Uncover Taormina's Hidden Gem: The Ashbee Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Taormina's Hidden Gem: The Ashbee Hotel Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Review From a Slightly Chaotic Traveler's Perspective
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm just back from a stint at the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, Sicily, and let me tell you, it's a lot to unpack. My luggage is still a disaster, my tan is… well, let's just say inconsistent, and my brain is buzzing with a chaotic mix of Sicilian sunshine, delicious food, and the lingering scent of… wait for it… sterilizing equipment. Yes, folks, we’re talking pandemic-era travel.
SEO & Metadata Alert! (Gotta appease the algorithm, right?):
- Keywords: Ashbee Hotel, Taormina, Sicily, Luxury Hotel, Italian Hotel, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Views, Service, Review, Hidden Gem, Accessibility, Internet, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Services, Rooms, Amenities, Travel, Italy.
- Title Tag: Ashbee Hotel Taormina Review: Hidden Gem or Overhyped Haven? (My Honest Take!)
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, Sicily. I'm talking accessibility, food, rooms, safety, and the all-important vibes. Get ready for a messy, funny, and real account of my stay!
Let’s Dive Headfirst into the Chaos…
First Impressions? Dramatic. The Ashbee is perched like a proud eagle overlooking the stunning, postcard-perfect view. I mean, wow. That view alone almost made me forgive the long, winding, slightly terrifying taxi ride up the hill. (Airport transfer, by the way, is available, but be warned, you're going up). Okay, okay, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?
Getting In (And Around): Accessibility - The Mixed Bag
Okay, this is where things get a little… complicated. The "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed. And yes, there's an elevator. However, navigating the various levels and terraces felt more like a challenging treasure hunt than a streamlined experience. Public areas like the pool, the views, the restaurants are a treat. However, I did not personally assess the accessibility My main concern came up from this section.
I needed to figure out the accessibility situation directly with the hotel. This is a crucial point, so if accessibility is a top priority, call them and get the absolute lowdown before you book.
Internet, Glorious, Glorious Internet! (And the Lack Thereof…)
Thank heavens for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! because I needed to document my experience with photos and some Instagram stories! I'd be lying if I said the internet was lightning-fast. Not the best Internet access – wireless signal I've ever experienced, but it was functional, and I didn't completely lose my mind. Internet [LAN], I didn’t even bother trying, that’s what I get for not bringing my LAN cable. The Internet services were standard, nothing to rave about, nothing to complain about.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Ever-Expanding Waistline)
Let's be honest, Taormina is a foodie's paradise. So, the hotel's food offerings were… crucial.
- Restaurants: There are a few! Good news for those of us on a budget: there's a Snack bar, which helped save some money by providing light meals. Poolside bar was amazing to enjoy an Aperol with a spectacular Pool with view.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: I could eat myself into oblivion here. Breakfast was a buffet with a great options to start this crazy day with a Western breakfast. I had dinner one night at the fancy restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant - chef’s kiss… I had an amazing time there, but I was not impressed by the overall atmosphere, maybe the music was not the best or I was with the wrong company…
- Breakfast… or My Quest for the Perfect Croissant: The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty good, but the coffee was… not memorable? Asian breakfast was also a thing! I'm really curious about the people that ask for that, but I didn't try, I was not in the mood.
- Room service [24-hour]: Didn't use it, but knowing it's there is comforting.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Pandemonium!
Okay, the world got turned upside down, and now we're sanitizing everything like madmen.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Double check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yep.
- The Big One: COVID-19 Anxiety Mode: The staff were masked, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Safe dining setup was noticeable, but I do not find it invasive.
Spa, Relaxing, and Other Things That Make You Feel Fancy:
- Pool with view: Oh, the pool. The infinity pool. The pool that made me feel like I was floating above the world. It was exquisite.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna: Didn't use it. (Shameful confession, I know).
- Gym/fitness: The gym was well-equipped and had a gorgeous view, which motivated me to work out, but the motivation faded after a few hours.
- Massage: They had massages. I wanted one! I just didn't get around to it.
Rooms: My Cozy (and Relatively Clean) Nest
The rooms are beautiful. Period.
- Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet - Never used it, but hey, extra facilities!
- Air conditioning - Essential. Sicily in summer is hot.
- Alarm clock - Never used it.
- Bathrobes - Check .
- Bathroom phone - Check .
- Bathtub - Amazing to enjoy after a long day.
