Hotel L'Approdo Delle Sirene Syracuse

This B&B on Ortigia is simply outstanding. From the moment Friedrich greeted us in the stairwell with a friendly "buon giorno," we felt pampered and cared for, all three nights of our stay. The waterfront location is perfect, and we were easily able to explore all of Ortigia on foot. Plus, since we had no car, we were able to take local busses to more distant sites, from a bus terminal about 3 minutes away. The open-air market is also very nearby.

The roof terrace has an amazing view, and at breakfast (the most generous of all our B&Bs in Sicily) it was tempting to just sit there all day, laze in the sun, and and watch the nautical life unfold below. Our room, Number 4, had high ceilings and a corner view of the waterfront. Comfortable beds, a sleekly designed bath, and Friedrich's attentive eye made our stay most enjoyable. The only caveat is that two flights of stairs, one to the lobby and one to the roof terrace, would not be suitable for those who can't climb a bit.

This place is truly a treat! From the moment we stepped in we were treated with such warmth by the owner, Friedrich. Not only is the staff unbelieveably hospitable, but the decor is great! It's a hip, modern, boutique-like hotel in the middle of the historic area of Siracusa! The rooms were spottlessly clean and they even have turn-down service! We stayed here two nights out of 8 nights in Sicilia and L'Approdo was really one of the highlights! They really have it together!

We recently spent five nights at this B & B and plan to go again next year. We had a corner room (No 4) with two (small) balconies. The room was elegantly furnished in a modern style, and the bed very large and comfortable. Everything spotlessly clean.

The two special things about the place are the great friendliness of all the staff and the fantastic home made breakfast which is served on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Porto Grande in one direction and across the narrow stretch of water to the "mainland" of Sicily in the other direction. We could have spent all day up there just watching the world go by.

We subsequently met two other couples who had recently stayed here and felt the same way about their experience. The manager told us the hotel was his "pride and joy", and that's the way it feels.

The Approdo delle Sirene is a truly marvellous hotel. Siracusa is a wonderful place but staying here made for a really memorable visit. Definitely recommended!

After a long drive across Sicily we arrived at the hotel, parked outside and got a hugely warm welcome from Sgr Schmuck that made us doubly happy to have arrived.

Sgr Schmuck was friendly, enthusiastic, although even if he weren't, his hotel is a real gem. The rooms were cool and modern and ours had a balcony overlooking the harbour. The bed was very comfortable and the room was tastefully furnished. When we got back from dinner the bed had been turned down and two small sicilian sweets had been left on the folded blanket. A small touch, but indicative of the thoughtful care Sgr Schmuck and the Approdo delle Sirene took of us.

Breakfast was great but the best bit was the view from the terrace where it was served. On the third floor, the terrace overlooks the harbour on two sides and has views across the bay to the hills in the distance. It was a real joy to start the day in Siracusa here...

I have to agree with the other 2 reviews on this B&B - and they were certainly the reason why we decided to stay there for 2 nights in December.

The B&B has an excellent location right on the waterfront, and is well placed to explore Ortygia and "the mainland". The B&B only has 8 rooms so it has a nice feeling to it. The rooms are modern and clean.

The continental breakfast is wonderful. We weren't able to take it on the top terrace given the time of year but there is still a good view.

The staff were all excellent, and spoke English.

I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending this hotel and it is good value for money.

Really lovable place. Went there after had driven through whole Sicily, tired and dirty and what was waiting for us? It is not only B&B. This place really is that what they promise in Venere. Everything was clean and new, in my opinion it was like 4 star hotel, but only 10 rooms or so. One bottle of nero d' avola, sitting by the french balcony and just watching life outside. Could stay there forever.

Breakfast is as good as this whole place - but go early and take one of those tables, which are in higher level and enjoy what you see. Wonderful sight towards customs house, old, rusty (maybe russian) ship and little fishing boats coming home from sea... I had never before used over 1 hour eating breakfast.

If you visit Sicily and rent a car or travel by train, go to Syracusa, Ortigia and Approdo delle Sirene. Easy to reach even with car, no parking problems. Don't hesitate, there is no real alternative. I never forget this place and I'm sure that I will come back someday.

An excellent B&B in a fantastic location, in Ortygia and just a few minutes walk to some excellent restaurants, the bus station, and just around the corner from the Grand Hotel. The rooms are spacious and although they are fairly basic, they are clean. Breakfast is served on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Port. For the price (we paid EUR 120 per night) it was excellent value. The staff are also very helpful and friendly, and even helped us out by sending a car after we were stranded in Catania airport at midnight due to our original flight being cancelled due to strike action. Would have no hesitation staying again.