The Place
Next to the public gardens and close to the heart of historic Taormina, the Villa Paradiso also has the advantage of a glorious panorama along the coast and across to the hazy cone of Etna. The only drawback to the location is that it is on a main road, which means some noise for back rooms (though double glazing has recently been added) and major problems with parking in high season.
The hotel is a well-maintained white building, and the public rooms have all the style and atmosphere of a private villa: white arches, patterned carpets on tiled floors, stylish sofas and an imaginative collection of prints, paintings and watercolours. The restaurant makes the most of the views, and the food is distinctly above average. Every bedroom has a balcony, and inevitably the most sought-after are those at the front with sea views. The majority are larger than you would expect from a pensione; some have attractive painted furniture.
You can reach the beaches by cable car or more conveniently the hotel minibus, which takes you to the Paradise Beach Club in Letojanni (free facilities for guests from end of May till the end of October).