Solemare Residence

Such a nice place to stay, all wrapped up in the fact that this small town is really a charming delight, so relaxing and so very Italian. Rooms: the room we had was more like a little downstairs studio apartment with three beds. Spacious but basic. You have to look after yourself, down to buying a lighter for the small gas hob, as well as sugar and salt (if you need it). Fittings a little run down but everything very clean. And somehow this didn't matter and sort of fitted the sea-salty vibe of the whole place. We did choose the least expensive room on the ground floor (we think) which was not air conditioned. But this didn't really matter as the ground floor was relatively cool and the rotating fan is just perfect. Not much privacy as there was a family opposite who, in true Italian style, sat outside every night. Our little terrace was directly opposite theirs. No view to speak of. But our neighbours were super -friendly and we had lovely chats with them and helped their kids feed the stray cats that appear every now and then. If you were planning to stay in the room (we spent most days at the beach), I would definitely consider spending a bit more to take a room on an upper floor. This one can get a bit cave-like. But for the price, everything completely serviceable. Wifi worked great all over the grounds. The people: So lovely, so helpful. The pool area: Really nice and very comfortable. Never crowded as mostly folks are down at the beach. Location: This is great. It is up the hill, a little way away from the beach and the busy nightlife (and when I say busy, I mean Italian families promenading up and down the boardwalk or having dinner or icecream...there's a sort of teenage disco area and an outdoor cinema (only in Italian) but that's pretty much it) so really nice and quiet. It's about an 8-10 minute walk away from where the bus from Catania comes in. If you're just staying in Donnalucata, you don't need a car. All in all, such a lovely stay. I would recommend it although I think next time we'll not be so tight and try and get a room/place with a bit more outdoor space and privacy.

Siamo stati ospiti in questo residence nella suggestiva Donnalucata. La struttura è piuttosto vintage, appartamenti spaziosi e funzionali. Piscina molto bella e curata. Pregevole il personale, assolutamente gentile e disponibile. Da provare.

Note negative: Distante 500 m dal mare ma raggiungibile a piedi, piscina fuori uso con acqua torbida e manto da rifare, molto a conduzione familiare, aree interne chiuse, in disuso; Note positive: Alessia molto gentile e cortese; Stanze confortevoli munite di quanto risulti indispensabile, ventole a tetto e condizionatori e cucina