Baia Taormina – CDSHotels

Perched dramatically on a cliffside, this hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and sea, offering guests a truly unforgettable visual experience from various points across the property. Its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway or individuals looking for an oasis of calm. Sightseers will also find it appealing due to the stunning vistas, while those who appreciate exceptional service and culinary experiences will be particularly well-suited. The hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness, spacious accommodations, and the attentive service provided by its dedicated staff. To maximize your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the most expansive views, and be sure to plan your use of the shuttle service in advance due to its limited capacity.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts two large swimming pools, which are a major highlight for guests, offering stunning views and a serene environment with ample sunbeds. These pools are freshwater and regularly cleaned, ensuring a pleasant swimming experience. While there is a gym available, some guests have noted that its equipment, such as treadmills, may not always be fully functional, and the weight selection is limited. A Wellness Centre offering various treatments is also on-site, though some guests found the services to be on the pricier side. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, though occasional connectivity issues have been reported. Guests utilize multiple elevators to navigate the multi-level property, but some have experienced them being slow or intermittently out of service, which can be challenging for those with mobility concerns. The bar is well-regarded for its professional staff and expertly crafted cocktails.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, perfumed, and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are frequently highlighted, often featuring large terraces or balconies that provide stunning sea views. Most guests find the beds comfortable and generously sized, though a few have described them as firm. While many bathrooms are spacious, some guests suggest they could benefit from a makeover, noting old fittings, limescale buildup, or mouldy tiles in the shower areas. The shower cubicles can be small, and the lack of a screen or curtain may lead to the bathroom floor getting wet. Noise levels can be an issue, with some guests reporting thin walls that allow conversations from adjacent rooms to be heard, and evening entertainment occasionally being loud. The air conditioning has been noted by some as not being strong enough or turning off when guests leave the room, requiring time to cool upon return.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a comprehensive dining experience, with breakfast consistently receiving high praise for its quality and variety. Guests enjoy a wide selection of fresh foods, including a continental spread, delicious pastries, and made-to-order coffee from a barista. The option to enjoy breakfast on the restaurant terrace with its breathtaking sea views is a particular highlight. Dinner is typically served buffet-style, featuring fresh and flavorful Sicilian and Italian specialties, including a popular pasta station and a grill station for fish and meat. While many guests find the dinner quality to be good, some have noted that the food can occasionally be lukewarm or that options become limited when large coach parties are present. The pool bar offers a convenient selection of snacks and drinks, including toasted sandwiches and salads, though its menu is somewhat limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's most striking feature is its panoramic location, offering unparalleled views of the bay and the distant town. However, this stunning setting also means the hotel is quite isolated, situated several kilometers from the main town, with no shops or restaurants within easy walking distance. Guests rely heavily on the free shuttle bus service to Taormina, which is generally appreciated for its convenience and reliability. However, the shuttle has limited capacity, accommodating only eight passengers at a time, and requires advance booking, which can be challenging, especially during peak times or when coach parties are present. This limitation sometimes forces guests to use expensive taxis. While the hotel offers parking, some guests find the access roads steep and inconvenient. There is a "private" beach accessible via steep steps, but it is small and rocky; the hotel also has an arrangement with a larger beach club, providing a separate shuttle service.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome provided by the reception staff, who are praised for their efficiency in check-in and their willingness to accommodate requests and resolve issues with grace. The bar staff are noted for their expertise in crafting cocktails and their professional demeanor. In the restaurant, the service is described as attentive, with chefs often available to prepare dishes to order. The pool staff and lifeguards are commended for being helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the area. Housekeeping is also recognized for its impeccable work, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel occasionally hosts coach parties, which can impact the availability of dining options and the shuttle service, as these groups sometimes receive priority. The hotel has a policy of requesting full payment for bookings two weeks prior to arrival, which some guests found unusual. A notable aspect of the hotel's amenities is the early closing time of the swimming pools at 6 PM, which some guests found inconvenient, especially during warmer months. Evening entertainment often features a talented singer performing in a jazz style, which many guests enjoy, though its volume can sometimes be heard in rooms. The hotel also has a charming cat that resides in the lobby, adding a unique and friendly touch to the common areas.