clean and comfortable room located in the center of Ortigia. the owners are authentic Sicilians able to make you feel at home. the breakfast is spectacular, in addition to the "usual" croissant or brioches they also offer homemade jams. better than them... heaven.

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing.

The room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast on the roof terrace was novel and the home-made conserves were special. The staff were outstandingly helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

Stayed in May 2024

Stefano and all the staff went out of their way to help us. Breakfasts were excellent, and their recommendations as to activities and restaurants were perfect. The location is brilliant. Absolutely recommended!

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing it was all very good.

The location of the property was perfect! Very close to everything. Stefano and his family and staff were always helpful and answered all our questions. The breakfast was very generous.

Stayed in May 2024

For breakfast, the family prefers that guests sit down immediately and be served. As a result, there tends to be multiple individuals running in all directions fulfilling the requests of multiple guests. We wonder if it might have been easier on everyone to provide an open table for buffet serving. Either way, it was fun receiving all the attention! Food was served in a communal area on the roof which allowed for an incredible view of the ocean. It was also available for our use after hours. I took advantage of it one afternoon to relax with a good book. Two suggestions on making this place even better. First, the king bed was actually two twins tied together. Unfortunately, we could feel the rope underneath the sheet. A simple mattress cover would address this easily. Second, the hotel front door was kept locked for security reasons, but there was no button to open it from the inside in the event of an emergency. As a result, we needed a key to get out. We wondered if there shouldn’t be a key left in the lock on the inside at all times, because the thought of running downstairs during a fire and not being able to open the door was disturbing. Other than that, Cherry Wonderdog believed Aretusa Vacanze B&B earned a strong five stars. It was our favorite hotel on our trip to Sicily!

We thoroughly enjoyed Aretusa Vacanze and the care provided to us by Stefano and his lovely family. Amazingly, there were three generations catering to the needs of their guests – from the moment we arrived, by those at the front desk which was managed the whole day, to the amazing breakfast upstairs served collectively, to housekeeping, and to everything in between. Unlike so many other places we have visited, Aretusa Vacanze was a true family endeavor of love and pride. The property was ideally located in a busy commercial area of Ortigia but out of the reach of most passersby. We slept well! Our room on the third floor was enormous, spotlessly clean, with frescoes on the ceiling. It was definitely aged (the sliding door to the bathroom was too noisy to use at night) but had the character you would expect. Ortigia is 1000s of years old! Our room had a kitchenette which, for a two-night stay, wasn’t necessary, but others might value it as a possible respite from restaurant dining. Breakfast was ordered the night before. Nobody cared how much. We had multiple croissants (fresh and crispy) both plain and pistachio crusted; fresh scrambled eggs (too runny for my taste) and bacon; ham and prosciutto; cereal; yogurt; fresh squeezed orange juice (which was actually red!); multiple cappuccinos; and bread topped with Stefano’s father's specialty collection of homemade jams. Amazing. What an assortment and what quality!! It was served in a communal area on the roof which allowed for an incredible view of the ocean. It was also available for our use after hours. I took advantage of it one afternoon to relax with a good book. Stefano counseled us on a few occasions where to eat. He was keen on avoiding the tourist traps and dining with the locals. Once he managed to squeeze us into an otherwise full restaurant using his inside connections. He also arranged for a driver to pick us up at the Catania airport at a cost far lower than than those advertised on-line.

Stayed in April 2024

Parking was a little far away, however, that was everywhere in the city.

Stefano and his family were so accommodating. Breakfast on the roof was amazing

Stayed in May 2024

Very stylish, wonderful breakfast terrace with view to the sea, very helpfulnand friendly proprietors

Stayed in April 2024

The age of the building means that some amenities are lacking. Rooms and bathrooms are small.

Breakfast is incredible, with home-made jams and other delicacies. The building is an old facility, refurbished as a hotel. It is charming. It is run by the same family, all incredibly nice people, always ready to help or stop by your table for a chat.

Stayed in April 2024

Everything was great

The room was large and the bed and pillows very comfortable. There was a minibar in the room, with reasonably priced drinks. There is a list of items to choose for the excellent breakfast, which is served on a fourth floor terrace with a nice view. The large staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating. This is a perfect place to stay in Ortigia

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

The property is very special and beautifully decorated. The location is very close to the seafront and in the middle of the historical pittoresque part of the peninsula. The staff is very friendly and helpful, made extra efforts to make the stay feel home from home, recommended a great restaurant close to the property, looked for great accomodation elsewhere on a very busy weekend and organised everything for a safe trip to the airport. Thank you all very much for a great time and all your help! Hoping to come back with my husband one day. 💞

Stayed in April 2024

Cannot fault our stay.

