Hotel Paladini di Francia

I had one of the cheaper rooms and it was so small I could hardly open my small suitcase. Also had no balcony. But the bed was big, it was clean, had good free WIFI and good water pressure. The plumbing was not the best (like in many Sicilian hotels) but I had all I needed. Air con, TV, and a small fridge. The hotel is in a super quiet location just off the central harbor point. They don’t respond to emails if you are booking via a third party site but two days before your arrival you’ll get an email asking if you need an airport transfer and telling you where yo forward the email. It’s in Italian but you can respond using Google Translate. No one responded to my email and I also had an Italian speaker call to make sure. All went well and transfers are free. (Note: there is no formal taxi service on the island. The hotels all work with men with vans so you need to arrange a transfer before arriving at the airport). The Michelin Star restaurant in the hotel dining room is great. But breakfast is poor and the fellow who manages it is very unhelpful and surly. The hotel has a nice Arabic architecture courtyard feel. I really appreciated the beach towel in the room and the clothes dryers outside for hanging up bathing suits. Maria Christina, one of the receptionists, speaks great English and is super positive and helpful. I enjoyed my stay here.