ChrisMare Hotel

The hotel's prime beachfront location directly across from a clean, easily accessible beach is its most memorable attribute, making it an ideal choice for beach lovers and those seeking a relaxing coastal getaway. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the friendly and helpful staff, and the good breakfast as key aspects of their stay. Its convenient proximity to a bus stop for Taormina also makes it well-suited for sightseers and couples looking to explore the region without a car. The overall atmosphere is often described as welcoming and familial, appealing to families seeking a comfortable base. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a sea-view room for stunning sunrises, and be aware that while the hotel is rated four-star, many guests perceive it as a solid three-star property.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though some guests note areas for improvement. A significant point raised by many is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, especially for rooms on upper floors. While Wi-Fi is available, its signal strength and reliability, particularly in guest rooms, are frequently reported as weak or non-existent. Rooms are generally equipped with air conditioning that functions well, and many include a mini-fridge and a safe for convenience. Guests appreciate the spacious balconies, especially those with sea views, providing ample outdoor space. However, some external areas of the property, such as the common outdoor spaces, have been described as unkempt or under construction, impacting the overall aesthetic.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and tidied daily, with fresh linens and towels provided. The beds and pillows are generally described as comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep. Rooms are often spacious, and many feature large balconies that enhance the stay. However, noise levels are a recurring concern, particularly for rooms facing the mountain side or the road, due to poor soundproofing against traffic, railway noise, and ongoing construction. Some guests also reported specific issues with bathrooms, including a lack of shower curtains or proper shower enclosures leading to wet floors, leaking showerheads, and occasional problems with toilet flushing or sink drainage. Despite these points, the effective air conditioning is a positive aspect of room comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests describe it as good, with a decent variety of options including both sweet and savory items, fresh products, and homemade cakes. Coffee is also well-regarded. However, some guests noted that the selection can be basic or unremarkable, and items like bread may run out quickly if one arrives later in the morning. For those who experienced dinner at the hotel, the food is often praised for its home-style quality and freshness, though the service can be slow as meals are prepared upon order. This "Sicilian way" of service ensures fresh, hot food but requires patience. Overall, the dining experience contributes positively to the stay, especially the breakfast offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location directly across from a clean and easily accessible beach is a significant highlight for guests. It offers convenient access to the sea, with many restaurants and cafes within walking distance. For exploring the region, a bus stop for Taormina is just a few minutes' walk away, providing easy and affordable transportation to the popular town within 10-15 minutes. The railway station is also within walking distance. Parking is generally available and free on the street nearby, though some guests noted limited fenced parking on-site. However, the location also presents challenges, with a noisy road behind the hotel and ongoing construction of a promenade outside the property, which can cause noise and temporary access difficulties to the beach.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a welcoming and familial atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing bus instructions to accommodating parking extensions or room changes. The housekeeping team is particularly commended for their thoroughness in maintaining clean rooms. While the check-in process is generally smooth, some guests noted a language barrier with certain reception staff, and the front entrance closes after midnight, requiring guests to use a back door. Despite minor communication issues, the overall sentiment is that the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Additional Information
Many guests noted that despite being advertised as a four-star establishment, the hotel more closely aligns with a three-star rating in terms of its facilities and overall presentation. There is ongoing construction work on a promenade directly outside the hotel, which can lead to noise disturbances and temporary difficulties in accessing the beach area. Guests should be aware that the hotel does not have a private beach; instead, it offers direct access to the public beach. Some reviews mentioned that the hotel requested cash payment for stays, which might be an important detail for some travelers. Additionally, the reception desk and main entrance close after midnight, requiring guests to use a back door entrance for late-night access.