Ginostra Port

The ground floor lounge spaces and its bar always seemed deserted, and there is a strong smell of Ortigia room scents throughout. The heavy-handed interior design overwhelms the more classic beauty of the original palazzi. We are architects, so this kind of poor design is more offensive to us than most. We finally got help with the AC, which had been turned off in our first room, and the young men "helping" us turn it back on were surly and laughing at our apparent stupidity in not being able to find the tiny black button on the tiny black thermostat. So, several hot and uncomfortable nights spent before solving that mystery. It's a great location with good array of breakfast choices, but I would not go back here.

To our surprise, on checking in we were given an upgrade to a junior suite at the Hotel Metropol. This is an exceptional property, very clean, beautiful architecture, unique setting and very friendly, helpful staff.