As other reviewers have noted there are many wonderful things about the Villa Ducale. It has unbeatable views, of Mt. Etna and the sea in one direction, and, on a clear day, Reggio Calabria in the other. The staff was very accommodating, rustling up a wonderful lunch for us one day on short notice. The breakfasts on the terrace, looking out on Mt. Etna, were indeed a special treat. The rooms were beautifully decorated and very comfortable. But it should be frankly noted that there are a lot of steps to deal with if you stay here--it would be a bit of a challenge for families with very young children or older couples. You are high up on the hillside above Taormina, so it's quite a lot of steps down to the town--it's probably a good ten to fifteen minutes to walk down them and maybe 15 or 20 minutes or more to walk up. There are barely any handrails. And at the Villa itself there are some steps to deal with, as well. The rooms of the villa are located on each side of the road--down steps. To go from your room to the restaurant, for example, you might have to climb up steps, cross the road, and go down steps on the other side--not necessarily easy to accomplish with a baby stroller, for example, as we saw one young mother struggling to do while we were there. Also, the day we checked out the bellman was not on duty, so that meant lugging luggage up the steps as well.

The Villa Ducale website mentions a shuttle, but it was not in operation when we were there, but we were a little before the season (mid-March 2005). The bus from the town of Castelmola to Taormina runs right by the Villa, but it doesn't run that frequently, maybe every hour or hour and a half or so. Taxis are readily available at the taxi stand in Taormina, however, and the ride up to the Villa was about 12 euros. You could order a taxi for the ride into town also, if you wished, but we walked down the steps each time.

I should mention that the 2 restaurants that we ate at that were recommended by the Villa Ducale were a bit of a disappointment, but again, we were in Taormina before the season so the restuarants might not have been geared up yet. At the first one, Licchio's, in the town of Taormina, the food was adequate (although nothing to rave about), but some of our glassware had lipstick stains on them, our side dishes were served cold and had to be sent back, and the service was on the slow side. The other, Al Saraceno, was just up the road from the Villa Ducale on Via Madonna della Rocco. The food was fine but the service was terrible, even though the restaurant was far from full. We waited almost an hour between our appetizers and entrees, and nearly 45 minutes for the check at the end of our meal. It might just have been a bad night--that happens.

The Villa Ducale is a wonderful place to stay--I don't want to take away from all the good things about it. I just think that, as I said, older couples and young families need to be aware that there are some challenges.

The staff is extremely helpful and accomodating. The views are wonderful from all areas of the inn. The room was very spacious and clean. Price is very reasonable for the area. Had a car but never used it because of the parking situation in town. The steps down to town are easily negotiated and help to work off those extra inches!!! Breakfast was the best we had in the eight places we stayed in Sicily/Italy. Lots of variety and not just the "thin meat, thin cheese, roll, cereal" that most places call breakfast.

My husband and I went to this wonderful hotel in September 2004. I read alot about this hotel via trip advisor and Frommer's book. The only thing we were not aware of that you needed a car to go up this mountain. Or else you would have to take a taxi up and down. You can take the bus during the day but it does not run after approximately 7 p.m. Therefore a cab is necessary which is very expensive. Also you can use the stairs. But they are not in very good condition and cannot use at night since it is too dark. The food wherever you go is great. But please bring alot of money. Food also is very expensive. The Villa Ducale is wonderful. The breakfast was the best I have had. Very elegant. The setting and music were devine. (overlooking Taormina), which by the way you must request a room facing that direction. It was beautiful. Reserve early because there are not that many rooms facing that direction. Service was great and the staff were very helpful. Enjoy your stay.

After arriving in Taormina at the Hotel Villa Angela we were very disappointed and left the hotel after one night . We were lucky as the Ducale , just next to it , was able to accomodate us for the following six nights and were very happy with it. We had a corner room, so we had a lot of space and a balcony overlooking the water. It was gorgeous! Our room was very clean with a large Jacuzzi bathroom and --- what a view !!!! We found the rates pretty reasonable for what you get and compared to other small luxury hotels in Taormina . We look forward to returning someday I would highly recommend thisand the hotel staff was very friendly and accommodating. The breakfast was fantastic and the bar in the evening was quiet, peaceful , fun hotel!