- Blackout curtains - Crucial for daytime napping.
- Closet - Enough space to organize my stuff. (Well, attempt to organize it.)
- Coffee/tea maker - Always appreciated.
- Complimentary tea - Sweet.
- Daily housekeeping - The room was always fresh.
- Desk - I worked too much.
- Extra long bed - Great!
- Free bottled water - Handy.
- Hair dryer - Essential.
- High floor - My view? Chef's kiss.
- In-room safe box - I left it there.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Good to know if you're traveling with your family.
- Internet access – LAN - Never used it.
- Internet access – wireless - Yeah, it connects.
- Ironing facilities - Never used it.
- Laptop workspace - Perfect.
- Linens - Nice and clean.
- Mini bar - Always tempted me.
- Mirror - To see how my tan's coming along (ahem).
- Non-smoking - Needed.
- On-demand movies - I was too busy enjoying the real-life show.
- Private bathroom - Of course!
- Reading light - Nice touch.
- Refrigerator - Essential.
- Safety/security feature - Check.
- Satellite/cable channels - Didn't watch TV.
- Scale - Nope, did not check.
- Seating area - Nice to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Perfect.
- Shower - Amazing!
- Slippers - Check!
- Smoke detector - Always important.
- Socket near the bed - Perfect!
- Sofa - Relaxing.
- Soundproofing - Needed to sleep well.
- Telephone - For any need.
- Toiletries - Provided!
- Towels - Provided!
- Umbrella - Sicily is hot, but even in summer, it can rain.
- Visual alarm - Good for everyone.
- Wake-up service - Never used.
- Wi-Fi [free] - Check!
- Window that opens - Needed!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Add Up
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Concierge:
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is a survival guide for the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, Italy. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and possibly, gelato-induced meltdowns.
Day 1: Arrival and the Hallelujah Chorus of the Ashbee
1:00 PM - Arrival at Catania Airport (CTA): "Ciao, Catania! And… who let the luggage handlers near my suitcase? This thing looks like it's been through a zombie apocalypse. Note to self: invest in industrial-strength duct tape." We grab a pre-booked transfer (thank god, navigating Italian traffic feels like playing a real-life version of Mario Kart). The driver, a tiny nonna-esque woman with a permanent look of "are you kidding me?" on her face, somehow expertly navigates the chaos.
2:30 PM - Check-in at The Ashbee: Okay, now this is what dreams are made of. The Ashbee is a goddamn masterpiece. The architecture is… well, it's the kind of thing that makes you question your life choices up until this very moment (I'd give both my kidneys to own this place). The staff? Impeccable. They greet you like a long-lost royal. Immediately, I'm already rethinking my entire life.
3:00 PM - Room Reveal & First Impressions (Deep Dive): My room! My room! A balcony with a view of Mount Etna? Pinch me! Okay, I did. Ouch. The reality is: I'm in a hotel room that costs more than my apartment. I'm half expecting a butler to appear with a silver platter of tiny sandwiches. Instead, I get… the overwhelming urge to take a nap. But first, the view! The sea! The volcano! I start taking pictures like a rabid paparazzi, sending them to everyone I know with the caption, "I hate you all… but also, LOOK AT THIS!"
4:00 PM - Aperitivo at the Ashbee Terrace: This is it, the moment of truth. Time to embrace the Italian lifestyle. The Aperol Spritz is practically calling my name. I drink one, then another, and suddenly the world feels… golden. I see a group of influencers taking pictures, and honestly, I internally judged them. Self-criticism makes everything better.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: The food… oh, the food. I'm not usually a "gastronomic adventurer" (read: I generally just eat pizza and call it a day), but here, I'm forced to be. The pasta… I'm pretty sure it's made by angels. I order a second helping, because, well, I'm on vacation, and carbs are suddenly my best friend. The service is so good that I start to suspect they're reading my mind and when I need a glass of water… BAM, it magically appears.
9:00 PM - Late-Night Stroll through Taormina: Okay, maybe a little too much Aperol. Navigating cobbled streets in heels is a definite mistake. I nearly take a tumble on more than one occasion, but the views are so stunning it doesn't matter. Feeling euphoric, I end up wandering into a gelateria and buy the biggest pistachio gelato I can find. "Ciao, calories!" I yell to the night air.
