B&B Palazzo Tornabene0

I liked the hospitality and the location of the hotel. The host gave us breakfast every morning and was really polite. He offered us suggestions of the best places where to eat and visit in Catania. Our rooms had balcony with a small table and chairs which was lovely to sit especially in the evening and listen to the music. If travelling to Catania I would definitely come again.

Nothing major just the towels - There was a policy that the towels would be changed every 4 days, if we wanted them changed earlier there was a charge. It would have been better if the towels could have been changed after 3 days just because of the hot weather and possibly have it written on the booking page so people are area and can bring their own towels.

The B&B was easy to be found thanks to the huge door as an entrance. It was located in a fun little corner close to the Piazza del Duomo and had some great restaurants around it. The bedroom in itself was spacious enough, had a little fridge and for sure was clean. Our host was always friendly and there if needed to help us. He even stayed later for us and other guests than the normal check-in times. As long as you communicate it upfront ofcourse! The B&B offered different slices of meat during breakfast which was a real plus we noticed at the end of our 14-day trip around Sicily. When our showerhead broke because it fell off the handle (the handle gave in unexpectedly) our host changed it directly at no extra cost. Also when we thought we could have the towels changed but it was before the agreed period (I did not see that part in the agreement which was my fault), our host changed them at no cost when I even offered that we'd pay for it.

The mineral buildup around the showerhead and the size of the shower was quite small. It was impossible to shower with 2 people in it, but also alone it was quite cramp. We later noticed in other B&B´s this is a general trend in whole Sicily. We had a room just behind the desk so we heard most of the conversations going on when we were there and wanted to rest. And believe me, Italians quite love to chatter... ;)

Excellent location. The accommodation is only about 50m from the University Square which is adjoining to the main city square - the Elephant Square. The market is another 50m or so farther along from the Elephant Square, where we found affordable seafood and restaurants. Breakfast was continental type. Sufficient enough to start the day. On our final day, Giorgio packed our breakfast because of early departure time. Giorgio owns and runs the hotel of only 5 rooms in a heritage protected building. Built in the 1600's. We did not know it was a heritage building until we arrived. We felt very privileged to be able to stay there. He runs the hotel with pride and maintains a high level of standard, especially with cleanliness. The room we had was quite large, very high ceiling and original period floor tiles with new balcony door and modern bathroom appliances/fittings.

It is only a small hotel, Giorgio not usually there full time. It is important to let him know of your arrival. He said (April 2023) that there was a schedule in place to install a more modern door answering system.

I loved B&B Palazzo Tornabene. Giorgio was a wonderful host. He offered restaurant suggestions that were his personal favourites and they were wonderful. He also gave detailed information about places to visit and was always available for anything I needed. The rooms were spotless and very comfortable. There was a good variety of breakfast items. Giorgio’s B&B will definitely see me again.

The only thing I could suggest an improvement was the pillows which were a little hard but it is a small criticism.

We loved our stay at the Palazzo Tornabene. A large, airy & beautiful room with a comfortable bed and spacious bathroom - all spotlessly clean. Breakfast was taken in a small area with a lovely choice, freshly and neatly prepared. The bread rolls were the best we’d had in Sicily, and the fresh pistachio croissants too. The balcony looked out over a street with views of the side of a 17th century church and some grand old buildings (this is Catania!) one of them in the process of being renovated. The B&B is in an excellent location, just a couple of minute’s walk from the Piazza del Duomo and the Via Etnea, Perfect! There are even a choice of restaurants just beside the B&B. Giorgio, the proprietor, was friendly and so very helpful. He allowed us to check in and leave our luggage as we arrived early and gave us a map and information about the city. He helpfully messaged us to tell us later when the room was ready. He’d transferred our luggage to the room for us too. Then when we left the next morning he took us to the airport for a very reasonable charge, and gave us more information about the city! We truly wish we’d had more time to stay in Catania. It’s a vibrant, colourful, majestic and fascinating city.

There is nothing we didn’t like about the property, but a small fridge would be helpful if staying for a bit longer. Also maybe a couple of glasses in the room.

This is a really appealing B&B right in the historic center of Catania. The rooms we had (3 rooms total, 1, 2, 3) were very nicely remodeled, with new bathrooms, nice furniture, etc. There is a very welcoming reception area and a nice breakfast area (though we did not take breakfast at the B&B because there are so many places to eat nearby). I lived in Catania for a year and I think the location is ideal (about 1 minute walk to the Duomo). There is a good restaurant next door that we ate at several times, plus pastries, gelato, and pizza very close by. The air conditioning worked well even though we were there during 37-40 weather in July. The host was extremely helpful. He met us, then rode with me to show where to park and how to walk back (4 minutes--parking is not on-site beause it is the middle of the city). The rooms themselves were just really nicely done and felt very comfortable and welcoming to us. Oh, and the price seemed like a real bargain. We were very surprised to realize how little we had paid after we saw the rooms and location. And we visited in summer--early July.

The mattresses were more firm that we prefer (we are mid-50s). The kids (20s) didn't seem to notice any issue.

Absolutely perfect. Giorgio the owner explained over the phone on how to get to the B&B avoiding all the "historic centre" limited access camera's, so that my elderly parents could be dropped off at the door. There is an elevator to the first floor so that concern was also easily eliminated. He then accompagnied me to the nearest parking with surveillance and even paid off the "beggar - parking attendant" so that my car would not get damaged. His recommendations for the restaurant were easy, with it being located just next door, but the food was excellent. Overall an availability and explanation on the B&B which were far above average. Highly recommended!!

Shower too small. But really, that was not a concern. Nothing else.

I am satisfied with everything, except for the music outside in the evening. It is located right in the city center, nice and every convenient. The owner told us where to park and how to pay. We did it smoothly and it is only 5 minutes walking to the appartment. Parking overnight turned out to be quite cheap.

We stayed there on a Saturday and in the evening there was a kind of party in the street with loud music. The isolation of the windows seem good, but for a short while the music was too loud and annoying. Fortunately the music stopped before midnight.

The accomodation was really good. The rooms were clean and were cleaned every day. The room was quite big, the bathroom was also big. The owner was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious. We got help for every questions and ask. We spent a really good time here.

Unfortunately it was a little bit noisy, but with closed windows it was okey. We were tired enough after the trips to be not disturbed because of it. The breakfast started at 8:30 am which was a little bit late for us but when we asked for earlier breakfast the owner could solve our problems (we just missed the super delicious bakery products :) ).

location is very good and central to all the good restaurants and also historic places to visit. room very comfy and spacious and a very good sized bathroom. we had room 1 which is on the street with restaurants and bars just underneath it. Guests may be bothered with the noise from the street and also the noise from glass emtying at night and glass collection in the morning. B'fast is basic and includes croissants, toast and cereal.