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Reviews of Wonderful Ancient House in Ortigia

Wonderful Ancient House in Ortigia
Siracusa, Sicily

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Allison P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing location, beautiful unique property
Ettore has created a beautiful and unique property. His attention to detail is incredible and we kept finding little surprises about the property through out our stay. He has all you need to make yourself at home - including a lovely bottle of wine that sadly we never drank as every time we got home we had no room left from dinner and cocktails! The location is amazing - you literally don’t have to walk more than 4 minutes to wonderful restaurants. We did a day trip to Taormina and the train was a 15 minute walk. You also feel very safe and secure in the property and by far the BEST pillows of any VRBO we’ve ever stayed in. The best was very comfortable too!!! I wish we had longer to stay!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nina

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our host Ettore was the epitome of Sicilian hospitality, happily meeting us at 3 a.m. to help us with parking and getting us settled in the apartment. The apartment was beautifully renovated, blending parts of the old church including in-floor displays of the old paving and other artefacts. It provided everything we needed and more for our week's stay in Ortigia.

8/10 Good

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice location but the place smells really musty and unhealthy .
It was truly pictured on the website .
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best vacation ever
This property is unique. Truly historic but with every modern convenience. Well appointed, spotless and very comfortable. Everything is at your doorstep. Ettore is not a good host, he is an exceptional host. Every need of the guests are anticipated. Communication was instantaneous. He is accommodating and generous. We have had many good vacation rentals but this is the best. Would stay here again if we're lucky enough to visit Siracusa again. Thank you Ettore.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark S., Denver, Colorado, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
A modern, historic and comfortable house that reflects the beauty of Ortigya.
Our first visit to Sicily and we landed at a beautiful, historic and modern home. How lucky. The house was comfortable and roomy with two bedrooms and two baths that worked well for our group of four. The home was centrally located and convenient. Our host was helpful and a great person to find out more about the area. Highly recommended! We will be back.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

David L., Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Ancient House in Ortigia
Beautifully decorated and exactly as promised. Host continuously helpful and any small problems attended to immediately with charm and skill. Always welcoming. Any small problems in our part accepted good humouredly my and fixed. We took Ettore out for dinner as we had become friends.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl H., Tempe, Arizona

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Place!!
We absolutely loved staying here at Ettore’s place. It is perfectly located in Ortigia, very comfortable and well stock (with supplies, dishes, pots & pans) and Ettore was very accessible. If you are coming to Siracusa, definitely stay here. You couldn’t do better! We hope to return someday. ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Place in Ortigia
We are two couples seeing Sicily. This apartment was outstanding. The location is right in the middle of Ortigia near the sights and restaurants. The kitchen had everything we needed. There is a grocery store just a few steps away. We had some rain so we could not use the outdoor patio as much as we would have liked. The owner was very, very helpful and was available via phone/text while we were there. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Sandy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
Ettore the host was very accommodating allowing us to check in early which was great. The location could not be bettered and the flat is full of charm with a lovely outside space. The showers are a little small but that’s the price for a bidet I suppose! Everything you need is there except a toaster. One point would be some explanation about what you recycle and when it goes out which is a bit tricky. We would happily recommend the flat
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location great host
Ortigia, a beautiful ancient city full of amazing sites and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to stay to explore south eastern Sicily. This property is spacious and well equipped with AC! And Ettore will look look after you.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Near restaurants, gelateria, and easy access to activities
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tisha W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home in Ortigia
We had amazing experience staying Ortigia. Ettore is a FANTASTIC host ensuring that all our needs were met including information about local parking and places to eat. He attends to every detail. His home is truly lovely and we were thrilled with out experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen K., Asheville, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect all the way around!
This is a nicely restored property (back portion of the still active church) that is in a perfect location to visit Ortigia and Siracusa. 2 min walk to the grocery and amazing restaurants. The apartment is very comfortable with 2 large bedrooms and 2 large full bathrooms. The outdoor sitting area was perfect for relaxing as well as eating. The kitchen is well stocked and we cooked nearly every evening. Ettore was exceptionally responsive during all aspects of our stay from booking questions to check in. He was also very helpful in suggestions for some tourist visits. Highly recommend Ettore and his Ancient Ortigia House!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glen G., Santa Monica, California

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful apartment
The property is beautiful, perfect for a small family, gorgeously decorated, and well situated. Additionally, the owner, Ettore, was immediately responsive to any questions or concerns.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frances K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oasis
Old city charm yet modern and well equipped on in the inside. We had everything we needed. Enjoyed breakfast in the courtyard and escaped the heat of the sun as we toured the area by returning to the cool surroundings. Our only challenge was the induction stove!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property, kind host
My friend & I spent a week in Ortigia in this lovely house. It is in walking distance to the whole island and also to Siracusa. Our host, Ettore was responsive and generous with information and suggestions for the area. We found plenty of good restaurants close by. I will definitely want to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique apartment perfectly situated
We enjoyed this unique, historical property in the heart of Ortigia. The decor linens were high quality and the kitchen was well equipped. The host was helpful and very communicative.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cosette T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Find - steps from everything!
Our host made everything so easy for us and we loved the apartment! Big and beautiful and within walking distance to everything you want to do in Ortigia. The beds were comfortable and great kitchen too. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
I was familiar with the area where the property is located but I never imagined what was behind the stone walls and wooden doors of Ettores building' He met us at the door and welcomed us into one of the most beautiful and interesting homes I had seen in Sicily. It surpassed any of our expectations' Large clean and bright,we hope to return '
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