Day 2: Diving Deep (and Maybe Almost Drowning in Perfection)
8:00 AM - Breakfast on the Terrace: The buffet! The art of the buffet. Fresh fruit, croissants, and enough coffee to power a small city. I sit and stare at the sea, feeling like I've won the lottery. This place is a total mood-booster.
9:00 AM - The Pool of Dreams (and Regrets): The hotel pool. I'm not a "pool person" usually, but even I succumb to the siren call of the turquoise water. I attempt to look graceful while lounging in a perfectly placed sunbed, but probably just end up looking like a beached whale. There's an older gentleman, who's clearly been coming to the Ashbee for decades, effortlessly gliding through the water. I vow to work on my technique.
11:00 AM - Exploring Taormina's Ancient Theatre: This place is mind-blowing, the ancient theatre. It's not just the history – it's the vibe. Standing there, looking out at the sea and Mount Etna, is like stepping back in time. I attempt to take a selfie, but the sheer majesty of the place renders me speechless, so the pictures suck.
1:00 PM - Lunch with a View (and a Possible Meltdown): We head to a local restaurant with a balcony overlooking the coast. The food is incredible, the views are breathtaking. The only problem? I am severely sunburnt and start to have the sudden urge to cry.
3:00 PM - The Ashbee Spa - (A Deep Dive into Relaxation): Okay, the spa. The spa is where you truly arrive. This place is a sanctuary, a haven of serenity. I opt for a massage. It's the best decision of my life. I fall asleep, wake up feeling like a new person, and forget about the sunburn!
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Show: We decide to eat dinner at a restaurant in the main square, and let's just say, it wasn't our finest hour. The food was okay, but the people-watching was phenomenal. I saw a couple arguing, a woman attempting to feed a cat, and a little girl who made it her mission to hit anyone with her plastic fork. It's amazing, in the most chaotic way.
9:00 PM - Nightcap: I'm done with the fancy cocktails. Back at the Ashbee, more gelato, as the night is beautiful.
Day 3: Goodbye, Ashbee… For Now.
8:00 AM - Last Breakfast: Tears almost. I'm not ready to leave. The breakfast is beautiful, everything is perfect, this is the life.
9:00 AM - Final stroll around the hotel : This is where you capture the perfect image of the hotel. Every detail is incredible. This architecture is something else.
10:00 AM - Check-out and the Hardest Goodbye: Hugging the staff, promising to return (and secretly planning to sell a kidney to make it happen). Walking through those glorious front doors for the last time is like breaking up with the love of your life.
11:30 AM - Transfer to Catania Airport (CTA) and the Post-Ashbee Blues: "Ciao, Italy! Ciao, Ashbee." The airport is a rude awakening. The joy fades.
Observations, Quips, & Imperfections (The Fine Print):
- Packing: I overpacked. Always overpack. Bring comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Language: Learn some basic Italian. "Grazie" will get you everywhere. But be prepared for friendly strangers to start chatting to you in Italian, even if you only know "Buongiorno" and "gelato." Then you have to act like you understand.
- Money: Credit cards work at the hotel, but carry some cash for smaller shops and taxis.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Prepare to fall in love with the Ashbee. Expect to feel a combination of bliss, awe, and the faint hint of despair when you leave.
- Food: Eat everything. Literally. Don't be afraid to try new things. And yes, the gelato is worth every single calorie.
- Overall Rating: The Ashbee Hotel is an experience. It's a hug for your soul. Go. Just go. And tell them I sent you (they absolutely won't care, but I can dream, can't I?). Just go. And if you see me there, feel free to say hello. I'll probably be drooling over the architecture, the food, the views, or all three at once. Because seriously, it is that good. And now, I need to start saving for next year…
Alright, Let's Get Real: All Your Burning Questions About the Ashbee Hotel (and My Slightly Unhinged Thoughts)
1. So, is this Ashbee Hotel REALLY a Hidden Gem? Or just a glorified boujee Instagram hotspot?
Okay, full disclosure: I went in expecting a *lot* of #blessed and perfect angles. And yeah, the Ashbee *is* gorgeous. Seriously, the architecture alone… it's like walking into a fairytale. But here's the thing: it's *genuinely* lovely. It doesn't feel stuffy or try-hard. It feels… well, elegant, but lived-in. Like a really, *really* well-off aunt's house. The kind who has amazing taste, and doesn't judge if you spill your wine (which I, uh, almost did. Twice.).
It's not a cheap stay, mind you. But the value is *there*. You feel it. The staff are *amazing*, but I'll tell you more about that later.
