Hotel Olimpo le Terrazze

This is probably one of the more unusual hotels I have ever visited. Even getting to it wasn’t really explained. The bloke who brought me there from Catania Airport simply said, “Second floor”. I had no idea where I was going and was worried about being accosted by a person following me, until she asked me if I had just arrived in English. She kindly showed me how to get to my hotel because there are two, and get the funicular to the second floor. Had no one found me, I wouldn’t have had a clue how to get there, and she said other British people had said the same. The good: 1. Very clean, throughout the hotel 2. Friendly staff, particularly Peppe 3. Great assortment of drinks 4. Shuttle bus to Taormina The bad: 1. Despite asking for an early in advance, this was refused on my last morning at the hotel. All the young man who was there was willing to give me were two apples! 2. Same applies to a packed lunch, which I should have received because I was an all-inclusive guest 3. Thin walls 4. The tiniest safe in the known universe. Not worth paying €30 deposit 5. The beds were really hard and uncomfortable. The ugly: 1. The amount of smokers in the bar area. Yuck! 2. The music in the bar area was too loud and kept me awake 3. By 8 o’clock, most of the food will be gone in the restaurant. 4. There is no shade whatsoever after midday. Despite all of this, I did have a nice time. Other British people advised me to get to meals early before the food was all gone. There was always plenty to choose from: soup, pasta, risotto, a different choice of hot food in heated serving dishes and various sides. There was always a variety of puddings, fresh fruit- including local dragon fruit and as much ice cream as you liked. These varied each time. When I first arrived, the drinks were served yourselves and then it changed to waiters/waitresses. You had to show a card every time you asked for a drink - even water and anyone who wasn’t all-inclusive had to pay for their drinks before they left.

Avoid this hotel at all costs. Took my 2 kids there in August. No beds at the pool. Food very average and peopke we got talking to had suspected food poisioning. Staff not the most pleasant. I really cant be bothered going on... I'm very well travelled and not one to moan usually. Avoid, avoid, avoid

Our first family holiday abroad and to Sicily. The hotel is beautifully situated on the mountains with stunning views. I was concerned about the highway you can see from the hotel but there is barely any noise. It's very quiet at night some evening entertainment but didn't see much on in the way for children. The children's club (daytime) is mainly Italian and wasn't really promoted for international families. Plenty of choice for food and lots of fresh fish to try. Gluten free options available on request but not a wide range. Sunbeds are plentiful and lucky enough to have 2 main swimming areas. Staff will remove any towels if you're not there for a while (when we were at lunch) or if they're put down too early. The main pool is very deep but the kids pool at the sister hotel was perfect. The hotel is clean and offers a relaxing stay. Some kids activities during the day by the main pool. My main concern was the cleanliness surrounding the buffet (mainly the ice creams the kids would put their fingers in and during the holiday I ended up with gastroenteritis for 3 weeks). The staff do need to be supervising more on these areas. Lady at the excursion desk was very friendly. Every time you need a clean beach towel you have to pay 10 Euros. Luckily we took our own beach towels. Also we were really disappointed we tried the sister hotel restaurant to be told it was fully booked (there were enough tables) so we didn't eat there all week. We were also not aware that the pizzeria is not included in the all inclusive package so you may find a big bill! Our room was very clean and quiet. Some long waits for the funicula and be prepared for some very pushy Italian families who do not understand a queue system. The local area is nice to explore and recommend a trip to Taormina which has amazing views. Overall the hotel is well run, friendly staff and offers a relaxing stay. Further away from the pool are some lovely quiet areas with amazing views. The gardens are well kept and being on the hillside makes for an interesting location. A trip down to the beach is about 10-15 minutes however our family were ushered off the front row which was empty to further back along the back which was quite ride and unnecessary. All the other staff were helpful at the hotel.

The hotel location is stunning with wonderful sea views. The rooms are large with great balconies or terraces and are well cleaned. The self service food was mediocre. There was a wide choice of food, but the quality of food was low poor.