Catania Smart Hotel

Catania Smart Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel set right on Via Etnea, the main street of Catania's historic centre, just a short walk from Villa Bellini and the Botanical Garden. It occupies a building designed in the late 1950s: the ground floor, opening directly onto the street, houses the reception and the bar with breakfast room, while the guest rooms are on the upper floor.

The interiors have a contemporary urban look, with exposed brick and pipework, iron, copper, wood and concrete, carefully designed lighting and soft curved lines that echo the mood of Edward Hopper's paintings. Each of the 15 rooms and suites is different, drawing inspiration from distant cultures such as samurai-era Japan or tribal Africa. All feature air conditioning, independent heating, a safe, a satellite Smart TV, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fridge, a Nespresso machine, a kettle with teas and herbal infusions, hypoallergenic pillows and a private bathroom, some with a bathtub.

The front desk can arrange excursions to Etna, Taormina, Syracuse and Noto as well as paid transfers to and from the airport and railway station, and guests receive discounts at the SPA of sister property Duomo Suites. Piazza Duomo is about 15 minutes away on foot and the airport is 6 km away. A good base for couples, families and business travellers; small pets are welcome on request.