Minareto

The hotel stands as an unparalleled coastal retreat, offering breathtaking vistas of Ortigia and direct access to both a serene sandy beach and a picturesque rocky shoreline. This unique setting creates an immersive oasis, making it a memorable destination for various travelers. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff and attentive service, who are frequently praised for their helpfulness and professionalism, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The beautifully maintained grounds and immaculate facilities, including the inviting pool areas, contribute significantly to the resort's appeal. The comfortable and clean rooms, often boasting stunning sea views, further enhance the guest experience. This hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating special occasions, and for families looking for a resort setting with diverse beach access and spacious accommodations. Relaxation seekers will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. To maximize your stay, consider renting a car for greater flexibility in exploring the surrounding area, and be prepared to utilize the efficient WhatsApp system for on-site services.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the diverse range of facilities available, designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. The hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor pool area, providing a refreshing alternative to the sea. A significant highlight is the direct access to two distinct private beaches: a tranquil sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and a scenic rocky beach offering unique views of Ortigia. Both beach areas are well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, ensuring comfort. For those seeking active pursuits, a fitness center is available, though some guests noted it could benefit from improved lighting or air conditioning. While jacuzzis are present, some reviews mentioned they were not always warm or clean. The resort utilizes an efficient WhatsApp ordering system for food and drinks, allowing guests to receive service anywhere on the expansive property, and golf carts are provided for convenient transportation around the grounds.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many guests praising the impeccably clean and comfortable rooms. The beds are consistently highlighted for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms are described as spacious and offer stunning views of the sea or Ortigia, enhancing the overall ambiance. However, a notable number of reviews indicate that some accommodations felt dated or old-fashioned, suggesting a need for renovation to match the hotel's five-star aspirations. While some bathrooms are spacious, others were found to be small, worn out, or lacking counter space, with some guests noting poor shower design or faulty fixtures. Issues with sound isolation between rooms, particularly via bathrooms, were also mentioned, as were occasional morning noise from staff activities.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise from guests, described as delicious, varied, and of high quality, featuring both local specialties like granita and cannoli, alongside traditional options and a la carte choices such as omelets. This delightful start to the day is often enjoyed on a terrace with panoramic sea views. However, feedback regarding lunch and dinner is more mixed. While some guests found the food quality to be good, many expressed concerns about the limited menu and small portions, often feeling that the offerings were overpriced and did not fully align with a five-star dining experience. The bar service also received some criticism for being slow or unmanned, leading to reliance on the WhatsApp system for ordering drinks, which were sometimes perceived as expensive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw, offering stunning views of Ortigia across the bay and providing a sense of being a secluded oasis. While this offers a peaceful escape from crowds, guests frequently note its remote nature, emphasizing the necessity of having a rental car for exploring the wider area. For convenient access to Ortigia, the hotel offers a taxi boat service, which is appreciated for its scenic route, though it operates for a fee and is subject to sea conditions and specific hours. Alternatively, taxi services are available to reach the town. Valet parking is provided and praised for its efficiency, making car usage hassle-free. The property's expansive layout means that while it feels private, it is somewhat isolated from external dining or shopping options within walking distance.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their exceptional service and attentive approach. Guests frequently highlight their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, noting that the team goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, setting a positive tone upon arrival. Housekeeping is commended for its thoroughness and responsiveness, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. The unique WhatsApp service for ordering food and drinks is widely appreciated for its efficiency, allowing guests to receive prompt service anywhere on the property. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing a high level of care and personalized assistance is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing ongoing renovations, which may explain the mixed feedback on room modernity, with some accommodations being updated while others remain dated. The resort is a popular choice for weddings and other events, with many guests praising its suitability and the dedicated event planning services. While the WhatsApp communication system is lauded for its efficiency in delivering services across the expansive property, some guests found it to be less personal than traditional interactions. The hotel's somewhat isolated location means that while it offers tranquility, guests are largely reliant on on-site amenities or paid transportation to access external dining and attractions. Some guests also noted challenges with disabled access in certain areas of the property, particularly for those using wheelchairs.