VILLA LOU Panoramic Suite and Apartment

We booked the Panoramic Suite some time ago based on the rave reviews. Shortly before leaving, a review appeared with an “average” rating and a somewhat negative focus. Fortunately our experience did not match that of the reviewer. First, the size. The suite is 27 sq meters, larger than many hotel rooms in Europe and consistent with an NYC efficiency. It is really nicely furnished and decorated with a small sofa, very small desk and a bed. The bath is normally-sized although there is only a handheld shower which takes getting used to if you are used to fixed shower heads. There is a flat screen TV, Nespresso machine, microwave and small fridge.The fridge was noisy when we first entered the suite but I moved it slightly in its cabinet area and it remained quiet for the rest of the stay. The bed is in an alcove and was comfortable, no swale in the middle. There was one pillow per person, but we did not find this an issue. The suite has an eastern exposure so the room is bright around 7:30-8:00 for the time we were there, so if you are bothered by the light and want to sleep late in darkness, then you might be challenged. The suite has a lovely terrace which overlooks the sea...really special. There are pots on the wall of the terrace but one can easily see through or over them. The tram/cable car to the beach area runs past the suite so occasionally you will see the cable cars go past but this is not a privacy problem. A really special feature of the apartment is the pool. Very lovely setting overlooking the sea. There was a family staying in the larger apartment with whom we shared the pool, but they never used it and we had it to ourselves. We had a car and there is usually parking in front, but one day I had to park near the soccer field up the road until someone pulled out. I did have some issues with the navigation system in our car routing us to the right street, but we figured it out. The street itself is very narrow and can be challenging if other cars are encountered, but in Sicily everyone just works it out and parking is really the art of inventing a space anyway. As many reviews have noted, there are steps into town which start after a short walk. There are three flights with a short, flat walk between the second and third flight. The last is the steepest. The steps drop you at the cable car terminal and a short street from the Corso... the main walking street of Taormina. One of the priceless features of the suite is Lu, the property owner. We were visiting for our 25th anniversary and not only did she reserve us a great table at a restaurant called Maffei's but arranged a very special gift. When we requested a change in towels and more Nespresso pods, she took care of everything. Lu is a one-of-a-kind, gracious host! Overall, the Panoramic Suite is a great option at a good price in what can be an expensive city.