My husband and I stayed at Villa Ducale for 12 nights in August 2012 for our Honeymoon. Initially we booked a Junior Suite, but were delighted to be upgraded to a Deluxe Suite with a view overlooking the Strait of Messina. We arrived in the evening and were greeted by the very friendly and very helpful Antonio who guided us out to the hotel’s terrace. Even though it was dark, we could still make out the magnificent Mount Etna rising before us. We were given a complimentary glass of Prosecco each and we ordered a delicious meal from the menu (Lasagne for me, Tortellini for him). Finally, after a busy wedding week - we were in total relaxation mode! More excitement ensued when we saw our suite, decorated in traditional Sicilian style, with the aforementioned terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco on ice, and a hot tub outside. The next morning we were even more stunned by the view from the main hotel terrace, we couldn't stop gazing out at the sublime smoking Etna over breakfast, I think we had to keep pinching ourselves to realize where we were. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe breakfast – so many mouth-watering choices...and make sure you try afternoon tea from 4-6pm at least once. Although Villa Ducale is a good bit from the beach this is not a problem whatsoever, the shuttle service is second to none. Make sure you book it though, we forgot a few times and had to get taxis - not cheap at 15 Euros a go. There's also a local bus service, but as we were on holiday time we kept missing it. Alternatively you can walk down the many steps from Via Madonna della Rocca to town. We did this a number of times, but only in the morning or evening so we didn’t collapse from heat exhaustion! Hotel shuttles go to town and to two of the beach clubs; they'll also bring you to Villa Carlotta if you want a dip in the pool. You can also get the Funivia from town to Mazzaro beach, and then walk a little bit over to the public beach at the aptly named Isola Bella. During our stay we did a couple of tours, one to the Aeolian Islands (we were lucky to see an eruption on Stromboli!), and one to Etna. We did the Etna-Alcantara off-road tour with Legendary Sicily. It was amazing - and Eddie our tour guide was fantastic, so knowledgeable and really sound (as we say in Ireland). The staff at Villa Ducale will help you with your itineraries and booking tours, they're a mine of information so make sure you chat to them about what you'd like to do. Right, what else? Oh, Castelmola - the beautiful, if somewhat precariously-perched village above Taormina. Walk up there if you can, it only takes about 20-30 minutes from Villa Ducale, and is so worth it for the panoramic views at the top. We ate at Villa Ducale on a few of the nights, and thought the food was delicious; we also ate at many of the lovely restaurants in Taormina (that's for other reviews!). Also, a little tip – there’s a lovely restaurant a couple of minutes walk from Villa Ducale, it’s called Al Saraceno, and it’s on Via Madonna della Rocca. We ate there on a couple of nights when we didn’t feel like heading into town, but we wanted a change from the hotel. It’s definitely worth a visit for both the food and the wonderful open air terrace overlooking – you guessed it – our favourite volcano! I want the last thing I say to be about the staff. I’ve found that in a lot of hotels staff can be either too aloof or too close for comfort. The Villa Ducale staff seem to have found the winning formula, and have got the balance just right. They are friendly, courteous, and helpful - all without being overly intrusive. We hope to be back for a future anniversary!

This hotel is one of the best boutique hotels I have stayed in. Booked hotel due to positive reviews, which were all true. Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back was booked directly as we didn't rent a car knowing that the hotel offers a shuttle service to the centre and back. We were made welcome from our first step in the hotel. Upon check in we sat down at a table enjoying great views of Taormina from the terrace; my wife and i were offered prosecco whilst my 3 yr old drank some juice as a welcome drink. The receptionist gave us all the information needed as she sat with us making us feel very comfortable and 'home'. All our luggage's were taken to our room upon arrival whilst we enjoyed our drink overlooking the view. The room that was allocated to us was great, not big but ideal, with 2 beds, en suite bathroom, a balcony and a terrace - views were amazing day and night. We decided to dine at the hotel on 2 or 3 occasions. Although they do not offer a wide range of dishes, what was offered was always fresh and well prepared, cooked in traditional ways - offering anything from salad, pasta, grills, seafood and fish. Breakfast was great, afternoon tea normal and the per dinner drinks and appetizers very well presented. All the staff were very polite and spoke English very well. Our daughter was made to feel like a small princess as she was greeted with everyone by her first name. Taormina is a great place to visit. We were there in October and the weather was nice and sunny. Although for us it was a short break we really enjoyed it and will be back....to the same hotel for sure.

Hotel Viall Ducale feels like you are staying at the villa of your good friends -the staff are all warm and welcoming, you are made to feel right at home with a welcoming glass of wine and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Sitting in the eating area there is the most spectacular view of Mount Etna and the town and ocean below. The food is delicious and they go out of their way to meet special dietary restrictions and requests. We didn't mind the walk up and down to town...it is about 600 steps, but it's easily done and feels good after all the eating you do in Italy.

This time we returned with our son and daughter-in -law to a warm welcome back from owner Rosaria and the staff! You are immediately made to feel right at home in this beautiful villa where Rosaria grew up. Our rooms were extremely comfortable with the most breathtaking views! We especially enjoyed the dining room views for breakfast or dinner! During the day the hillside views of the sea and Mt. Etna are amazing but equally as beautiful at night looking out at the lights of Taormina below. We took advantage of the shuttle service but you should not miss at least walking down into Taormina! We will definitely return again to beautiful Villa Ducale!!