Arathena Rocks Hotel

Fanno pagare anche i teli piscina, vergognoso. Colazione mediocre. Posto bello.

We stayed in this fantastic hotel for two weeks in July and could not have enjoyed it more. A beautiful hotel with amazing views. The salt water pool and access to the sea from the rocks just beyond. I noticed a lot of people commenting on how the place needs updating but I think they are missing the point as the place is full of interesting antiquities and is full of the history of the island. All the staff, were out of this world whether on reception, housekeeping or in the restaurant, all were helpful, caring and went out of their way to make you feel at home. the hotel is in a quiet area about a fifteen minute walk from the beaches, harbor, shops and restaurants we were able to get the bus into Catania and Taormina, and could also get a bus to the train station to go to Messina. The receptionist was also on hand to book excursions for us to Etna, Syracuse and a boat trip around the coast. I would highly recommend this Hotel to visit the beautiful island of Sicily, and hope to return again in the near future. Thank you to the incredible staff at the Hotel Arathena Rocks for making our stay so memorable.

There’s quite a mixture of reviews here and having spent 6 nights in the hotel here’s my pros and cons and in balance I would go back and really enjoyed Giardini Naxos Pros * exceptionally clean *mostly friendly staff ( older dark hair woman was very helpful as was the waiter at breakfast) * magic location for direct access into sea and this made up for the extra walking distance to the town * 15/20 mins walk to main restaurant strip and loads of great ones to choose from including La Cambusa ( white lotus scene shot here) * very comfortable beds * always sun loungers in shade or sun * good location to visit Taormina which we did one early morning To go to isola Bella by bus ( €1.90 each way but a good 25 mins walk to get to bus stop) and another later evening for a meal, bus a short journey and you buy a ticket before you get in the bus - not with the driver. We didn’t use a taxi but the sign at Taormina bus station said €30 to Naxos so not sure if there is a cheaper option * transfer from Catania airport was 45 mins and I used Transfeero and cost €92 , I also used them to back to Catania city for a night there and it was also €92 * the main bus terminal is really just another bus stop and similar distance to walk to as the one in the town but a nicer walk and we also found Bar Oasis which had a fantastic lunch menu option and granita to try here- it was so good we went twice Cons *our room was at the back and the last 2 mornings we were woken at 5am with a delivery, if you can book a sea view room * tired in places for the outside areas * you need to be able to walk to get into the town/restaurant area but that’s the trade off for having direct sea access

The location is excellent. Easily accessible by car and no issue with parking. This hotel is right on the water and within walking distance of the small town centre. I gave it a rating of 3 stars as it is a tired hotel. If the owners would put some money into it, this hotel could easily become a 5 star resort!! Dinner was a set menu. Not impressed with the quality of the food considering the Sicilian food we’ve come accustomed to. Our room was in the 3rd floor (corner) and we had a spectacular view from our balcony!!! Highly recommend room 303. We got a view of both Mount Etna and the ocean. The bed was cozy and clean. The washroom was efficient and clean. There is a safe and a small fridge in the room. Very quiet area (May-not high season) There is an old style elevator that is slow but gets the job done. The pool area was in need of an upgrade. Pool is NOT heated. Many of the lounge chairs have seen better days. They charge $3 euros a day for a towel. No bar service at the pool . At least we never saw anyone offering drinks). Staff were friendly and pleasant.

We went for our Honeymoon and were treated to a fantastic stay! The hotel is quirky, with so much lovely traditional Sicilian decor/ornaments, it has a great position tucked away nicely but a very short walk from the beautiful harbour area which includes stunning views of Mount Etna. Fantastic view over the bay from the seaview rooms. Staff couldn't do enough for us, even keeping some food back for us after we arrived at 10pm on the Sunday. Food was great all week. Highly recommeded, especially for those seeking a quiet and relaxed getaway. Thank you Arathena!

Eclectic charm and great views Hotel was much better than expected. We had a corner suite with a patio and a small balcony. View was spectacular! Bed and pillows comfortable. Breakfast was good and fixed price dinner for 20 euros was a bargain and quite good. Only complaint, the safe in the room was on the floor of closet. You had to go on your stomach to read the numbers and no instructions how to use it.