We had a wonderful time in Sicily, thanks in large part to the service and friendliness of the staff at the Crystal Sea hotel. The hotel had that family hotel feel you wouldn’t get at a chain or larger hotel. We could single out Angelo, Nino, Furio, and Donatella but, in fact, everyone was very attentive to our needs to ensure we were happy. Whether it was helping to plan our trips, recommending local restaurants, or even helping us attach our iPad to the HDTV, nothing was too much for them.
The hotel rooms are very clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. The rooms have a lovely sea view and it is quiet in the evening, something you wouldn’t get in central Taormina. The breakfast and restaurant were also good. The pool area was small but very secluded and peaceful; very relaxing indeed!
Outwith the complimentary hotel shuttle service to Taormina, there is also a frequent, efficient, clean bus service (4.5 euros for a couple) which takes about 15-20 minutes. We used this frequently to take us back to the hotel in the late evening after having dinner in Taormina (lots of fantastic restaurants). The last stop is just beside the Crystal Sea so no worries about missing the stop.
In summary, any hotel looking for a masterclass in customer service need look no further than the Crystal Sea.