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Review submitted by Sean from Chelmsford, Essex (Submitted: 26 Mar 2013)
Lovely apartment with fantastic seaviews, but the most appealing aspect was the hospitality and friendliness of the owner, Valeria. We were made to feel very welcome.
Review submitted by Roger from London (Submitted: 6 Nov 2012)
Superb accomodation - the owner was very welcoming and kind. Highly recommended.
Review submitted by David from Alton (Submitted: 13 Mar 2012)
Our stay at the Suite under the Castle was lovely in every respect. The accommodation was spacious, very clean, traditional, yet with good quality modern conveniences. The owner was very friendly, extremely helpful and spoke good English.
Finding a generous welcome pack of food supplies and a home cooked meal for our first evening was a very pleasant surprise indeed! We felt that the owner genuinely cared about Sicily, her property and making sure her guests had a great holiday.
We have no problem highly recommending this property.
Review submitted by Eugene from Roseville, California USA (Submitted: 4 Nov 2011)
The apartment in Aci Castello was an excelent value. The photos on the web were accurate, though the view was even more beautiful than pictured. It was neat and tidy and the bed was comfortable. We especially enjoyed the balcony. Valeria tried to think of everything we could possible need in the week we were there. She even had food waiting for us because she knew we would be tired and hungry when we arrived. We enjoyed shopping in the local markets and cooking some of our own meals in the well-equiped kitchen. Valeria was most egar to proved for us. When weI requested an iron, she brought one by the next day along with a little gift of pastry. We would certainly reccomend this property to others and hope to return someday.
Review submitted by Arek from Sydney (Submitted: 25 Jul 2011)
This property is perfectly located facing the sea at Aci Castello. It lacks a laundry but otherwise, all the furniture and appliances are comfortable, beautifully co-ordinated and very functional. We used Aci Castello as our base (for a week) while we drove around Sicily and it was good to have a quiet home to come to at the end of the day. The neighbour upstairs was gorgeous and friendly and the owners looked after us very well (including a visit to Catania). Parking our car was easier than I would have expected but then again, this is a relatively quiet town. No sandy beaches but well worth considering.
Review submitted by Steve from london (Submitted: 28 Apr 2010)
Lovely location, very attractive flat and in an interesting and characterful small sicilian town.
Owner was very attentive and worked hard to see we enjoyed our stay.
Review submitted by Stephanie & Christian from United States (Submitted: 21 Sep 2009)
We had a wonderful time in Aci Castello at the Suite Under the Castle. We agree with the other positive reviews, especially that the apartment is spacious and light, the terrace is fantastic, and it is a perfect spot for couples. Also, Valeria is kind, gracious and so helpful. She does do everything possible to ensure a great holiday. The apartment has everything one could need, plus Valeria has extensive information about Sicily, and she is very responsive. Aci Castello is a very good location to explore eastern Sicily. We really liked the fact that we could visit popular places like Taormina, Etna, and Siracusa (where there were often more tourists) and then come back to our suite and get away from it all and just relax. It felt really special to live among the locals and enjoy the lovely little town, the restaurants and the castle square. It grew on us more every day as we felt more and more at home and connected, and it was very sad to leave. It is truly a special place!
Review submitted by alain from Brest (Submitted: 29 Jul 2009)
Très bel appartement,superbement décoré et trés confortable.accueil particulièrement chaleureux de Valéria qui donne une multitude de renseignements sur cette belle région de lEtna .Aci Castello est un endroit vivant(un peu trop les We dété...) à latmosphère authentiquement sicilienne.
Review submitted by Anna & Nick from Newport (Submitted: 30 Jun 2009)
We stayed in this Suite for a week in June 2009. The Suite itself is our favourite self catering accommodation we have ever stayed in. The owner, Valeria has spent a lot of time and care in restoring the original features (ceiling frescos and tiled floors). Even the great web photos do not do the Suite justice. The two main rooms (bedroom and living/dining room) are large and the kitchen is small, but large enough and well equipped. The shower room is also small and probably not suitable for someone carrying a few pounds! The balcony is fabulous ~ its large and the views are fantastic. It gets the sun all morning and by the evening is shady and cool. There isnt any private parking and the street outside is residents only parking, but as long as you dont mind a 5 min walk (with some uphill walking or steps), then it is easy to park down by the harbour. Valeria was very welcoming and helpful, supplying lots of local information (both verbally and with books/maps) and nice touches in the Suite (wine, pastries, fresh lemons and cherries etc.). Aci Castello is a quaint and interesting little town and a good base for exploring eastern Sicily. A word of caution, if you are not a fish lover be very careful which restaurant you chose as many offer little else. Also, most restaurants did not have English translated menus or English speaking waiters. We would highly recommend the Suite to anyone, as long as climbing the steep steps to the Suite didnt pose a problem (at a guess there are about 20 or so).
