HOTEL VICTORIA, Taormina

On Corso Umberto I in Taormina City Centre, the family-run 3-star Hotel Victoria is 300 metres from the Greek Theatre and occupies a historic building with classic Sicilian architecture. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge assistance, express check-in, luggage storage, complimentary high-speed WiFi, and a safety deposit box. Rooms are air-conditioned and traditionally furnished with wrought-iron beds, natural wood furniture, satellite TV, and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer; some rooms open onto balconies that overlook the pedestrian street. At Hotel Victoria, an Italian buffet breakfast is served in a Baroque-style dining room, with cappuccino, herbal tea, freshly made pastries, fresh fruit, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Staff at Hotel Victoria are available around the clock and can advise on trips to Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano and Palazzo Corvaja, both a five-minute walk away, as well as on local tours, restaurants, and transport. The hotel offers soundproof rooms, allergy-free rooms, daily housekeeping, a lift, a designated smoking area, and an outdoor space; pet-friendly rooms and laundry services are also available. The pedestrianised location on the main shopping and dining street is a ten-minute walk from the central bus station and a short walk from the cable car to Isola Bella Beach. The property also includes a third-floor function room with a balcony overlooking Corso Umberto I, where guests can take their own drinks.

Oscar Wilde stayed at the hotel in the 1890s, when it had a direct view to the sea.

Some rooms at the back have internal courtyard views and are especially quiet at night.

The reception staff, including identical twins, are known for helpful directions, restaurant suggestions, and transport advice.

Several rooms include balconies and in-room hot drink-making facilities.

Cars are not allowed on Corso Umberto, so taxis cannot stop at the hotel and guests must walk with luggage from the nearest vehicle-accessible point.

There is no guest lounge or lobby, and main-street-facing rooms can pick up late-night noise if windows are open.