Great hotel in the perfect location. Our stay was very comfortable , the room was spacious and the breakfast was great. Stefano was an absolute pleasure to deal with and provided us with true Sicilian hospitality. Would return and definitely recommend.

Stayed in April 2024

Nessuna

We loved our stay here and were genuinely sad to leave. From our initial welcome to our taxi booked for our departure, all was comfortable, clean, welcoming and friendly. All the staff were genuinely welcoming and helpful and wanting to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Our room (4) was perfect for our needs and the twin beds were very comfortable indeed. Breakfast on the terrace was lovely and the jam choices were a delight. We will absolutely stay there again if we return to Ortigia and confidently recommend it.

Stayed in April 2024

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the B&B Aretusa Vancanze and it was truly a wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, the hosts were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. They were always ready with great restaurant recommendations and helpful tips for exploring tourist attractions in the area. One of the highlights of my stay was definitely the delicious breakfast served each morning. Overall, we can't recommend this B&B highly enough. The hospitality, attention to detail, and scrumptious breakfast made our stay unforgettable. We look forward to visiting again in the future.

Stayed in April 2024

It was all great.

A very friendly, family-run B&B, with a comfortable room and an excellent breakfast. Very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Many thanks to all, particularly Stefano who did everything he could to ensure we had the best time in Ortigia. He booked restaurants and an excellent boat trip for us. The breakfast was delicious, with gorgeous, sunny rooftop views of the island and beautiful homemade jam and freshly-squeezed juice. On our last day, we had to leave very early for our airport transfer, and the team very kindly left us treats and juices for our journey. Fab location and a beautiful city.

Stayed in April 2024

Very friendly hosts. Breakfast on the terrace

Stayed in March 2024

The location is a bit hard to find if first time staying there. But just give Stefano a call and he'll guide you or come find you if you're lost.

Warmly greeted by Stefano. Very friendly and helpful owner. This is a family business. Stefano went out of his way on recommendations for restaurants. Room was very comfortable.and efficient in a historic building. Great location. Loved the breakfasts with flexible choices. Hope to stay there again on future visits to Siracusa.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

Friendly staff Good breakfast Comfortable beds Great central location

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

The location could not be better- right in the morning midst of Old Town - we walked everywhere!! The hosts were delightful and super helpful and kind! Breakfast was delicious!!!’ Grazie- definitely would recommend this place- WONDERFUL ❤️

Stayed in April 2024

No complaints. You do have to walk up stairs to get to rooms, but this is pretty common in B & B's in Sicily and was not an issue.

Rooftop, outdoor breakfast area with limited view of water and lots of rooftops. Ordered breakfast the night before so pastries arrived fresh each morning. Fresh squeezed blood-orange juice was a treat. Three generations of family members provided the service. We took advantage of one dinner recommendation which was excellent. Stefano is willing to help arrange excursions and provide other recommendations. Room was basic but functional. Had a sink, mini-fridge and hotplate for limited cooking. Stefano is an engaging character who'll enjoy interacting with.

Stayed in March 2024

Location and the view from the terrace during the breakfast is amazing. Properly has a lift inside which helps a lot if you have a heavy suitcase or even after returning tired from the all day trip. Stefano and his family are ready to help you and they know almost everything about Siracusa or surroundings. Just get in touch with him in advance upon arrival and ask anything( taxi pick up from the train/ bus station and visa-versa, restaurant reservation , best places to visit and etc) I strongly recommend to everyone to stay in the fantastic facility with a perfect host family

Stayed in March 2024

Stefano and his family are excellent hosts. Very kind and helpful for everything we asked them. The breakfast was very delicious and served on very beautiful balcony.

Stayed in March 2024

Even it is very clean and the facility is confortable, it seems that the things inside and around are quite old.. A part of the charm is coming from this, but still some things could be reconditioned.

Stefano and his father! Aretusa is an warm, tipical italian family business🤗 The roof top view is amazing! The service and the ospitality is awesome!

Stayed in March 2024

Friendly and helpful staff.

Stayed in March 2024

The breakfast you have to choose the day before and some of the tableware is plastic, no need for that.

The location very close to the Duomo

Stayed in February 2024