During our week long stay we managed to visit Catania, Mount Etna, Villa Romana del Casale, Syracuse, Noto, Enna, Taormina, Panarea and Stromboli (stayed over night and climbed to the top). Top tip ~ use the E45/A18 to bypass Catania ~ you need to get on/off at Acireale. The extra time and miles are well worth the hassle and stress youll save!
Review submitted by LISA from brentwood (Submitted: 20 May 2009)
Just fabulous The view is to die for you sunrise is spectacular. Everything absolutely perfect. Valeria was wonderful filled the fridge with goodies, provided maps and hints on the local area for us. Aci Castella a beautiful place to stay in Sicily and we would highly recommend it!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 12 Dec 2008)
Beautiful .. simple and sweet like the town of Aci Castello.
Truly a find and special spot in Sicily.
A MUST SEE and EAT - Check out the Restaurant /Pizzaria Ionica on the other side of the Castle Square.. GREAT PIZZA - and in the summer there is open air seating in the park across the street. FUN and loving towns people take care of you like family.
Review submitted by Paula from Leeds (Submitted: 7 Oct 2008)
Our stay in The Suite Under The Castle was first class from start to finish. Firstly, the pictures on the website did not do it justice. The painted ceilings and splendid floor were beautiful and you cannot appreciate the wonderful view from the balcony until you are actually standing on it. This was our honeymoon and we certainly found this to be a very romantic place especially at dusk when the lights came on around the bay.
Valeria could not have been more helpful and her care of us started long before we arrived in Sicily.She had such good knowledge of the area and was always at the end of a telephone when needed. The gas ran out half way through cooking dinner and she had the man around with a new bottle in literally 5 minutes. Thats service. Her attention to detail was second to none and the groceries she left us, meeting us in the village to show us where to park, advising us on local restaurants and sights, coming to see us with a wonderful souvenir and being very patient when we accidently locked the door from the outside instead of opening(twice) made it a stress free and very special honeymoon. Many many thanks.
Richard and Paula Feltbower.
Review submitted by Michael & Helen from North Berwick (Submitted: 29 Jul 2008)
The apartment is in a wonderful position overlooking the bay of the Cyclops with the Norman Castle to one side. The view from the balcony is superb and we spent many hours just sitting there watching. The apartment itself is excellently appointed with air conditioning (thank heavens!) and everything necessary to make it an enjoyable stay. It also has two lovely painted ceilings. Valeria, the owner, couldnt be more helpful, making sure that you get the best out of your stay. There are plenty of places to eat around and about and Catania is easily reached by public transport or car. there is so much to do in the area that I feel we only scratched the surface.
Review submitted by Shona from London (Submitted: 25 Jun 2008)
We spent a lovely honeymoon week in the Suite under the Castle and would thoroughly recommend it.
The Suite under the Castle is a beautiful apartment with high ceilings painted with fresco, a modern and well equipped kitchen and bathroom and a wonderful terrace overlooking the sea and the Castle.
Aci Castello is a delightful town with all the necessary shops and some good trattoria/pizzerias and cafes. It is good base from which to explore other parts of Sicily, with Syracuse, Taormina, and Catania within easy reach.
Valeria, who owns the apartment, was extremely welcoming, gave us some excellent recommendations of places to visit and restaurants to try and even left some drinks and provisions in the fridge for our arrival!
Review submitted by Rhett from Quebec (Submitted: 7 Dec 2007)
The "Suite under the castle" was an incredible property set in a typical Sicilian town. It was perfectly located on the coast beside a beautiful historical castle and included rooms with vaulted ceilings and a large balcony overlooking the sea. The highlight of this experience for us was the unbelievable friendliness and generosity of the owner. She continually surprised us with her kindness and the genuine interest she displayed in ensuring our stay was absolutely the best it could be. She certainly succeeded. If you are looking for a great location close to most of the sites in Sicily, this is it. We highly recommend this property.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Sep 2007)
"HEMOS PASADO UNOS DIAS MUY AGRADABLES EN ESTE APARTAMENTO TAN ACOGEDOR Y PINTORESCO DISFRUTANDO DEL SOL Y DE LAS PRECIOSAS VISTAS. NUESTRA HIJA HA DISFRUTADO JUGANDO EN LA TERRAZA Y LOS DESAYUNOS HAN SIDO MEMORABLES. EL APARTAMENTO ES AMPLIO Y CONFORTABLE Y CON TODO LO NECESARIO PARA PASAR UNAS ESTUPENDAS VACACIONES. GRACIAS VALERIA POR TU ATENCIÓN Y SIMPATIA."
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Sep 2007)
"Valéria nous propose là un appartement ancien refait à neuf, déco moderne, superbe avec des plafonds et une vue exceptionnels,encore plus beau sur place que sur le site internet:facile à se garer,reposant, tout est prévu et plus encore, pleins de petites attentions. Valéria est extrèmement charmante et "professionnelle", ponctuelle, précise,polyglotte explique comment profiter d'Acicastello et de son environnement, et vous accueille avec de quoi vous restaurer pendant 2 jours si vous arrivez sur le week-end sans provision.c'est tellement propre que des chaussons personnels vous attendent à l'entrée.Un petit paradis proche de tout l'est de l'île. Merci énormément Valéria!!!!"
