim to be among the best coffee in Sicily. The chef at the on-site Restaurant '900 creates a special menu for dinner based on seasonally available ingredients. Hotel staff can arrange airport transfers, gastronomic tours around town, bike rentals, and cooking classes. Free Wi-Fi is spotty, but there's a single computer in the lobby for guests to use. Tight, crowded parking is free.