JD P., Windermere, FL

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection!
Without a doubt, the best overall experience yet in a VRBO, from check in all the way through check out. Super clean, kitchen has everything you need, very comfortable, and a little part of history. I would go back without hesitation.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Ortigia stay!
Ettore has done a superb job renovating and maintaining this historic space! It is a fantastic location, clean, well appointed and full of history! Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bernhard J M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Was für eine außergewöhnliche Wohnung!
Wer den Charme Ortygias mag, wird vom Ortygia Ancient House begeistert sein! Die Wohnung war ursprünglich das Nebengebäude der angrenzenden barocken Kirche. Wo immer möglich, hat Ettore, der Besitzer, die alte Bausubstanz aus behauenen Kalksteinen und Holzbalken erhalten, den Rest stilsicher restauriert. Mehrere Lichtschächte ermöglichen einen Blick auf das antike Fundament des Hauses. Geschmackvoll dekoriert ist die Wohnung zum einen mit antiken Gegenständen, zum anderen mit traditionell sizilianischen Objekten und Kunstwerken einer örtlichen Künstlerin. Die Ausstattung der Wohnung, vor allem der Küche ist sehr gut. Die Betten sind sehr bequem. Alle technischen Geräte funktionieren einwandfrei. Im TV gibt es Netflix - ein netter Zeitvertreib an Abenden, an denen wir nicht ausgehen konnten. Die Lage der Wohnung ist optimal: In wenigen Minuten ist man am Dom, an der Fonte Aretusa und am Porto Grande, außerdem am nächsten Supermarkt. Das Haus liegt dabei in einer ruhigen Nebengasse ohne Durchgangsverkehr. Und nebenbei sei bemerkt, dass wir uns auch stets absolut sicher gefühlt haben. Der Vermieter Ettore Botta ist so, wie man sich einen Vermieter wünscht: Freundlich, ja herzlich, hilfsbereit (Anfragen über WhatsApp werden innerhalb von Minuten beantwortet und er kommt auch persönlich vorbei, wenn es nötig ist); außerdem spricht Ettore fließend Englisch, was die Kommunikation sehr einfach macht. Wir waren drei Wochen in der Wohnung. Die W
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annett K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Extraordinary and convenient apartment in historical Ortigia
Perfect place to explore historical Syracus and Ortigia walking. The appartment is exactly as described, very convenient for a familie of 4. Our host Ettore was very friendly, responsive and helpful. Great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Reinhard A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wunderschön
Sehr angenehm! Die Wohnung liegt in der Altstadt von Ortigia, ist sehr liebevoll gestaltet und gut klimatisiert. Sie ist das ideale Quartier, wenn man in Syrakus eine Weile bleiben will. Wir haben hier an einer Konferenz teilgenommen und die archäologischen Anlagen und Museen ausführlich besichtigt. Ettore ist ein hervorragender Gastgeber und sehr um das Wohl seiner Gäste bedacht. Die Ausstattung erlaubt Selbstversorgung, Prima! Sehr Empfehlenswert!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doris H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lage und Ausstattung super!
Die Beschreibung verspricht nicht zu viel - schöne Wohnung mit Flair, super zentrale Lage im historischen Zentrum, Ausstattung mit allem, was man braucht! Unkomplizierter Check-In, obwohl wir uns verspätet haben. Und der Vermieter ist überaus hilfsbereit und freundlich, beantwortet jede Frage sofort und gibt Tipps, wenn gewünscht (z. B. bezüglich Parken). Wir waren zu fünft sehr gut aufgehoben in Ortigia!
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mareike K.

Liked: Cleanliness
In the heart of Ortigia
What a wonderful place we found here! In a small, tiny street is an old wooden door, come inside and you will stand in a marble house entrance. You never expect that here you can find a so kind appartment, well equipped and with so much lovely details all overall! Highlight are the round glasses in the bottom of the living room, where you can see the old stones hundred years ago! Be aware of one thing: the house is really, REALLY old and so the room climate is a little bit similar to an old church and a little bit cold. Great in summer when outside its really hot you will have a fantastic climate appartment and for all other months you can use the heaters in each room. Walking outside, you can find a lot of fantastic restaurants only some steps away. Also visiting the touristic highlights of Siracusa you can find after walks between 5 and 40 minutes! Ettore is a great host, answered all our questions before booking within some minutes, as well as during our vacation time. We had a wonderful time in Siracusa and we are sure - never lived in such a beautiful, old appartment before!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rosamaria S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful experience
Beautiful house even better than what I expected, perfect position and great host. Perfect vacation
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019