"Vue splendide, appartement très confortable et bien situé. Propre et bien décoré. La propriétaire est chaleureuse, accueillante et généreuse. Beaucoup de documentation et d'information ont été fournies pour aider à faire de notre séjour, une expérience agréable."
Superbe appartement où tout a été pensé et fourni jusqu'au fil dentaire! propreté irréprochable et la chambre à coucher est une vraie oasis de fraîcheur avec des plafonds aux fresques paradisiaques. Magnifique vue avec la mer à nos pieds, et propriétaires exquis et polyglottes qui allient gentillesse et art de recevoir avec plein de petites attentions et produits régionaux qui vous attendent au frais à votre arrivée. La terrasse offre des moments inoubliables le soir avec ambiance musicale au bar à quelques mètres, pas du tout gênante même pour les personnes friandes de tranquillité comme nous. Acicastello est une petite ville charmante avec son petit château où l'on a assisté spontanément à des mariages célébrés entre deux visites au musée. Tout en beauté et élégance à l'italienne. Point stratégique également pour visiter toute la sicile orientale.Unique bémol, por nous en tout cas qui rentrions tard le soir de nos ballades,la difficulté de garer la voiture car tout est pris à partir de 20h à cause de l'affluence dans les restos et bars du coin, mais cela justifie davantage le charme et l'attrait de Acicastello! Merci encore MME V. pour ce séjour inoubliable. Madame et Monsieur R. paris. France"
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Sep 2007)
"This was the best apartment we have ever stayed in and the location was perfect for the quiet relaxing holiday we were looking for. Just like staying in a 4 star hotel everything had been thought of."
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Mar 2007)
This is a really beautiful apartment which has been lovingly restored and is located within the historical area of Aci Castello. It is comfortable, very well furnished, and quiet. There is an attractive terrace on which one can laze in the sun, enjoy a meal, or look down on the activity on Aci Castello Beach. It is very well located, being almost next to the Castle and historical centre of the small town; also within easy walking distance of the beach, small shops, and several good restaurants. Aci Castello is a good touring base, being within easy travelling distance of Etna, Taormina, Siracusa, Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, and (of course) Catania. The owner speaks English well, was very hospitable, and gave extremely helpful suggestions to help us enjoy our stay. Our only wish would have been for a longer holiday
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Mar 2007)
Testimonial date 31/10/2006 from Mr. Heikki T.
The house is really recommendable, extremly well equipped, marvelous view to the sea and the lady of the house doing her best to take care of her guests. In the surroundings you find all you need except internet point. (Walking distance 2,5 km) I recommend to rent a car. There is an excellent parking place just stairs down from the flat.
Testimonial date 11/05/2006 from Miss Susan H.
It is always difficult to make judgements on places when you only see them on the web. The apartment interested me becasue of the seaside location and the information provided was very tempting. We were not disappointed. In fact it was far better than we dared hope. This is the perfect holiday venue for two people, friends or partners. The apartment is exquisite - so beautifully decorated and with wonderful large rooms and high ceilings. There is plenty of space, and storage space. The terrace overlooking the sea has the most fantastic views and there is more than large enough for two poeople to lie on the loungers and there is a table big enough to invite friends for lunch or supper. My partner commented that there was everything in the apartment one could ask for or need. This I think is due to the thoughtful attentiveness of the delightful owners (as are the beautiful design and furnishings). At night the loudest sound was the ticking of the clock. I can imagine that in the heat of summer the apartment would be beautiful and cool. The owner met us at the autostrada exit and escorted us to the apartment, showed us where to park (or more importantly where not to) and ensured that there were all the essentials there for us (wine, cheese, fantastic olive oil, salad, fruit, bread, eggs etc.). Maps, restaurant information, and even guide books were also provided. We felt we had come to stay with out very best friends. My only word of caution is that if you were very large you might not fit through the sliding door to the shower! Definitely made for petite Italians! Aci Castello has some nice restaurants and it is a pleasant if not longish stroll to Aci Trezza where there are many more. Seafood abounds and the food in every place we tried was just fantastic. We will be back!
Testimonial date 29/08/2005 from Mr. Paul R.
This is a really beautiful apartment which has been lovingly restored and is located within the historical area of Aci Castello. It is comfortable, very well furnished, and quiet. There is an attractive terrace on which one can laze in the sun, enjoy a meal, or look down on the activity on Aci Castello Beach. It is very well located, being almost next to the Castle and historical centre of the small town; also within easy walking distance of the beach, small shops, and several good restaurants. Aci Castello is a good touring base, being within easy travelling distance of Etna, Taormina, Siracusa, Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, and (of course) Catania. The owner speaks English well, was very hospitable, and gave extremely helpful suggestions to help us enjoy our stay. Our only wish would have been for a longer holiday