2. The Views! Are They Really as Insane as the Pictures Lead Me to Believe?
Sigh. The views. Let me tell you, pictures do *not* do it justice. I'm talking, breathtaking, jaw-dropping, should-be-illegal views. You've got Mount Etna puffing away in the distance, sparkling turquoise water as far as the eye can see, and those ancient Greek ruins… honestly, it’s almost *too* much. Like, I had to stop taking photos at one point because I was just standing there, mouth agape, feeling utterly insignificant.
I got a room facing the sea, but next time, I’m going for a room with the Etna view. Because let's face it, a volcano as your morning coffee companion? Pure chaos. I love it.
3. Okay, Spill the Tea: The Service. Is it as Flawless as They Claim? (And Did You Tip Enough?)
Alright, time for a confession. I'm a terrible tipper. I overthink it, I worry I'm being cheap, I feel awkward… it's a whole thing. But at the Ashbee, the service was so genuinely incredible, I *wanted* to tip. Like, I *insisted*. They were attentive without being intrusive, genuinely helpful, and remembered my drink order on the second day. That's the kind of memory you want to be rewarded.
I accidentally left my favorite scarf in the room (a cashmere number, naturally). I didn't notice until I was halfway to the airport. I called in a total panic, assuming it was lost forever. Within an hour, it was miraculously found AND they were already arranging to have it shipped back to me. Now *that's* service. Seriously, top marks. They're angels.
4. Let's Talk Food. Was the Breakfast Buffet Worth the Hype (and the Potential Waistline Expansion)?
Ugh. The breakfast. It's a *problem*. A delicious, carb-laden, fruit-filled problem. It's not just a buffet; it's an *experience*. Think mountains of fresh fruit (the Sicilian blood oranges were *heavenly*), pastries that could melt even the most hardened pastry-hater, and enough savory options to satisfy a small army.
I may or may not have eaten three croissants a day. Don't judge me. I was on vacation! Plus, they had the best coffee I tasted in Taormina. Okay, I admit it, I tried *everything*. Several times. And yes, my jeans were a little tighter by the end, but honestly? Totally worth it. Just prepare for a post-breakfast nap. It's inevitable. And glorious.
5. What's the Vibe? Is it Relaxing or Pretension Central?
Surprisingly, it's both! Okay, hear me out. It *is* luxurious. People are well-dressed. There's a definite air of… sophistication. But it's not stuffy or intimidating, which I was worried about. Most people were friendly and approachable, even though I mostly just kept to myself. Sure, there was a private pool, an elegant restaurant, but the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed.
I saw someone wearing flip-flops at breakfast (gasp!) and nobody batted an eye. The staff were incredibly down-to-earth. Seriously, it's a place where you can relax and unwind without feeling like you have to constantly monitor your posture. Mostly. I mean, I still straightened up a bit when I saw the gorgeous people. But in general, it's a win.
6. Tell Me About the Pool! Did You Actually Swim (or Just Pose for Instagram)?
Okay, *confession time*. I'm not a huge pool person. I prefer to be a total hermit in my room. However, the Ashbee’s pool... it was calling my name. It wasn’t just a pool; it was a shimmering oasis of turquoise calm, surrounded by lush greenery. It was like something from a movie. I *did* do a bit of posing for Instagram, I'm not ashamed to admit. It was so gorgeous, I wanted everyone to see! But I also spent a good two hours just floating around, staring at the view, and feeling utterly content. It was glorious. Just pure bliss. Honestly, I’d book a stay there again just for the pool.
One small, slightly embarrassing moment: I almost tripped going into the pool. The marble was *very* smooth. Almost took a header in front of everyone. Mortifying. But again, the staff were discreetly helpful and got me back on my feet. Smooth operation!
7. Any Downsides? (Be Honest!)
Alright, let's get real. No place is perfect. The price tag is a commitment. I'm a budget traveler at heart. (Which I *think* helps me appreciate the luxury more, in a way). Also, you're in Taormina, so be prepared for those crowds! Especially in the summer. The hotel itself is a sanctuary, but stepping outside into the town can be a bit overwhelming at peak times. The walk to the main street is uphill, which is fine, until you've had three croissants and a nap. Then it's a slog.
My room, while beautiful, could have used a better desk. I like to write. And my wifi was wonky a couple of times. Minor, but worth mentioning. And it made me realize how much I rely on being connected to the world.
